Sexual Health
GUM Clinics
GUM stands for "Genito-Urinary Medicine" but may also be known as S.T.D. Clinic, V.D. Clinic, Special Clinic or Sexual Health Clinic.
Introduction
This page is intended to give you some helpful and reassuring information on what to expect if you need to visit your local G.U.M. Clinic.
Why would you need to visit a clinic?
Perhaps you have some physical symptoms which should be checked out. They might be a discharge, soreness or itching around the genital area (penis and testicles), discomfort when urinating or having sex, the appearance of warts, lumps or swellings. Perhaps you have some concerns around HIV or safer sex. Also at the bottom of this page is a list of some of the things that you can talk about with a doctor or health adviser at your local GUM Clinic.
Confidentiality
G.U.M. Clinics are bound by law to ensure the confidentiality of your records so it is OK to use your real name and address. If you are going to have an HIV test you may decide to give a false name and this is not against the law but, for obvious reasons, if you decide to use a false name, it is essential that you remember it on each visit to the clinic. It is not necessary to use a false name because the way that the GUM Clinic maintains confidentiality of your records is by issuing you with an identification number. This is used instead of your name and address.
The identification number is used in conjunction with your date of birth so it is advisable to make a note of this number for future visits to the clinic as it will speed up your registration. Patients records are kept separate from hospital records and are locked when the clinic is closed. Additionally, the computer system used by the Clinic cannot be accessed by any other hospital department so your visit and any other details will not appear on your G.P. medical notes or any other hospital records.
The Clinic environment
The GUM Clinics aim to provide a friendly, non-judgemental environment at all times. The Clinic staff provide an efficient, professional and confidential service covering all aspects of sexual health. Their combined expertise means that they have seen everything before and the Clinic staff are trained to provide sensitive and informative help.
![[Illustration]](graphics/gum-waiting.gif)
Drop-in or Appointment?
As you can see from the list of local GUM clinics (see link below), many of them operate a walk-in clinic and an appointment clinic. It is up to you to decide which would suit you better. Remember – if you attend a walk-in clinic session, you may have to wait before you are seen by the Doctor or Health Adviser depending on the number of people there.
When you arrive
The first thing you should do is register with the receptionist. You will be asked how you would prefer to be contacted should the need arise (for example, by telephone or by letter).
The receptionist will then issue you with a small appointment card with your personal identification number on it. This is an important number so keep a note of it in case you lose your card.
You do not have to give your real name and you do not have to give details of your GP.
What to expect
After 'booking in', you sit in the waiting area until you are called by your name or by your identification number. Although it varies, you can expect a visit tot take about an hour if it is a walk-in session. A booked appointment usually keeps to time. Your local GUM clinic keeps a wide range of magazines and leaflets, including back issues of Gay Times.
Treatment
You will then see the Doctor who will ask you about any unusual symptoms you may have noticed and about your previous medical history. When investigating for possible Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), it is necessary to ask you about your recent sexual history. At this stage, it may be necessary to be examined so that the doctor can check for any obvious symptoms. To diagnose accurately, swabs may be taken for further tests. This entails passing a thin swab into the urethral opening. Most men do not relish this but, in practice, the procedure takes just a few seconds and any discomfort soon passes. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to take throat or rectal swabs.
The doctor may then refer you to the Health Adviser who is also based in the Clinic (or you may refer yourself). The Health Adviser will be able to give you further information, advice and counselling relating to your situation. Some infections (for example, Hepatitis B or HIV) are tested by a blood test. The Health Adviser is on hand to discuss with you the implications of any test and to give you advice on any aspect of sexual health. You will also be able to discuss the implications for your partner(s) and their possible need to attend for tests and treatment.
Follow Up Visits
Many infections can be diagnosed and treated at the first visit. For some tests, you will be asked to phone in for results. Alternatively, you may be asked to return to the clinic for further treatment or results.
Services available from your Clinic
Your local GUM Clinic offers a free, friendly, confidential and easily accessible service on all matters concerning sexual health.
- Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
- Hepatitis B testing and vaccination.
- HIV testing with full pre- and post test counselling.
- Advice and counselling on concerns about sex and sexuality.
- Treatment and care for people with HIV and other infections.
- Information and advice on sexual health and safer sex, including free condoms and lubricant.
- Contact Point for local HIV/AIDS Support Groups.