Visiting a sexual health clinic
Don’t panic The most important thing to remember if you visit sexual health clinic is that all the information you give is confidential. Information is only shared between you, the doctor and the nurse. Your family doctor will not be told anything without your permission. All services are free. Many young people worry about visiting a clinic. They worry about who can find out that they have been there and about others finding out about their results. Anyone can make an appointment with the clinic, regardless of sexuality, gender, race, age, religion or disability. You will have to call the clinic to make an appointment. There are some useful numbers below or you can visit www.ruthinking.co.uk
What to expect On arrival, you will be asked to complete a form ready for your consultation. You will be seen by a nurse and/or doctor for a private consultation. You must always answer questions honestly and try not to be embarrassed, as this will help with any diagnosis. You are welcome to bring a friend or partner for support. Staff at the clinic are there to help, not judge you. If it’s your first visit you can expect the process to take between one and two hours. You will have a private consultation with a doctor where they will ask you about your recent sexual activity, symptoms (if any) and various medical questions. The doctor will examine you and then may take samples which will be sent for testing. Before taking samples, they will talk to you about them and make sure that you are happy for them to be taken. A urine sample is always needed. Make sure you don’t go to the toilet for up to two hours before visiting the clinic. Typically samples are taken from:
for men, the opening of the urethra (peehole), the anus and the throat;
for women, the vagina, cervix (neck of the womb), throat and sometimes the anus.
All samples are examined under the microscope in the clinic by a technician who will look for signs of infection. In most cases, the doctor will be able to tell you what is wrong and give you treatment there and then. Blood samples can also be taken. These can test for syphilis and/or hepatitis. You can also be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These tests will only be carried out if you are happy for them to be done. You will also be given the opportunity to speak to a counsellor (health advisor), who will give you more information about diagnosis or answer any questions you may have.
Worries you may have Some people think that the clinic will be full of seedy people but in fact they are usually full of people just like you who are concerned about their sexual health and want to sort a problem out. Embarrassment is also a common worry but you don’t have to worry. All staff are non-judgemental and they are there to help you and put your mind at rest. They deal with genital problems everyday: it’s their job. Just another quick reminder. Everything that is said and done in the clinic is totally confidential and information will not be passed on to anyone without your permission. It’s your choice.