What to expect: a GUM clinic

Film of what to expect in a GUM clinc

If you want to find out what its like when you visit a Genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic, watch the film below.

Click on the arrow to play the film, it will take a few minutes to download so please be patient.

When you arrive

Whether you are a guy or a girl – you can get free, confidential sexual health advice or treatment from a GUM clinic.

When you arrive at the reception desk you will be asked to provide some personal details for your clinic records. These are kept in strictest confidence within the department. But if you don’t want to give any personal details please tell the receptionist.

Waiting

You’ll then be asked to go through to the waiting room from here a doctor or a nurse will call you through for your appointment. Usually they call you through by your name or if you’d prefer you can ask them to use your date of birth. By the way if you do decide to use a false name make sure you remember it for when they call you through.

Seeing the doctor or nurse

Once called through the doctor or nurse will ask you why you’re visiting so they can understand how they can help you. You’ll be asked about any current or past medical problems. You’ll also be asked some very personal questions, including ones about your sexual activity. For example they’ll ask if you have had sex with anyone who is not from the UK. This is because some places such as Africa have a higher rate of Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as HIV. Be honest with your answers so the doctor or nurse can make sure they do the right tests and provide the right treatment if needed.

If you have made an appointment because you think you might have a STI – they usually have to check your genitals. Most guys think that if they are getting checked out for an STI they’ll have to have a little umbrella thing put into the end of their penis. DON’T panic that’s not the case you’ll just need a swab taking and you’ll need to provide a urine sample – this helps to look for infections. Before the doctor or nurse examines you they will talk through what is going to happen and you can ask questions too.

Blood tests

The doctor or nurse will want to take a blood sample as part of your examination so that you can be tested for both Syphilis and HIV.

Results and treatment

Normally you’ll get your results a couple of weeks later via a text message or telephone call – you can choose the one that suits you best.

If you choose the texting option and your test is positive but you don’t respond to the text message the clinic will call you as well. If it is positive it’s important you come back and get the treatment needed. STIs won’t go away on their own and can cause long-term health problems if left untreated.

If your test comes back positive for HIV you will be offered care, support and treatment, when necessary which will help to keep you healthy. If you have any questions or concerns please ask a member of staff – they are there to help you.

Treatment for an STI usually involves taking tablets and/or using a special cream.   The doctor or nurse will go through how these are used. Treatment is free. If you are unemployed, on low income or on income support you can claim back any public transport costs, as long as you have a valid ticket or receipt. The receptionist can give you more info about this.

Once you are given the all clear the best way to make sure you don’t get an STI again is to use a condom every time you have sex.

So now you know a little bit more about what to expect when you visit a GUM clinic. The staff there are really good, they’ll treat you with respect and help make sure you get the right advice and treatment.