What are GUM clinics?

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GUM clinics are special clinics that help people who have, or may have, an STI or certain other problems with their genitals or urine system. There are over 220 GUM clinics throughout the UK. Staff in most GUM clinics include doctors, nurses and sexual health advisors. Many GUM clinics are attached to hospitals. Some are based in community settings. Other names that have been given to GUM clinics include: STI clinics, STD clinics (STD is short for sexually transmitted diseases), VD clinics (VD is short for venereal diseases), and Sexual Health clinics.

Most STIs are diagnosed and treated at GUM clinics. Some people are diagnosed with an STI in another type of clinic. For example, at a GP surgery, or in a family planning clinic. In these situations you are still likely to be referred to a GUM clinic for treatment, and for any follow up or counselling that may be required.

Anyone can attend a GUM clinic. You do not have to be over 16. If you want, you can take a friend or relative with you when you attend. You can go to any GUM clinic - it does not have to be the one nearest to you.

Do I need to make an appointment to attend a GUM clinic?

This may vary depending on the clinic. For many, you do not need to make a prior appointment but can just turn up. However, you may have to wait some time to be seen depending on how busy it is. It may be best to give the clinic a call in advance to check if you can just turn up without an appointment, and the times the clinic is open. Some clinics can become quite busy.

How do I find a GUM clinic?

There are various ways of finding out where clinics are located, and their times of opening. Your local clinic may be listed in the phone book under 'Genito-Urinary Medicine'. Or, the receptionist at your GP's surgery can usually give you details of the nearest clinic. Or, you can call NHS direct on 0845 4647 to find out details of local clinics.

Some websites (listed at the end of this leaflet) also have a list of GUM clinics throughout the UK giving details of their phone numbers and opening times.