GUM clinics

Genito Urinary Medicine clinics are based in hospitals. The staff are fully trained in sexual health medicine and are used to talking about sex without making it sound like a science lesson. As well as medical staff, most clinics have suitably trained health advisers and counsellors available to discuss anything to do with sexual health.

Before visiting either a GUM clinic or any independent gay health agency, it’s important to think about what you might want to get out of it. You may want advice about Sexually Transmitted Infections or HIV. You might want immunising against Hepatitis A and B Maybe you just want to talk about any worries you have about your sexual health.

Most clinics prefer if you ring and book an appointment. Some people find that first phone call very difficult to make, but try not to worry. You’re not the first to go in and ask for some good advice and  help. That’s what the staff are there for and they are very good at their jobs. They’ll put your mind at ease!

If you just call in to the clinic, you'll usually be seen, but you may have to wait. In an emergency you may seen without an appointment. If you have never been to a GUM clinic, or, if you haven't been for a while, you're bound to be nervous, but, if you know what to expect, it's made that much easier.