This page explains what happens when
you come for a sexual health check up at 21a Craven Road.
When you arrive
- You will need to fill out a form with your details.
- The most important thing is to put down a way in which we can
contact you.
- On the back you should say if you have any problems relating to
your sexual health, for example, discharge or pain in your stomach,
so we know if you need to see a doctor or nurse.
- If you have no problems and just want a screen or only want to
talk to somebody that’s fine too!
When you see the doctor or nurse:
- Your visit to us is confidential – that means we won’t tell
anyone about your visit. The only reason we may speak to someone
else is if we feel we need to protect you or someone else from
harm. We will talk to you first before we do this.
- You will be asked some very personal questions.
- You can choose to be seen on your own, with a friend or with a
parent or we can provide another member of staff.
- You can also ask to see a male or female doctor or nurse. If we
don’t have your choice available when you are here, you may be
asked to return when it is.
- We will always ask if it is okay to do the tests – you can
choose to say no to anything if you don’t want it done.
What questions do we ask?
- We will ask about your general health and any problems you have
that may make you think you have a sexually transmitted infection
(STI).
- We will ask about when you last had sex and if the partner was
regular or casual. We will also ask if you used a condom.
- We will ask about when your last period was and what you are
using to stop you getting pregnant. For example the pill or an
implant.
- We always offer a test for HIV and Syphilis. This is a blood
test. It is your decision as to whether or not you want to do the
test.
The tests
- We will ask you to get undressed from the waist down.
- We will put a special plastic oval instrument into your vagina
(speculum) to do the tests. This is so that we can see the neck of
the womb. It shouldn’t hurt. The main thing is to relax!
- We will then take 2 swabs from the neck of your womb (cervix).
One for Chlamydia and the other for Gonorrhoea.
- If you have any problems, like an increase in your discharge,
we will take some other swabs to look at under the microscope. If
we can see anything wrong we may give you some treatment on the
day.
- If you do not want us to use the speculum it is possible to do
the tests without; however the results will not be as
accurate.
Your results
- You will be told of your results by text or sometimes phone
call.
- You should hear within 2 to 3 weeks. If you haven’t heard in 3
weeks then you need to call us for your results.
- Remember to check your mobile number is correct before you
leave, we won’t be able to get hold of you if it is wrong.
- If any of the tests come back showing you have an infection you
will need to come back for some antibiotics (medication).
- We will discuss with you ways to tell your partners as they
will need some antibiotics (medication) too.
- All medication is free.
Emergency contraception
It is possible to take a tablet known as emergency hormonal
contraception (morning after pill) to help prevent a pregnancy.
- This can be taken if you have had unprotected sex or a method
of contraception has failed (such as a split condom) in the last 3
to 5 days.
- The sooner it is taken the more effective it is.
- This is available free from the sexual health department (21A),
Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm.
- Other places you can get this pill for free from are:
- Your GP surgery
Connexions, Reading (Wednesdays 4pm – 6.30pm, Fridays
2pm-4.30pm)
- The Walk-in Centre in Reading’s Broad Street Mall (open 8am-8pm
Mon – Sun)
- Westcall (when the GP is closed)
- Accident and Emergency Department
- Some pharmacies have specially trained pharmacists who are able
to do this for free if you are under 19.
Other methods: It is possible to have an IUD
(coil) as emergency contraception. This is inserted into your
womb.
- You may have to wait slightly longer to have this fitted; it
depends when your next period is due. We will discuss this with you
as an option.
- This requires a specially trained nurse or doctor.