Frequently Asked Sexual Health Questions
About the Lambda Sexual Health Clinic (GUM clinic) or Clap clinic
Q. What is an STI? Is it the same as a Venereal Disease?>>>
Q. Is this consultation completely confidential?>>>
Q. I have given all my details, will they be passed on to my GP?>>>
Q. Would I not have symptoms if I had an infection?>>>
Q. What tests will I have and do they hurt?>>>
Q. How long will it take for the results to come back?>>>
Q. What infections could I have?>>>
Q. Why do some places ask for only urine tests and other for full examination?>>>
Q. Would condoms prevent the spread of infection?>>>
Q. How long will my results take to come back?>>>
Q. How much will it cost?>>>
Q. Will my credit card statement show where I have been?>>>
Q. If I have a positive result will I have to tell my partner(s)?>>>
Q. Will there be any follow-up and what will be the cost?>>>
Q. Where do I get my medicines from and is there a separate charge for these?>>>
Q. If I have any complaint's who do I approach?>>>
Q. What happens when I come to clinic?>>>
Q. I am embarrassed about coming to the clinic as I am worried that someone I know will be there.>>>
Q. What is an STI? Is it the same as a Venereal Disease? Back to Top
A. STI stands for sexually transmitted disease and is usually an infection passed on during sexual intercourse, although some conditions, (e.g. candida [thrush] and bacterial vaginosis) are not considered sexually transmitted. The term venereal disease (VD) is an out-dated collective term for syphilis and gonorrhoea and has no place in modern medicine.
Q. Is this consultation completely confidential? Back to Top
A. Yes, no one will be informed of any part of the consultation without your consent
Q. I have given all my details, will they be passed on to my GP? Back to Top
A. No, not without your consent
Q. Would I not have symptoms if I had an infection? Back to Top
A. Many infections do have symptoms but a few serious ones do not. For example, many people infected with chlamydia and gonorrhoea only find out they are infected when other people tell them. Often syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B are only diagnosed by a blood test.
Q. What tests will I have and do they hurt? Back to Top
A. The tests involve a cotton swab sample being taken from the opening of the urethra (in men), then the passing of a urine sample, followed by a blood test. If there are any sores present, then a sampling from these may also be necessary. With women, a speculum examination with swabs from the cervix, followed by a blood test, is necessary for complete screening. Some people experience a little discomfort, but it is rare to feel anything more severe.
Q. How long will it take for the results to come back? Back to Top
A. Most results are usually available within 2-5 days, but some special tests may take longer.
Q. What infections could I have? Back to Top
A. Because of the variety of potential sexually transmitted infections, the safest way to investigate is to screen everyone for everything they may be at risk of carrying. It usually becomes clear during the consultation what risks exist and screening will ultimately be dependant on factors that arise in the patient's history. Routinely the conditions screened for are: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomonas, candida, herpes, warts, bacterial vaginosis (in women) and non-specific urethritis (NSU in men). It is recommended for a complete screen (dependant on the risk factors) which may include a blood test for HIV, and in some cases it is appropriate to screen for Hepatitis B and C.
Q. Why do some places ask for only urine tests and others for full examination? Back to Top
A. Some centres only do urine tests but currently, until evidence is clearer, we recommend full examination with direct tests. An extra benefit of a full examination is that an experienced clinician will be able to recognise and advise on symptoms and conditions that may not have been apparent to the patient.
Q. Would condoms prevent the spread of infection? Back to Top
A. In short, yes! It is impossible to completely safeguard against transmission of infection but condoms are the safest method after abstinence. Unfortunately, condoms do break quite frequently.
Q. How long will my results take to come back? Back to Top
A. We have detailed these in the table in Our Fees page
Q. How much will it cost? Back to Top
A. Your consultation and any tests are all inclusive at £275. You will be asked for a credit card validation deposit of £50 when you make your appointment. This is non-refundable in the event of cancellation with less than 24 hours notice.
Q. Will my credit card statement show where I have been? Back to Top
A. No. Your statement will show "Absolute Health Birmingham" with no references whatsoever to the clinic.
Q. If I have a positive result will I have to tell my partner(s)? Back to Top
A. No, but we encourage that you do so. Alternatively we can help you contact your partner(s) anonymously on your behalf. We have a team of Professional Health Advisors who can help in this aspect.
Q. Will there be any follow-up and what will be the cost? Back to Top
A. Our aim is to diagnose and provide relevant treatment in a one-visit appointment. Sometimes a follow-up visit may be required for which there is a £95 fixed price. This will be discussed with you before you leave the clinic.
Q. Where do I get my medicines from and is there a separate charge for these? Back to Top
A. Your one fixed price cost of £275 includes all the medicines you will need for the short term treatment of your symptoms. You will not need to take a prescription to your GP or a pharmacist. Our committment is to provide a comprehensive and discreet service that encompasses the full diagnosis and treatment package.
Q. If I have any complaint's who do I approach? Back to Top
A. You need to write formally to the Company Registered offices of Absolute Health Services Limited, 3-5 Commercial Gate, Mansfield, Notts , NG18 1EJ.
Q. What happens when I come to clinic? Back to Top
A. Initially you will be greeted by the clinic receptionist. You will then see a doctor and a health care assistant. A detailed clinical history will be taken followed by an appropriate examination with swabs and/or blood tests. We aim to see and provide relevant treatment within a 30 minute appointment.
Q. I am embarrassed about coming to this clinic as I am worried that someone I know will be there. Back to Top
A. Our clinic is set in a well-known private hospital in Birmingham (formerly known as the Birmingham Nuffield Hospital). We chose this setting specifically to dispel the stigma of a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic and to offer a comfortable and relaxed environment. You will be seen in a discreet unit adjacent to the main outpatients and not asked to sit in the main waiting area. There is ample free car parking. Please rest assured that we aim to provide an efficient professional and discreet service.
