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GUM Clinic and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Information about Clinics

If you are worried about STIs or have questions about HIV & AIDS you can go to the Sexual Health Clinics (GUM Clinic)in Gloucester or Cheltenham for free and confidential advice, counselling, testing or treatment.

Please note the clinic times are being revised, please telephone the numbers below to up to date information.

Clinic Times at Gloucester phone 08454 226470 for appointment and Cheltenham phone 08454 224279 for appointment. Details of Walk-in Clinics are below.

NB Men should not pass urine for 2 hours before attending clinic as it can reduce the effectiveness of some tests.

There may be occasions when the clinics full and it may be necessary to close. We apologise if you attend a walk in and find you are unable to be seen.

Walk in Clinic Times

Walk-in Clinics are for people with or without symptoms who want to have a sexual health check-up or ask questions. We advise getting there early – it may take 2-3 hours.

When the clinics are busy -
If you arrive towards the end of the walk in clinic times, you may be asked to return the following day or to make an appointment.

Clinic Times

Appointments are available throughout the day but please telephone for the next available appointment.

HIV/AIDS

The HIV team have re-located to Hope House, GLoucestershire Royal Hospital. Tel 08454 226965.

HIV/AIDS Testing & Support Service – For a totally confidential service offering pre and post test discussion. Appointments available during the day. This service is available countywide. HIV and Hep B & C testing – same day results for HIV testing.

Please note there are no drop-in clinics, appointments only.

For Cheltenham or Gloucester appointments, information and/or support ring 08454 226965.

Useful website

NHS Direct on call 24 hours a day phone 0845 4647

Gloucestershire AIDS Trust
Support anyone is Gloucestershire infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Providing information, care and small grants to anyone in financial difficulties. To reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS within the African population, we also work closely with churches and other agencies to reach out to these hard to reach groups.

Phone 01242 221800

Email: gat@glosaidstrust.org
Website - www.glosaidstrust.org

• The Terrence Higgins Trust
  The Terrence Higgins Trust provides information, advice and help on all aspects of HIV and AIDS. THT direct helpline 0845 1221 200 Mon-Fri 10.00am-10.00pm.
  Sat and Sun 12.00noon to 6.00pm. Information and message service at all other times.
  

• Family Planning Association
  (fpa) produce a series of leaflets – looking After your sexual health. Each leaflet gives help and advice on different infections. These leaflets are available at the Health Centres, GP Surgeries, through the youth service, and school nurse.

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If you are concerned about symptoms or would like further information or a health check-up please contact the Health Advisers at the GUM clinics, NHS Direct, or GP surgery/health centre.

What is it and how is it passed on?
Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is an inflammation of the urethra (the tube where urine comes out) that affects men only. It may also be called non-gonococcal urethritis.
It is usually caused by vaginal, oral or anal sex with a partner who already has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It's called 'non-specific' as a variety of infections can cause it.
Other causes include: other genital or urinary tract infections, damage to the delicate urethra through vigorous sex or masturbation, a urine or bladder infection, although this is rare in young men
You can't catch NSU from kissing, hugging, sharing baths, towels, cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats or swimming pools.

Chlamydia is also a bacterial infections which can affect men and women and can be passed on through unprotected sex. STIs are increasing especially in young people 14 and over, eg. 1 in 10 young people aged 16-24 are infected with Chlamydia. If you are worried please contact the Health Adviser at the Clinic.

Chlamydia Screening Programme for Gloucestershire - For more information please contact The Chlamydia Screening Office on 08454 226202. Self testing kits are available at most Contraception Clinics countywide.

Thrush is a very common cause of unusual vaginal discharge, 3 out of 4 women will have thrush at some point in their lives.

It is caused by a number of factors and it is not a sexually transmitted infection but can sometimes be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Thrush can affect men as well as women.

If you think you have a thrush infection you can go to a GUM clinic or GP. Some treatments are available from a pharmacist.

Syphilis is caused by bacteria which are easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Anyone who is sexually active can get it – both men and women. Symptoms can be mild and you could pass it on without knowing you have the infection. The only way to know is to have a test at the GUM clinic. If you are worried please contact the Health Adviser at the Clinic.

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria which is passed from one person to another. Once and infection is confirmed, it can be treated with antibiotics, usually a single dose and treatment is very effective.

Genital herpes is a virus and both men and women can have it and pass it on. Treatment involves taking antiviral tables to prevent the virus multiplying.

Genital Warts are caused by a virus and are easily passed from one person to another during sex and by skin to skin contact. Treatment – there are several types of treatment available but may have to be repeated several times. At the moment there is no treatment to get rid of the virus completely. If you think you have genital warts contact the GUM clinic’s Health Adviser for advice.

If you think you have an STI it is important to talk to your partner about it.

If you think you have been exposed to an STI through having unprotected sex, call the health adviser at the GUM clinic for confidential advice. Phone 08454 226464 (Glos) or 08454 224279 (Chelt)