You can get tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a sexual health clinic. They may also be called genitourinary medicine (GUM), or sexual and reproductive health clinics.
You can also get STI tests and treatment 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)
Information and STI tests are free and available to everyone, no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality. You may have to pay for prescriptions for treatment.
Some pharmacies offer chlamydia testing for people aged under 25 but you may have to pay.
Find chlamydia screening services for under 25s
Find free chlamydia home test kits for under 25s
Some sexual health clinics offer other STI services, including:
- 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
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 STI testing and treatment