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Common Health Questions

What services do sexual health clinics (GUM clinics) provide?

Sexual health clinics are sometimes known as genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics. They are usually located at your local hospital, or as part of another health centre, in a separate building. You can find your nearest sexual health clinic on the Family Planning Association's (FPA) web site, Condom Essential Wear website, or by phoning the NHS Helpline 0800 22 44 88 (8am to 10pm, 7 days).

Genito-urinary medicine covers the male and female sexual organs and the urinary system (the system in the body that produces, stores and gets rid of urine) which takes urine out of your body. Your GP might refer you to a sexual health clinic if you have a problem with these parts of your body. You can also make an appointment to see someone at a sexual health clinic without being referred by your GP.

GUM clinics can usually give you tests for sexual and urinary health problems, such as:

  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, genital warts, and chlamydia,
  • HIV/AIDs,
  • cystitis (bladder infection), and
  • other infections of the genitals, such as thrush.

At most GUM clinics you can make an appointment for a general check up, which also include tests for a range of sexually transmitted infections. Before starting a new sexual relationship, its a good idea for you and your partner to be tested for any sexually transmitted infections. You might also want to have a check-up before trying for a baby.

GUM clinics can provide contraceptive advice, including emergency contraception and free condoms. Some may also be able to fit cervical caps or diaphragms, and provide cervical smear tests. They can also offer advice and counselling on a range of sexual health issues, and provide support if you are having an HIV test, or if you have been diagnosed as HIV positive.

If you visit a GUM clinic, everything that is discussed is completely confidential. Your GP will not be told about your visit, and you do not have to give your real name if you do not want to.

Further information:

Sexual health clinics

Sexually transmitted infections

Contraception

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Last updated on 27 June 2007 04:48 PM

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