What to expect when you go for a sexual health check up

Going to get a full sexual health check up is often a dreaded task for some. Along with the awkward embarrassment of getting your bits out in front of a stranger, there’s the added anxiety that you might have picked up something nasty.

Take comfort in knowing that thousands of people visit sexual health (GUM) clinics every week, so you are not alone!

Here is everything you need to know about taking responsibility for your sexual health!

Where can I go for a sexual health check up?

You can speak to your local GP for STI screening or, better yet, visit your nearest GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic for a comprehensive check up.

Why is it important to regularly get checked out?

If you are sexually active then it’s vital to get regular sexual health check ups. Going for a sexual health check is especially important if you have just started sleeping with a new partner or if you have had a number in a short spaced of time (it happens!).

Getting tested keeps you and your partner safe. It prevents you from infecting any future partners with an STI and if you have picked up anything then it can prevent any irreversible damage.

For instance, infections such as chlamydia can cause infertility and HIV requires a lifetime of medication. Infections such as herpes and genital warts also have no cures, simply treatments for symptoms. So get checked!

What STIs do they screen for?

The clinic will typically screen for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, genital warts, HIV, trichomaniasis, pubic lice, scabies and hepatitis.

They won't perform smear tests. These can be organised through your family doctor.

Will I have to give my name?

You will have to give a name along with contact details, but it doesn’t have to be your real name. The clinic has to keep your details top secret anyway so don’t worry about your test results becoming an Internet viral sensation.

Will my GP know about the results?

Your GP doesn’t have to know that you have visited a sexual health clinic, but it is encouraged that you share as much about your health with your family doctor should you become sick in the future. This is particularly if you are suffering from symptoms similar to an STI.

What questions will the nurse ask me?

The questions you will be asked might feel probing, but know that nurses and doctors are not there to judge you. Try and answer as honestly as you can so that the clinic staff can give you their best quality of are.

You will be asked questions such as how many sexual partners you have had, if you engage in vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. They will also ask you what methods of contraception you use and if you have had any sexual health check ups before. It is important to tell them any symptoms you may be experiencing and any concerns you might have about your sexual health.

Will they have to examine me?

Depending on your symptoms, yes. Try not to feel embarrassed about stripping off in front of the sexual health nurse- they see hundreds of peoples’ bits every week!

What tests will they do?

The nurse will ask you to provide a urine sample, a blood sample and swabs from your vagina or your urethra in your penis. Swabs from the vagina can often be done yourself, whereas men will require a nurse to take the sample for them.

You may also be required to provide a swab from your throat if you engage in oral sex.

If you have had anal sex then the nurse will take a swab from your rectum.

The nurse will probably also examine your genitals to check for any sores, lumps or unusual bumps.

Women will also be tested to check if they are pregnant.

How long will I have to wait for the results?

Some results (such as for HIV) can come back on the same day. If you are suffering from genital warts then the nurse will likely diagnose following an examination.

Other STIs will require a lab test, meaning that it might take a few days before you get the results. In the mean time try and refrain from sexual activity without using a condom.

How do I get the results?

You can get the results via text message, on the phone or by returning to the clinic.

If you have had un protected sex in less than three months, you may have to return to the clinic to re-test for infections such as HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. This is because it may take longer for the infection to show up on a blood test.

What happens if I am infected with an STI?

You will be prescribed relevant medication and potentially called back to the clinic for a follow up appointment. You will also be required to contact sexual partners who may also be infected.

What other services does a GUM clinic offer?

You can pick up free condoms and receive advice about contraception and abortion. You can also find information about HPV and hepatitis B vaccines and help with dealing with sexual assault.

You can also receive emergency contraception from a sexual health doctor.

To find out more about safe sex, visit: www.nhs.co.uk