STD clinics, otherwise known as GUM clinics, specialise in genitor-urinary medicine i.e. sexually transmitted illnesses. These clinics deal exclusively with the detection and treatment of sexual diseases, ranging from easily treatable illnesses like genital warts and trichomonas, to life-threatening diseases like HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.
It is important that sexually active adults have regular check-ups, especially if they have more than one partner. Even if they are not showing symptoms, they could still be harbouring a disease they could pass on to others. Chlamydia, in particular, often doesn’t show any symptoms, while serious diseases like HIV and syphilis can often present as far less dangerous symptoms.
A lot of women panic when a new relationship results in problems “down below.” While many chlamydia tests reveal nothing more serious than a bad case of cystitis, just as many others give positive results, so it’s important to be sure. You can visit a GUM clinic for a non-invasive, confidential chlamydia test as a walk-in service, meaning the patient doesn’t even have to tell their GP. All it takes is a quick urine sample, which will give a definite result in 2 – 3 days. Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics.
However, for complete peace of mind it is best to have a full STD check done. This is because a negative chlamydia test does not mean that other, possibly more serious diseases aren’t present. If a person is sexually active, it makes sense to have their chlamydia test performed as part of a “full STD test”. This includes hepatitis, syphilis and HIV tests as well as testing for chlamydia.
At Same Day Doctor we offer a full range of tests for genito-urinary diseases, either individually or as part of a combined STD test.