Our GUM service is as much about sexual health as treating Infections. Many of our patients don't have any symptoms and just want a sexual health MOT.  It doesn’t matter where you live – you can come to any of our clinics. Many people come to us just for information, advice or help. Anyone can come along. You don’t have to go to your family doctor first. Everything is absolutely free.

Who goes to GUM clinics?
Almost everyone is sexually active at some stage in their life so it’s only natural that people have concerns about their sexual health. People of all backgrounds and ages come to GUM clinics.

How do I make an appointment?
Although you will usually need an appointment, we will always do our best to help you if you need to see us urgently. Please phone our appointment line 0845 618 7191 to arrange an appointment. You can find details of our clinics in the sexual health services section of this website. We will try our best to give you an appointment at a time that suits you.

What happens when I go to the clinic?
After booking in at reception, you will usually talk to a doctor, or sexual health advsior nurse. They may examine you and suggest that you have some tests. For women with symptoms, these are similar to having a Cervical smear. If a woman has no symptoms she can take the swab herself in the toilet (similar to inserting a tampon) or sometimes a urine sample is enough. For men with symptoms, the test involves putting a small cotton wool swab or loop (not an umbrella!) into the opening of the Penis. For men with no symptoms, a urine smaple is sufficient and there is no need to have a swab. You are also encouraged to have a blood test  for syphilis and HIV as part of their check-up. You should not pass urine for at least two hours before you go to the clinic. This is because when you pass urine you flush away some of the germs and make it harder for us to find the cause of the problem.

At the end of your visit, the health adviser may talk to you if you have any concerns or have been diagnosed with an infection.

He or she will give you information about your tests, any treatment you need and answer any questions you may have. You will usually be able to get the full results of your tests in a week. You may need to have a follow-up visit, but remember that most STIs can be treated easily and successfully.

How do I know my visit to the clinic will stay confidential?
We promise to keep our notes separate from all your other medical records and they never leave the GUM department. We will not even write to your family doctor unless you ask us to, or he or she wrote to us to refer you in the first place. All the tests are sent only with a number not your name so no one can identify you from the tests.

What services do GUM clinics offer?
There are a wide range of services available at the clinics. You can use as many or as few of these services as you want.

• Full sexual-health screening
  The service has its own microscope, so we can often tell you immediately and precisely if there is anything wrong. In most cases you can begin treatment Straight away. Many people we see have no infections, but come for advice and information or a routine check-up.
  

• Confidential HIV services
  HIV concerns all of us in one way or another. If you want to come along for a chat about HIV, that’s fine. When anyone comes to our service and is having a full sexual health screen carried out it is standard practice to test for HIV.  If you feel you do not want to be tested for HIV at this time that isn't a problem, you can choose not to.  This is called an opt out service.  If you have any doubts about it ask any member of staff at the clinic. 
  
• The following services are available:
  - Counselling before and after you have the HIV test
  - HIV testing
  - Ongoing support and counselling.

• Sexual health information
  The health adviser is here to give you support and information on a wide range of sexual health questions. We want to help people to talk openly and confidently about sexual relationships and Safer sex. We give free Condoms and information on how to choose and use them.
  

• Sexual abuse or assault support
  If you are worried about sexual abuse or assault, then do come and talk to us. We can support you through this difficult time, offer a check-up, and refer you to specialist support/counselling if required.