Gum Clinic

In the past, the only way to find out whether you had an STI was to visit your local London GUM clinic. Most hospitals and many other healthcare centres have a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic onsite, where you can take a test or get a physical examination and speak to a specialist. Sadly, most people never visit their local UK GUM clinic, despite the continuing rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. Almost 70% of people have never been tested for an STI, which is especially alarming as most STIs show almost no symptoms.

For many, it's the embarrassment of visiting a UK GUM clinic that holds them back, coupled with the inconvenience of making an appointment and finding the time to visit the sexual health clinic or STI clinic. LabsDirect offers a number of tests for the most common STIs. They can be all ordered online discreetly, and your results will be delivered in complete confidence, saving you both time and embarrassment. We can also help you to find the right treatment, if you do test positive.

However, while LabsDirect can save you from the discomfort of visiting a sexual health clinic in person, there are still many circumstances where visiting your local UK GUM clinic will still be essential. LabsDirect can help you to test and treat the most common STIs, but there are several very serious infections which would require you to get treatment and advice from a doctor in person, for example, HIV, AIDS and hepatitis.

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What services does a GUM clinic offer?

GUM stands for genitourinary medicine clinic. GUM clinics specialise in any condition or problem that involves the sexual organs or urinary system. You may well be referred to one of these clinics by your GP, if they think you have a problem in any of these areas. You can also make an appointment directly, and some London GUM clinics do offer a walk in service, although there can be a long wait before you can be seen.

GUM clinics offer tests for the common STIs above, as well as other very serious infections, such as HIV, AIDS and hepatitis. They can also test for bladder infections (cystitis) and other infections, such as thrush. As well as performing tests, they also offer physical examinations, along with advice and information on staying protected and what to do if you have an STI.

What services does LabsDirect offer?

LabsDirect offers a free testing service that requires no appointments or face-to-face discussions. You simply order a test online and it will be delivered to you in the post. You urinate in the tube and then post it back to our laboratory, and your results are available within two to three days. The service is completely confidential, and the tests can be taken at your convenience and are absolutely discreet.

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Genital Herpes
• Syphilis
• Atopobium Vaginae
• Bacterial Vaginosis BV
• Mycoplasma Genitalium
• Non-Specific Urethritis
• Trichomonas Vaginalis
• Ureaplasma Urealyticum

If you test positive for any of these infections, we can help you to find the right treatment for you, which will be prescribed by a doctor over the internet and sent to you via next-day delivery.

When should I use LabsDirect?

You should use LabsDirect to test for the most common STIs if you think you may have been infected, or if you just want to make sure you are safe. We recommend getting tested regularly as most STIs do not show symptoms and can be easily contracted without you knowing it. Most experts recommend getting tested every 12 months if you are sexually active, and especially if you are sleeping with multiple partners. Our service is also suitable for people who have taken a treatment and want to know whether the infection has cleared completely.

When should I use a GUM clinic?

While testing online means that you can save yourself the embarrassment of seeing a doctor in person, if you are experiencing serious discomfort you would be advised to visit a clinic as soon as possible. You should also arrange an appointment if you have tested negative for an STI in one of our tests, but are still experiencing symptoms and discomfort.

A GUM clinic will test for infections that cannot be tested for online, as they require a blood sample, which cannot legally be sent through the post. These infections include HIV and hepatitis. If you think you may have become infected with either, you must visit a GUM clinic immediately.

Genital warts, another common STI, can only be diagnosed with a physical examination. Genital warts and genital herpes are both incurable infections, so speaking to a specialist in person will help you to learn how to cope with both these conditions and how best to treat them.