As University begins a new semester and freshers kicks off up and down the country, we would like to take a moment to show the importance of sexual health clinics and the services they provide. If you are in and around the areas of Braintree, Colchester, Leeds, Harlow or Sudbury, ‘Private GP Services’ offer private sexual health services that are discrete, confidential and professional.
Free sexual health clinics provided by the NHS or other services are one of the great wins for social change. Anybody can go to a sexual health clinic no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion, they are a hub of equality run by professionals who care solely for your wellbeing.
Sexual health clinics almost always have services available so that those with special needs or disabilities are able to access their services. There are also facilities available to assist people who have been sexually assaulted, sex workers and those who misuse substances.
A sexual health clinic is neutral ground and a place where you are supposed to feel safe and comfortable talking about your needs, your life if its relevant, and receive the utmost care you require, without fear of judgement and knowing you can speak in complete confidentiality.
Some sexual health clinics take drop-in appointments, and some require bookings, it’s important to get to know your local sexual health clinic before you actually need it. That way you can know what services they have on offer, whether to book or just drop by and they may have a group meeting or session on sexual health that interests you and you’d like to attend.
The services offered by a sexual health clinic range a little farther than you might think. Today we are looking at the core services of sexual health, but if you are a person who has suffered from sexual abuse or exploitation, or has a problem with substance misuse, sexual health clinics often have links to other organizations who are equipped to help. Some may have on site facilities and some may direct you to get the best help you can. So, take a look at your local sexual health clinic and see what services they specifically offer and know it’s a safe place to air concerns and worries about your health.
Sexual Health Clinics are predominantly used for STI testing or access to contraceptives. The use of contraceptive, the condom more specifically, is your greatest preventative measure against STI’s and so sexual health clinics often offer free condoms when you visit.
But contraceptives aren’t just about preventing STI’s they’re also about preventing unwanted pregnancies, and sometimes even to help regulate hormones and menstrual cycles at the advice of a health care professional.
STI testing includes tests for:
Most STI tests are done either via a urine sample, a blood sample, or a swab. All methods are generally painless, though one’s own comfort level varies, they are quick, easy, and over before you know it.
Symptoms to watch out for:
If you are unsure of whether you need to get checked, it always better to be safe than sorry, but here are somethings to look out for.
If you have any worries at all, even if they’re not included in this list, it’s always easier to just get seen to and to know for sure. All testings and screenings are done with utmost professionalism, complete discretion and absolute confidentiality, so you have nothing to worry about only relief to feel for being helped.
Contraceptives are great preventative measures against unwanted pregnancy, sometimes necessary to help give women a better hormonal balance, and in the case of the condom is the only method to prevent STI’s. The contraceptives you’ll find at a sexual health clinic include:
Each method of contraception has its positives and negatives, from how long it lasts, how often you have to use it or take it, how it effects your hormones and menstrual cycle. All of this can be discussed with your sexual health professional and discover the option that is right for you.
Sexual Health clinics are a wealth of information, staffed by caring and open individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping to educate and assist others when dealing with some of life’s most intimate problems. If there is any concern you have at all, you can guarantee that a sexual health clinic can offer you assistance, and if they don’t have the facilities to assist you directly, they’ll be able to point you to someone who does.
