Skip to main content

What services do sexual health clinics (GUM clinics) provide?

Sexual health clinics offer a range of services, including:

Sexual health clinics may also be called genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Not all clinics offer every service. Check with the individual clinic to see what's available.

Who can use sexual health clinics?

Anybody can go to a sexual health clinic, no matter what their age. Some clinics hold sessions for specific groups of people, including young people, gay men and lesbians.

You may need to make an appointment at some clinics, while others offer "drop-in" sessions, where you can turn up without an appointment.

Appropriate arrangements should be in place so people with special needs can access sexual health services – for example, providing access to interpreters.

There should also be clinic facilities for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, people who've been sexually assaulted, sex workers and those who misuse substances.

All services are free and completely confidential, and all tests are optional.

STI testing

Sexual health clinics can offer testing for STIs, such as:

Depending on which STIs you’re tested for, tests may include:

  • an examination of your genitals, anus, mouth and skin
  • giving a urine sample
  • having a blood sample taken
  • a swab from your urethra (the tube through which you pass urine) for both men and women
  • a swab from your throat or bottom
  • for women, a swab from your vagina or cervix (lower part of the womb)
  • an internal examination for women

Find out what to do if you think you have an STI.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 6 August 2021
Next review due: 6 August 2024