Visiting a sexual health clinic (GUM clinic)

Sexual health advice and services are offered across Northern Ireland. The services offered include treatment of STIs, contraception and other aspects of sexual healthcare.

Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs and HIV.

Depending on where you live, services and advice may be available from:

• Hospital clinics based in your local Trust area
  • • Belfast Trust GUM
    • Northern Trust GUM
    • South Eastern Trust GUM
    • Southern Trust GUM
    • Western Trust GUM
• Online services (SH24)
• Your own GP
• Young people’s services Free & Confidential Sexual Health & Wellbeing Advice | Common Youth

Not all service providers offer the full range of sexual health services, and it’s always best to check what’s on offer in advance.

GUM clinics provide:

• confidential testing and treatment for STIs, including HIV;
• medical, nursing and social support for people with HIV infection;
• vaccination for hepatitis A and B;
• pre-exposure prophlyaxis (PrEP) for HIV – a regular treatment taken to prevent HIV and taken before possible exposure to HIV;
• post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV – a treatment started after a possible exposure to HIV, which includes confidential advice and counselling on sexual health issues;
• safe keeping of your records within the department, so no one, including your GP, your partner or insurance company can see them without your permission;
• partner notification – this is this process of ensuring that all who have been potentially in contact with an STI are offered testing and treatment, if required. Health advisors or nurses at GUM clinics can help you make this contact or can contact them for you (with your permission).

You do not need to be referred by another doctor. In most cases, you will need to make an appointment.

Watch this step-by-step guide to understand what happens if you go for an appointment at a GUM Clinic.

 

• What personal details do I have to give?

  When you register you will be asked for your name, date of birth and two methods of contact, so results can be given to you. You will be given a clinic number. This number (not your name) and your initials are used in any tests carried out. You may wish to give your GP details but this is not required information. An appointment may take about 30 minutes, but the time can vary, depending on symptoms and tests required.

• What questions will I be asked?

  The doctor or nurse will ask you about your sexual history. Sexual history includes:

  • the last time you had sex;
  • was this with a regular or casual partner;
  • was it with a man or woman;
  • did you have vaginal/anal/oral sex;
  • was a condom used.

  You will also be asked about any symptoms, health history and any medications you are taking. Women will be asked about periods, cervical screening tests (often called a smear test) and pregnancies. You may feel that some of the questions are very personal, but they are asked so the correct advice, tests, treatment and support are offered.

• Are the tests uncomfortable?

  Men who don’t have symptoms will generally just have a blood and urine test.

  Men should try not to pass urine for at least an hour before attending the clinic for a checkup. If a man has symptoms of discharge/pus or discomfort passing urine, he will have a small swab test taken from the lining of the penis. This shouldn’t hurt, but it may feel a little uncomfortable.

  Women who don’t have symptoms may take a swab themselves if they prefer. Otherwise, the tests are similar to having a smear test taken.

• Do I have to pay for an appointment and treatment?

  No, the consultation, any tests and any treatment provided are free.

• Is my appointment confidential?

  Yes, unless you have shared something that indicates you are at risk or someone else is. In this case, the clinician will talk to you about their concerns and work with you to protect you or others.

• Can I see a healthcare professional of the same sex?

  Where possible, the clinic will try to accommodate you.

• Will my GP automatically be told?

  No, unless you are referred by your GP or you give permission for a letter to be sent to your GP.

• Can I bring a friend/partner with me to the clinic?

  You are welcome to bring a friend/partner with you to the clinic. If you feel that you need your friend or partner to stay with you during your consultation, just speak to the staff.

  Alternatively, a request can be made for a chaperone (this means having another member of staff present during your medical examination).