Getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is straightforward and confidential. Most infections can be cured. A sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic specialises in sexual health, and can provide tests and treatment for many STIs.

Using sexual health clinics during coronavirus Call a sexual health clinic if you need help or advice. Only go to a clinic if you've been told to. Find sexual health clinic contact details

Visiting an STI clinic You can make an appointment to go to an STI clinic, or sometimes there's a drop-in clinic, which means you can just turn up without the need for an appointment. You might feel embarrassed, but there's no need – the staff at these clinics are used to testing for all kinds of infections. It's their job and they won't judge you. They should do their best to explain everything to you and make you feel at ease. You can go to a sexual health clinic whether you're male or female, whatever your age, regardless of whether or not you have STI symptoms. If you're under 16, the service is still confidential and the clinic won't tell your parents. If they suspect you or another young person is at risk of harm, they might need to tell other healthcare services, but they will talk to you before they do this. Find a sexual health clinic.

Your name and details When you go to a sexual health clinic, you'll be asked for your name and some contact details. You don't have to give your real name if you don't want to. If you do, it will be kept confidential. Your GP won't be told about your visit without your permission. If you have tests and the results aren't available during your visit, the clinic will need to contact you later, so give them the correct contact details. The clinic will ask how you want to receive your results. They can usually be given to you over the phone, by text, or in an unmarked letter.

Answering some questions You will see a doctor or a nurse, who will ask you about your medical and sexual history. Be prepared to answer questions about your sex life, including: when you last had sex

whether you've had unprotected sex

whether you have any symptoms

why you think you might have an infection You can ask to see a female or male doctor or nurse if you prefer, but you might have to wait longer than usual for one to become available.

Having STI tests The doctor or nurse will tell you what tests they think you need. They should explain what is going on and why they are suggesting these tests. If you're not sure about anything, ask them to explain. The tests might involve: a urine (pee) sample

a blood sample

swabs from the urethra (the tube urine comes out of)

an examination of your genitals

if you're female, swabs from the vagina, which you can usually do yourself Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea usually requires only a urine sample or a self-taken swab for a woman. Testing for HIV and syphilis needs a blood sample. Tests for herpes aren't usually done unless you have sores on your genitals or anus. In this case, a swab will be taken from a sore. This will be uncomfortable for a moment. Find out more about: chlamydia testing

herpes testing

syphilis testing

gonorrhoea testing

HIV testing

Getting your test results With some tests, you can get the results – and treatment, if you need it – on the same day. For others, you might have to wait for a week or 2. If this is the case, the clinic will check how you would prefer to receive your results. If you test positive for an STI, you will be asked to go back to the clinic to talk about your results and the treatment you need. Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics. Some infections, such as HIV, have no cure, but there are treatments available. The clinic can advise you on these and put you in touch with a counsellor. If possible, tell your sexual partner and any ex-partners so they can get tested and treated as well. If you don't want to do this, the clinic can usually do it for you – it's called partner notification and the clinic won't reveal who you are.

Using condoms to protect against STIs The best way to protect yourself from getting or passing on an infection is to use a condom every time you have sex. The clinic can give you some condoms so you can practice safer sex. Always buy condoms that have the CE mark or BSI kite mark on the packet. This means they've been tested to high safety standards. Condoms that don't have the CE mark or BSI kite mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them. Get tips on using condoms properly. Bear in mind that having had an STI once doesn't make you immune to it – you can get the same infection again.