It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about visiting one of our sexual health clinics. Just remember that you are doing an amazing thing by taking charge of your sexual health. We will never judge you, whatever your situation, and we will do everything we can to make you feel relaxed and safe while you’re here. 

It might help to find out more about what to expect before you go. We’ve tried to answer some of the main questions you might have below. 

Sexual health clinics are the best place to get free, confidential and fast access to STI testing and sexual health advice. They can also provide:

•    contraception and emergency contraception 
•    advice about pregnancy and abortion 
•    help if you have been sexually assaulted 
•    emergency PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) if you might have been exposed to HIV

If you just want to talk and you are not sure exactly what you need, we can help you work that out. 

Not all clinics offer a full range of services so it's best to check what’s there before you arrive. Some clinics offer drop-in sessions, while for others you will need an appointment. 

Everyone is welcome in our clinics. Anyone who has sex needs help and advice sometimes – regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, gender identity or sexuality. If you have a disability, or any special requirements, please contact a clinic before you go so we can support you in the best way we can. 

Yes, and so are any tests and treatments you might need. 

Your visit is completely private, and so is your health record. If it would be useful to share your record with your GP, we will ask your permission. If your visit results in a medical letter we can either text it to you, send it to your home address or post it to your GP. 

The only time we would ever think about breaking this confidentiality would be if there was a strong risk of harm to you or others. We will always discuss this with you first and give you as much support as we can. 

You do not even have to say your actual name. However, as your results may not be available at your appointment, it’s best to give your real contact details so we can contact you later. 

If you would prefer not to talk in public when you check in, you can ask at reception to speak somewhere more private. We have prompt sheets on our desks so you can point to a word if you do not want to say it out loud.

If you’re aged between 13 and 15, you have the same rights to confidentiality as an adult. We will not tell your parents, carers or anyone else about your visit without your permission.

There is one exception. If we are very concerned about your safety or welfare, or about another young person you mention, we may need to tell another professional team. But we will always discuss it with you first and give you all the support you need.

If you are 12 or under and tell us you have had sex we will need to get you extra support. This is not because you are in any trouble but because it is not legal for someone to have sexual contact with you. 

If you need an urgent appointment or advice, ring our information and booking number on 0800 328 3383. 

You can also use our clinic finder to find a sexual health service near you.

To find out what to expect from our clinics around Derby and Derbyshire look at our clinic walkthrough videos on our YouTube channel. 

To get the most out of your appointment, it’s a good idea to prepare for it. 

Get a list together of anything you need to tell or ask our team. For example, if you’re concerned about STI symptoms, note down what they are and when they started. Log any questions you might have for us or if you need to tell us about any medicine you’re taking. 

Please also follow these guidelines before your visit:

  • Stay hydrated but try not to pee in the hours right before your appointment – it’s helpful if you have a full bladder for STI tests.
  • Wear a loose-fitting top with sleeves that roll up easily so your blood pressure can be monitored.
  • Have a snack and bring a drink with you in case you have a long wait. 

We ask that you come alone as there’s limited space in our waiting rooms. You can bring someone with you for support if you really need to, but they will not be allowed to enter the appointment room with you.

If you do have any accessibility needs, you can bring a chaperone. Find out what support we offer if you have any language or access needs.

 

You will be taken into a private room to talk about why you have come to clinic. A doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your health. They may take your blood pressure and measure your height and weight. 

You might be asked about your sexual habits and history. This is just to get a full picture of your health, work out what tests you might need, or help decide which type of contraception would be best for you. We are a judgement-free zone, and you can bet your doctor or nurse has seen and heard it all before

If you need condoms or the pill you will be taught how to use them and will usually be given a supply before you leave. 

If you want another form of contraception such as an implant or an injection, we can explain how they work and discuss your options with you. Sometimes, these can be offered on the day, but we may suggest you make an appointment at a later date or somewhere else (such as at one of our main clinics). If you know what you want it’s a good idea to check what your clinic can provide before booking. 

You can pick up free condoms from our clinics and other outlets in Derby and Derbyshire, or you can order them to arrive in plain packaging. Find out more about our free condom schemes. 

If your doctor or nurse thinks you may have an STI or other infection, they might ask to look at your genitals (your penis or vagina). They will discuss this with you first and they will do all they can to maintain your privacy and dignity. 

If you are at the clinic for STI testing, you might be asked for one or more of the following: 

  • a pee sample
  • a blood sample
  • a vaginal sample (you can usually take this yourself unless you have symptoms) 
  • an oral swab (from your mouth)
  • an anal swab (from your bottom)

The kind of sample required, will depend on the type of sex you have and any symptoms you might have. You can refuse to give a sample if you feel you would prefer not to.

It’s a good idea to make sure you have had plenty of water to drink and have eaten before your appointment, just in case you need to give a blood sample.

No, they are taken gently and quickly. While they can be a bit uncomfortable they should not be painful.

You might get your results before you even leave the clinic. If not, you can choose to get them by phone or text. We can text your results to you within 10 working days of your clinic visit.  

We want to know about anything that might be affecting your mental and physical health so that we can help you. We may talk to you about anything and everything including smoking, weight, alcohol, drugs, your mental health, housing and money. 

We’re not being nosy. We just want to get you any support you might need. Your sexual health is just one part of the jigsaw and the best way to support you is to look at the whole picture. At the same time, you do not have to tell us anything you do not want to. 

Find out what to expect when you visit our HIV clinics.