STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are on the rise in the UK, with Chlamydia being the most common bacterial disease, and genital warts being the most common viral disease. It is not clear whether this is due to young people being more promiscuous in recent years, or if it is just that more young people are getting sexual health screenings at GUM clinics or it could perhaps be a combination of the two.
It is important to get an STD test if you have had unprotected sex, including oral and anal, especially if you are unaware of your partner's sexual history. Beware though, not everyone will be telling you the truth. For STDs like Chlamydia there are rarely any noticeable symptoms, and for women it can lead to fertility problems, so even if they say they are clean, there is a chance they could be infected.
GUM clinics are run all over the UK; most offer walk in clinics as well as appointments, however the opening times can be quite limited. For HIV some clinics will offer a rapid test, which will give you results in 30 minutes, and here at samedaydoctor we can offer you an HIV test that will give you results in just one minute. We also have wider opening times, with more walk in clinics available for you. The staff are professional and there is no judgement; the tests are performed quickly and discreetly, and the results are all completely confidential.
The only time when results will be given to your doctor is if you have been referred by them and if you haven't then you don't even need to give your real name. More often than not results can be received via text message. If you are still concerned about visiting a GUM clinic we can offer you a home testing kit which will test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma, Trichomonas and Gardnerella.
