Choosing a clinic

Sexual health clinics are also known as clap clinics, VD clinics, special clinics and genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics. The term 'sexually transmitted diseases' (STDs) has under gone a bit of a re-vamp in recent years and clinics are increasingly referring to 'sexually transmitted infections' (STIs) instead. Clinics provide treatment for STIs and practical help to reduce the risk of getting them in the future. For many years, clap clinics were hidden away in hospital basements but, since the HIV epidemic, many of them have improved enormously and developed a more positive understanding of gay men's health. For those who want them, there are clinics specifically for gay men with evening opening times. Support groups and sexual heath counsellors have been introduced and many services have expertise in HIV - offering pre- and post-HIV test counselling, treatment options and a co-ordinated approach to care. Even the waiting rooms have been brightened up with drinks machines, some half-decent magazines and positive poster images of gay men. Having said that, these improvements are not universal and the quality of service can still vary enormously between clinics. In some cases, we are still patronised and mistreated by homophobic and judgmental staff but they do seem to be on the way out. Choosing a clinic Unless a clinic has been recommended to you by a friend, it can difficult to know where to go whether you're looking for your first clinic or moving to a different one. Most cities and larger towns have clinics which are usually part of a hospital. Check your local phone book or phone the National AIDS Helpline free on 0800 567123 which has listings of all clinics in the UK. With few exceptions, most of us use clinics run by the National Health Service - they're free (including treatment prescriptions) and generally very good. Alternatively, you can go to a private clinic and pay for it. Depending on where you live and work, it can be worth thinking about the clinic location although this should be secondary consideration after the quality of the service you receive. Even if there's just the one'locally, some gay men do go elsewhere to reduce the likelihood of recognition or because the service is crap. So shop around to find a clinic which best suits your needs. Phone up the clinic and find out if you need an appointment, or whether it is a 'walk-in' service. 'Walk-in' clinics can be very busy and it's almost impossible to gauge how long you'll be there. It is advisable to put aside a morning or afternoon until you have a clearer idea of how the clinic works. You might want to ask if they have a special clinic for gay men. Confidentiality STI clinics are bound by law to ensure the confidentiality of your records and it's usually okay to give your real name and address. If you're going to have an HIV antibody test you may decide to give a false name and this is not against the law. However, you should remember it and any other false information you provide. Unfortunately, the same standard of confidentiality cannot be assured outside your clinic if you're referred to another hospital department or service. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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