STI Clinic London
If you have ever wondered what happens at an STI clinic perhaps this article might help to explain why you might need to go to one and what you can expect when you are there. The main reason you might need to be seen in a GUM clinic is if you have been having unprotected sex with a person of either the same sex or the opposite sex. If you have then having yourself tested to make sure you are not infected with any kind of diseases that you can pass on.You can find an STI clinic in most major towns and cities, in fact there are at least 30 of them in London alone. They all offer a range of free, confidential testing and screening services as well as the treatment for all sexually transmitted infections. Plus they offer family planning services and free condoms along with plenty of advice and support to help you with any questions you might have.
Many people want to know if anyone but them will be told they have come to the clinic. The answer to this is definitely not, under UK law your identity is kept confidential and not even your GP will be notified unless you tell him yourself. When you check in you will be given an identification number that will be used to identify you for all testing purposes and future visits even if you are under the age of 16. Although if you are under 16 and test positive they may ask you if they can tell someone so your partner can be tested.
You can of course just take your chances and walk in especially if you are just looking for a Chlamydia test, if you want further testing or have questions you should make an appointment. While you are not required to provide them by law, you should go ahead and give your name, age and address so that you can be contacted if necessary. If you want to have a complete examination you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your general health and your recent sexual activities. This is to help the doctor decide what tests to run.
The tests the doctor will run for you depend a lot on what you tell him, so make sure that you are honest. You do not have to worry about what you tell him, by now the doctors in the STI clinic have heard plenty of details about other people's sex lives and are trained not to be judgmental. He may order blood and urine tests, for girls he may have you go to the restroom and do a self-swab. For the guys he may have to swab the inside of your urethra.
Test results may come back the same day for some tests, while others may take a little longer. You can then come back in for your results or the clinic will get a hold of you with the results the choice is yours. At this time if you need medication for treatment the doctor will prescribe it and the clinic will give it to you. Remember you must finish taking the whole prescription otherwise the disease may not be cured and you should refrain from sexual intercourse while you are being treated.