Where to go for help

Some sexual health clinics offer men-only and women-only sessions and some offer sessions for gay and bisexual men and women. (Ring the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard or the National AIDS Helpline.)

What happens at the clinic?

When you arrive, the receptionist will ask you to complete a registration form. You may then be given a card with a personal identification number to retain your anonymity.

You will be seen by a nurse, health adviser or doctor, who will ask you some questions about your general and sexual health. These include questions about your sexual activities and whether they were with a man, a woman or both. You may find these questions embarrassing but it is important that you answer them honestly to help staff find out which tests you need.

What tests are available?

Once you have discussed your worries, the doctor decides what type of examination and tests you need.

A full sexual health check includes:

• An examination of your genitals and sometimes the lower part of your body, your mouth and skin
• Taking a few swabs. A swab is a type of cotton bud used to pick up samples of any discharge or secretions from your genital region
• A urine sample
• A blood test for syphilis (offered to all patients)
• You may also be offered
• An HIV test. This will only be done if you specifically agree to it
• A cervical smear test (if you are a woman)
• Blood tests for hepatitis B or C.

You may get some of your test results straight away. But other results take longer, and you must phone or call in to collect them. If your results show that you have an infection, you will be given treatment immediately.

If you are given antibiotics to take away, it is important that you finish the course - even if the symptoms go away before the tablets are finished. Do not share your treatment with partners or friends.The clinic may advise you to contact any recent partners and ask them to attend for a check-up. If this is difficult for you, help is at hand.