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.
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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