Information matters…
I have had unprotected sex—what should I do?
There are two serious consequences of having unprotected sex (ie sex without a condom or where the condom breaks or slips off). These are pregnancy and acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Pregnancy can occur if you have unprotected vaginal sex. If you do not wish to become pregnant and have had unprotected vaginal sex you can attend any of our clinics, a family planning clinic, your GP or even some local pharmacists to request emergency hormonal contraception (otherwise known as the morning after pill). This can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, although the earlier you take it the more effective it is in preventing a pregnancy. There is another form of emergency contraception (IUCD) that can be used after unprotected sex so if more than 72 hours has passed it is still worthwhile attending your family planning clinic or GP as you may be eligible for this to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
STIs can be passed on from person to person through oral, vaginal and anal sex if a condom is not used. If you haven’t got any symptoms (eg burning when passing urine, discharge/abnormal liquid coming out of penis or vagina, pelvic pain, etc) we advise leaving at least 10 days since the last unprotected sex before coming to our clinic for sexual infection testing. This is because, depending on the infection in question, it can take several days from being infected before our tests are able to detect it. If you have symptoms, however, we advise coming to the clinic as soon as possible and to avoid sexual contact until you have been seen.
Please note we cannot reliably exclude you being infected with HIV until you test three months from the last unprotected sex. If however, you experience symptoms such as fevers, prolonged flu-like illness, swollen lymph glands and a rash it is advisable to attend the clinic for HIV testing regardless of whether it has been three months since your last unprotected sex and to avoid sexual contact until you have been seen. Likewise for other viral sexually transmitted infections such Hepatitis B or C, we cannot reliably rule out the possibility of being infected with these infections until you test six months from the last unprotected sex.
What personal details do I have to give to register?
Some patients are reluctant to provide us with their correct name, address or contact details. We advise that you provide these details as we often need them to book you investigations (e.g. tests or scans), refer you to another hospital specialist or contact you to inform you that you have an infection.
How confidential is your service?
Confidentiality is a fundamental component to the running of any sexual health service. There are strict laws that we must adhere to regarding the use, sharing, disclosure, storage and transfer of patient-identifiable information. This means any personal information you provide us will be held in the strictest confidence. Your sexual health clinic patient notes are stored within the sexual health clinic and kept separate from general medical notes used in the main hospital. Computerised information about our patients is coded and only staff within the clinic are able to access identifiable information such as your name or address.
As part of the information that you supply when you register with us you should clearly state how you wish us to communicate with you out with the clinic and ensure that your private contact details are updated if they should change.
Who will I see when I come?
When arriving at the clinic you will first need to register with reception. The receptionist will ask you to complete a standard hospital registration form, provide you with your own unique clinic number, and create a set of notes using this number. The doctor or senior nurse will then take a sexual history from you. This often includes quite personal questions about why you have come to the clinic, any genital problems, information about your last few sexual partners and the type of sex you have. He or she may examine you and will advise you which tests are recommended.
Can I see a doctor of the same sex?
When you contact us to set up your initial appointment please clearly state if you would prefer to be seen by a doctor of the same sex as yourself. We can accommodate a request of this nature however it may delay your appointment by a day or two depending on the availability of a specific doctor.
What will I be tested for and how?
- Males—chlamydia, gonorrhoea, non-specific urethritis (NSU), syphilis and HIV (unless you decline). These tests usually require swabs being taken from inside the penis (and your bottom or throat if required), a urine sample and a blood sample (for syphilis and HIV).
- Females—chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV (unless you decline). Women with certain symptoms may also be offered testing for thrush/candida, trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis. You may be required to give a blood sample (for syphilis and HIV) or sometimes just a urine sample—however, we often require a speculum to be passed into the vagina so that we can take swabs from the neck of your womb/cervix. Swabs from your bottom or throat may also be required.
How long will the clinic visit take?
The average clinic visit to take between 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes , with some individuals being required to stay longer (e.g. if you have an infection that needs treating).
How do I get my results?
Some provisional results (gonorrhoea, NSU, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas and thrush) may be available at the end of your consultation. If you are found to have an infection on the day, treatment plans will be agreed there and then. All of your final results will be ready within a week. Your doctor will agree at the appointment how and when any outstanding results will be communicated to you.
Do we have to pay for treatment?
As we are a private service all consultations and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and advice on contraception (including condoms) are charged as per our pricing table.
Can I come for a sexual health check up when I have my period?
Yes.
Do you have separate waiting rooms?
No. Our waiting room is a general outpatient unisex area, no one will know the reason for your appointment.
Will you inform my GP?
We do not routinely inform your GP. However, if he or she has formally referred you to us, we would normally respond in writing. If you have any concerns regarding this you can discuss with the doctor / specialist at you consultation
I’m embarrassed!
We recognise that some people do feel embarrassed about sex but you really don’t need to be. All of our staff are professionally trained to deal with most situations that can arise. They are non-judgmental and respect your privacy and dignity.
