Advice from a sexual health adviser

Average rating:

Most clinics will have a sexual health adviser. You are likely to be seen by the advisor in addition to being seen by a doctor or nurse. A sexual health advisor is specially trained and can:

Tell you more about STIs and how to avoid catching them in future. For example, the risk of infection increases with the number of changes of sexual partner. Wearing a condom during sex helps to prevent against STIs.
Give you tips on how to cope with any current symptoms.
Offer you free condoms which can help to prevent STIs.
Give advice about what to tell your sexual partner or previous partners.
Help you with contacting previous sexual partners who should be tested or treated. For example, you may be given a card with a number on it, plus a printed message advising the person who is given the card to visit the clinic and to bring the card along. This helps to match them with your notes.

Other services In addition to diagnosing and treating STIs, if needed, a GUM clinic can also usually:

Do a pregnancy test.
Arrange counselling if you are pregnant and are not sure what to do.
Arrange counselling about the decision to have an HIV test.
Provide advice about contraception.
Provide emergency contraception.
Do a cervical smear test on women if one is due.
Diagnose and treat some other conditions of the genitals that are not sexually transmitted. For example, a urine infection, thrush, and some skin conditions affecting the genital area.

Further help, information and advice

Sexual Health Information Line Helpline: 0800 567 123 Textphone: 0800 521 361 Provides information on all aspects of STIs including contact details for GUM clinics.

fpa Helpline: 0845 310 1334 Web: www.fpa.org.uk Provides information and advice on all aspects of contraception and sexual health.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) www.bashh.org BASHH is a professional association but their website includes contact details of GUM clinics.