Getting treated
Going to a doctor can be embarrassing, as doctors need to ask you personal questions, but it's worth it.
There are clinics that specialise in sexually transmitted infections. Most large hospitals have a clinic. Names vary. Try looking in the phone book under:
  • Sexual Health Clinic
  • GUM (or Genitourinary Medicine) Clinic
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease (or STD) Clinic
  • Special Clinic

Or you can phone your local hospital switchboard.

Treatment is free and there are no prescription charges.

The service is confidential. This means they won't tell anyone you have been, not even your GP.

You don’t need to be referred to a sexual health clinic by a GP. Either ring for an appointment or just walk in.

Or ring fpa for details of all clinics - 0171 837 4044 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday.

Remember

  1. You may have had the infection for some time (months, maybe years) without knowing.
  2. Your partner may not realise anything is wrong.
  3. Your partner (and their partners) must go for a checkup too
  4. Don't have sex until you and your partner(s) have been treated.
  5. Let lovers know you have an STI Saying you have an STI can be difficult. (Click for more information.)

If you have an infection

It can be a shock to learn that you have a sexually transmitted infection and you may feel upset or angry. You may have a lot of questions, such as: Where have I got it from? Will it affect my health? How can it be treated? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Staff at sexual health clinics are not going to be shocked by anything you say or want to know.

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STI frontpage /What are STIs ? / How do you get them ? /Have you got oneI? / Let lovers know / Treatment / How to avoid / Most common / Chlamydia / About