Sexual health clinics are free and available to everyone, no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality.
They may be called genitourinary medicine (GUM), or sexual and reproductive health clinics, and they offer sexual health services which include:
- tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV testing
- contraception, including emergency contraception and advice
- pregnancy testing
- abortion advice
- pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine to protect against HIV
- hepatitis A and B vaccinations
- human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations
- help after rape or sexual assault
You can also get help and advice from:
- some GP surgeries
- some pharmacies, where you can speak to a member of staff in private
- some young people's services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)
What happens at a sexual health clinic
Visiting a sexual health clinic is confidential. The staff will explain everything, including any tests you may need.
You can ask for a female or male nurse or doctor. You can also have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during tests or examinations.
Staff at a sexual health clinic will not tell anyone what you discuss without your permission. This includes your GP. Find out more about visiting a sexual health clinic.
If staff think you or someone else is at risk of harm, they may need to tell other healthcare services. But they will not do this without talking to you first.
Find a sexual health clinic