Having a Check-up

Why should I have a sexual health check-up?

If you have ever had unprotected sex (without a condom or other barrier) then it’s a good idea to have a sexual health check-up.

There are at least 10 infections that can be sexually shared and many of them show no symptoms.

Untreated infections can unwittingly be passed on to new partners, creating a chain of infection. Most infections are easily treated but if left untreated can lead to long-term health problems such as infertility.

There are many good reasons for having a sexual health check-up:

• just to make sure everything is okay
• you have had unprotected sex or a condom has failed
• you have a new partner
• you and your partner want to stop using barrier methods of contraception
• you have symptoms such as discharge, a rash, swelling, pain when peeing or during sex

How often you decide to go for a sexual health check-up is entirely up to you. It is important for women over the age of 25 to go for cervical screening every three to five years and this can be done through your GP or local family planning clinic.

What is a GUM clinic?

The best place to go for a sexual health check-up is a Genito Urinary Medicine clinic. GUM clinics are specialist centres for people who need advice, screening or treatment related to their sexual health. They have health advisors who are specifically trained in talking about sexual health and the issues surrounding it.

GUM clinics are available in most big towns and cities across England. The service is completely confidential and you do not have to be referred by a GP. You do not even have to give your real name, but it is worth remembering the name you do give for future reference!

Anyone can use the service regardless of ethnicity, age, gender or sexuality.

What is involved?

At the clinic you will see a Health Adviser who will discuss with you your sexual history and any symptoms you may have to determine which STI’s you will be tested for. An HIV test can be part of this if you choose.

Depending on which tests you have done, urine and blood samples, may be taken. Some tests involve a swab being used to take a sample from the vagina, anus, throat or penis. If you are experiencing symptoms this can be uncomfortable.

Some of the results will be available almost immediately which the doctor will discuss with you. Any remaining results will have to be collected at a later date. Some clinics/GPs ask you to ring; others will ask you to go back.

Can I go to my G.P for a check-up?

Not all GPs offer screening for all sexual infections so it is advisable to check before making an appointment.

Any tests you have done will go on to your medical records, which are confidential. However, insurance companies are allowed to request information on whether or not you have had any tests for HIV / STIs and it will be up to your doctor as to whether they disclose this information. For this reason, many people prefer to go to a GUM clinic, which is completely confidential.

If I have an STI do I need to tell my partner/s?

You don’t have to tell anyone anything you don’t want to. However, the Health Adviser will discuss with you the importance of contacting people you have had sex with in order to try and prevent any further spread of infection. If you feel you are able to do this they will advise you on how best to talk to someone. If however, you do not want to do this, the clinic have a contact tracing system.

This involves them sending a slip to your partner(s) telling them they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection and asking them to seek medical advice. The slip will not provide any details about the type of infection or your personal details so you will remain anonymous. They can then take the slip to any GP or GUM clinic.