Taking the first step

If you think you have been at risk of HIV infection, bear in mind it can take while for the HIV antibodies to develop after the HIV virus has infected the body - this is known as the 'window period'.

That doesn’t mean that you should wait before contacting the clinic! Call them up and talk to them. The clinic may feel that Post Exposure Prophylaxis is a possibility. It may be good anyway to have an early chat about general sexual health issues. If you do test early on in infection and receive a negative result you’ll be asked to return for a repeat test.

Sexual health workers are there to help people stay healthy regardless of their sexuality. You won't be judged in any way or made to feel guilty about not coming in for a check-up sooner. When you visit the clinic, there's usually a waiting area where you give your name (or even a made-up name) at reception. When you're called you'll be directed to a member of the GUM team. If you're there for a check-up, you may be asked to give a urine sample; so try to keep from going to the toilet about an hour or so before you get to the clinic.