Getting yourself checked when sexually active is important, you can use the form below to search for GUM clinics in your area.
About GUM clinics
GUM clinics offer an invaluable service, a comprehensive overview of your sexual health. It is suggested that you should visit a GUM clinic for a checkup at least once every six months whilst sexually active although, if you have had high risk sex, or are worried you have come in contact with a sexually transmitted infection, you can have one before this time. However, if you think you have come in contact with a virus or infection it is recommended that, unless you are displaying symptoms, you should wait a week before being tested. Most clinics offer a drop-in service, the time of which will be specified in the listings, during which you can just turn up to get a check up, some will offer a mixture of drop in and appointments, few offer a checkup by appointment only service.
What to expect during your checkup
Boys should expect to have their penis examined by a doctor or nurse, they could also be asked to provide a urine sample, to have a cotton wool swab taken from the tip of their penis, from the anus, or to have a blood test taken.
Girls may or may not have to have an internal examination. During which the option may be available to see a female doctor, but if one is not available a female nurse should always be in attendance with a male doctor.
Where horror stories may circulate about the pains of having a sexual exam, it is actually quite painless. The only discomfort is usually due to psychological blocks against examinations of such a nature, the only advice to give in this regard is to relax. The minor discomfort of a sexual health exam is nothing in comparison to the risks of not having one regularly.