THIVK. Test. Take Control

• About sexual health clinics
• What happens at clinics
• How clinics work
• Your rights in the clinic
• Information and support if diagnosed with herpes, HIV or hepatitis

About sexual health clinics

What do you call yours?

“GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic” “STD (‘sexually transmitted disease’) clinic” “STI (sexually transmitted infection) clinic” “VD clinic” “the special clinic” “the ‘clap’ clinic”

Whatever you call clinics here are some important things to know about them.

1. HUGE SATISFACTION

9 out of 10 gay men who’ve used a sexual health clinic would recommend it. They feel they’re listened to, treated with respect, can talk honestly and the staff know what they’re doing.*
*Based on replies of over 16,000 men questioned in the 2005 Gay Men’s Sex Survey

2. COME AGAIN AND AGAIN

You don’t have to have symptoms to use clinics. Because symptoms of an infection don’t always show, routine check-ups at sexual health clinics are recommended. Some clinics recommend one every three months if you have lots of partners, less often with fewer partners - but at least once a year.

3. COME ON YOUR OWN

You don’t need your doctor to send you to a sexual health clinic. They don’t even need to know you’ve been to one. But you can bring a friend with you for support.

4. FAST MOVER

Making an appointment in advance usually means less waiting in the clinic. You’ll wait the longest if you use a ‘walk in’ clinic (this means no appointment is needed). A clinic visit can take a few hours. If you have symptoms, tell the clinic. It should mean you get an appointment quicker. Clinics should see you within 48 hours of you contacting them.

It can be quicker to use alternatives to clinics. Many doctors’ surgeries now check for sexually transmitted infections - ask if yours does. Sexual health/HIV organisations sometimes do it too, in their offices or in gay saunas, bars, clubs, etc. Call your nearest one to find out.

5. HOME AND AWAY

You can use any sexual health clinic, not just the nearest one. You don’t have to use the local clinic if you’re worried you might see someone you know. If you’re on holiday in the UK you can use a clinic where you’re staying: you don’t have to wait until you get home.

6. ANONYMOUS MEET

Sexual health clinics have to keep your details confidential by law. They aren’t shared with anyone, including your family doctor, without your permission. Only if you agree can your test results be shared with others like your family, partner, etc. There’s no ‘official list’ of people with HIV kept by the authorities.

7. FREE AND EASY

Tests and treatments at sexual health clinics are free for everyone ... no matter where in the world you come from or how long you’ve been in Britain.

8. PIECE OF PISS

Many clinics now test for infections by using only a urine sample. You could ring around to see which test this way (if you have a choice of clinics). If you do have a swab from your penis, it’s done with a small cotton bud or very thin plastic stick. Any discomfort lasts only a second. The old story about an ‘umbrella’ or hook-type of instrument that goes down your penis is a myth based on something used 50 years ago but not used now. For more on what having tests is like click here (link to ‘Being examined’ and ‘Testing’ sections below)