Sexual Health Clinic

The Sexual Health Department is on Level 4 of the Great Western Hospital.

Please telephone for an appointment on: 01793 60 40 38.

The Sexual Health Clinic offers a wide range of services. Our staff are friendly and non-judgmental.

All advice and treatment is completely free and confidential.

 Great Western Hospital

What services do we provide?

  • Information and advice on Sexual Health including safer sex.
  • Tests and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
  • HIV testing, treatment and care
  • Emergency contraception up to 72 hours after the event
  • Free condoms
  • A walk-in YOUth clinic for young people aged 19 yrs and under at The Carfax Street Health Clinic on Mondays 3 – 5pm and Tuesdays 4.30 – 6.30pm

How do I make an appointment?

You can telephone the clinic on 01793 60 40 38. The clinics at the hospital are run by appointment only so you cannot just walk in.

What happens when I attend the clinic?

We do routine screen tests for a range of infections. There are some infections that can be present without causing any symptoms and if left untreated some may cause serious health problems and can be passed to a sexual partner. If you believe you have been in contact with an infection or have any symptoms please discuss this with the doctor/nurse at the beginning of the consultation.

For Men

It is important that men do not pass urine for 3 hours before seeing the doctor or nurse.

We do a test for Chlamydia, which involves giving a urine sample. We also test for Gonorrhoea by taking a swab. Both of these are easily treated with antibiotics.

NSU (Non-Specific Urethritis) is also checked for. This is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube through which urine passes. Several types of infection can cause this.

A testicular examination may also be performed to check for any abnormalities.

 

For Women

We do tests for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, which involves taking some swabs. The screen also checks for:

  • Thrush – a commonly found yeast infection
  • BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) – a very common vaginal condition that occurs when some bacteria that normally exist in small numbers in the vagina multiply rapidly.
  • TV (Trichomoniasis) – an infection that is sexually transmitted and may cause a discharge.

A pelvic examination may also be performed to check the uterus (womb), tubes and ovaries for signs of pelvic inflammatory disease.

We also check everyone’s skin for signs of any problems such as warts or herpes.

We also encourage everyone to have a blood test, so we can test for:

  • HIV – an infection less common than many of the other infections. HIV infection can be found in people who feel fit and well as symptoms can take years to develop
  • Syphilis – an uncommon but treatable infection.
  • We also sometimes include tests for Hepatitis B or C. These can be transmitted sexually or by contact with contaminated needles.

If you do not wish to have any of the above tests please inform the clinic staff

Other useful telephone numbers:

Contraceptive & Sexual Health Services (Formally Family Planning) Tel: 01793 428514

Well Woman Centre – Tel: 01793 511064

Confide – Sexual Health advice for young people – Tel: 01793 428514

OnTrak – Confidential counselling for young people. Tel: 01793 695255

Victim Support – For those who have been raped or sexually abused Tel: 01380 721718

Swindon Counselling Service Tel: 01793 514550

Swindon Gay Men’s Health Project Tel: 01793 514050

Pride Youth – Support for gay and lesbian young people. Tel: 01793 649700

Druglink – Information and support for anyone affected by drug misuse Tel: 01793 610 133

SWADS (Swindon and Wilts Alcohol and Drug Service) – information and support for anyone affected by alcohol misuse Tel: 01793 695405