The primary function of a sexual health clinic, or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, is to provide specialised sexual health services to people of all ages, including under 16s.
This includes STI testing, providing free contraception and PrEP, as well as fittings and removals for contraceptive coils and implants.
Depending on the reason for your visit, you may be able to go to any sexual health clinic. So if you’ve gone away for the weekend and need emergency contraception, need to access a clinic further away from home for personal reasons, or it’s just conveniently near where you work or study, you’re sorted.
Use this STI clinic finder for information on contraception and sexual health clinics in your area. Remember to check your local STI clinic’s website for both walk-in and appointment only opening hours.
Depending on the clinic, you will either need to make an appointment or you will be able to just walk in. It’s always best to check the opening times of your local clinic, as some hours will be reserved for appointments only.
Depending on the service you need, you may need to make an appointment, for example, getting a coil fitted or removed. Whereas if you just need a repeat of your pill, you can often just walk in and may even be fast-tracked to see a nurse. You will be able to request to see a male or female practitioner if you want, but be mindful that your wait may be longer if you are using walk-in services.
There’s no need to go to the sexual health clinic in full disguise - everything that happens at your appointment is confidential; even if you are under 16 years old. However, if they have reason to believe your safety and wellbeing is at risk, they may need to contact your parents or another service - this would be discussed with you first.
At the clinic reception, you’ll be asked what service you need, and given a form to fill out some personal details. You don’t have to give your real name, or the details of your GP if you don’t want to. However, if your test results won’t be available until a later date, you will obviously need to give them some correct contact details. Your results will either come via text, phone, or a discreet letter in the post.
When speaking to the healthcare professional, be prepared to give some details of your sex life. They will usually ask whether you are currently sexually active, when you last had sex (protected or unprotected), if you have more than one partner, and if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms that could be a sign of an STI. They may also ask you about the date of your last period if you have them.
Going to a sexual health clinic can be nerve wracking, whether you’ve been to one before or not. But it doesn’t have to be! Get the lowdown on what to expect at different STI clinics, including services offered, wait times and overall - what’s the vibe?
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