Testing for STIs
Some things may be different from clinic to clinic, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect when you attend a GUM clinic.
Before you go
- Clinics are usually open office hours (not weekends or bank holidays).
- You're best ringing the clinic to ask about opening times and appointments. Most clinics use an appointments system.
- Some have early evening clinics one or more days a week.
- Sometimes a clinic might not be able to see you for a few days or weeks.
- If you have symptoms tell the receptionist as this should mean you’re seen quicker.
Have you left enough time? It can take up to four hours to see a doctor, have tests, get results, be given treatment and talk to a health adviser.
- You shouldn’t piss for about two to four hours - the clinic will need to take a sample of your piss when you get there. Pissing washes bacteria out of your cock, making it harder for tests to find signs of infections.
- Make a note of any medicines you’re already taking - you’ll be asked this at the clinic.
- Take something to read - there’s often a lot of waiting.
- Think about the questions you might be asked at the clinic.
This article was last reviewed on: 21/10/11
Date due for next review: 21/10/13
