Having a Sexual Health Check-up
Clinic 275 provides a free and confidential service. This includes
advice, testing and treatment for all sexually transmitted diseases
(including HIV).
This page describes the procedure at Clinic 275 for people who attend
for a sexual health check-up. If you are unsure whether you need a
check-up, there is some advice on line.
Reception and Waiting
 When you arrive at Clinic 275, you will
reach the reception desk, shown here. At the counter, you will be
asked by the receptionist to complete a registration form in order
to prepare your case notes.
If you would prefer to see either a male or female doctor,
please notify
the receptionist when you check in.
If you were referred to Clinic 275 by another doctor or health service,
you should hand the referral letter to the receptionist.
 Clinic 275 attempts to make your waiting
time as short as possible. Because we offer a drop-in service,
however, sometimes we are busy and waiting times are longer.
Analysis of waiting times for first-time visits in 2004 shows
that
52% of clients waited less than 12 minutes, and 73% of clients waited no
more than 20 minutes to be seen by a doctor.
Waiting times were recorded for 96% of clients at their first
visit. Also, waiting
times have improved compared to 2003. The
average waiting time at a first visit in 2003 was 16.4
minutes compared to 14.6 minutes in 2004.
When you return for results and/or medical follow-up or further
treatment, you will be advised to show your card at the reception desk and
mention that you are attending for follow-up. In most cases, the
wait will not be as long as it was the first time you came. You don't need
to make an appointment for follow-up visits.
The Consultation: Taking the History
| The doctor will ask you questions to find
out the most likely cause of your concern and to decide which tests
should be performed.
If you are experiencing symptoms, the doctor
will ask you about their details. Whether or not there are any
symptoms present, the doctor will need to ask questions about your
medical and sexual history. Some of the questions are of a very
personal nature but they are necessary to determine whether you are
at risk of any of the STDs.
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The Examination and Swab Tests
Because there are some STDs and
conditions affecting the genitals that can only be diagnosed by a
medical examination, the doctor will offer you one after the history
has been taken.
 For women, the examination technique is very similar to having a Pap
smear. It is performed on a bed similar to the one pictured. Your feet or
knees rest on special supports and the legs are gently separated. When you
are comfortable in this position, the doctor examine the genitals. An
instrument known as speculum is inserted into the vagina. It is shaped a
little like a duck's bill and is approximately the size of two
outstretched fingers. The speculum holds the vagina open so that the
doctor can see inside properly. Inserting the speculum should not be
painful if the muscles of the vagina are relaxed. The usual sensation is a
stretching feeling as the walls of the vagina are held apart.
The doctor will then take some swabs from the walls of the vagina and
the cervix. If indicated, a Pap smear may also be taken at this time. (Picture
of the female reproductive system.)
After the swabs are taken, the doctor will perform a bimanual
examination. This involves placing two fingers inside the vagina and
feeling the abdomen (outside) with the other hand. This helps the doctor
determine whether there are any abnormal masses or tenderness in the
pelvic area.
For males, the procedure is simpler. In most cases, a quick
examination of the pubic area, penis and scrotum is performed, with the
man lying on his back. In certain cases, the anus or in the throat are
examined.
Usually, you will be asked to provide a specimen of urine to test for chlamydia
(and gonorrhoea in some cases)
but if you have symptoms of urethritis
the doctor will take a swab from the urethra instead. This involves
inserting a very fine swab a short distance into the urethra (see
picture of male reproductive system) and gently rotating it to collect
any inflammatory cells or organisms. This test is uncomfortable, but only
lasts a few seconds. The advantage of this test is that it can be used to
accurately diagnose gonorrhoea and non-specific urethritis. These
infections cannot be reliably diagnosed with a blood or urine test.
Another advantage is that at Clinic 275, some of the results from these
swabs are available "on the spot", making diagnosis and the
correct choice of treatment much easier.
The results of the swab and urine are much more accurate if you have
not passed urine for 4 hours before it is taken.
Blood Tests
All clients of Clinic 275 are offered blood tests—usually for HIV,
hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. In some cases, not all of these
tests will be performed (for example, if you have previously been
vaccinated against hepatitis B at Clinic 275). These tests will usually be
offered even if you are at low risk of having these infections—if the
doctor suggests an HIV test, it does not necessarily mean that he or she
thinks you are at high risk.
Results
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Some results will be ready
before you leave, the others will be ready in one week. You will be
asked to return to collect these results.
We do not give results over the telephone. |
Treatment
If the examination or tests show an infection, treatment may be started
on the same day, or when you return for your results.
Treatments for the common STDs are provided free of charge.
A doctor or health adviser will tell you if your partner(s) should come
to the clinic for treatment also.
Follow-up Visit
You need to come back to the clinic for your results or further
treatment. We do not give results over the telephone.
Health Advice
You are encouraged to ask your doctor or nurse questions about STDs,
safe sex or other issues.
If you require more detailed information or would like to spend time
talking over your concerns, health advisers are available to provide
sexual health information.
If you have an infection, people you have had sex with may have the
disease, too. A health adviser will answer any questions you have about
this.
Confidentiality
All the information you give us, and results of any tests performed,
are strictly confidential.
A recall system for some vaccinations is in place and if you
wish, you can be sent a reminder about these, if applicable to
you.
If you would like further information, please ask a doctor or health
adviser.
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