Two questions about GUM clinics

Need to go to a GUM clinic but i'm not sure about two things -

1) If i need to go because of something that happened just this weekend (stupid condom breakage) then if i go on tuesday will it be too early for anything to have taken hold? I'm just worried that they might test for STIs but they won't show because its too early, or if you catch one is the virus there straight away?

2) (this is more for the ladies) if i normally shave/wax down there, will they be grossed out if its just growing back so is all spiky etc. Its just i went once before a while ago and i shaved down there before i went and the nurse said it looked really tender and had i shaved recently, so i'm thinking i shouldn't do this again??

Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

Meep!

Meh, I really wouldn't worry about having shaved bits! It's far more important to get yourself checked out. The nurses see loads of peoples bits every day, they're not going to get grossed out by a bit of stubble...if you don't wash however... :tongue:

Reply 2

Alexander

1. Yes, it will be too early: I believe that you have to wait something like three weeks for the swab-tested STIs, and 12 weeks for the blood-tested STIs. However the main blood-tested STIs (HIV and syphilis) are rather rare, so if I were you I'd go after three weeks. (though check the exact weekage, I'm not exactly sure).

2. Seriously don't worry about it either way, they'll have seen it all before, the nurse the previous time was probably just trying to make conversation!

Reply 3

Alexander

damnthelackofnames

if you don't wash however... :tongue:

Actually, although I'm not sure what the score is for girls but for men it's better not to wash too thoroughly within three hours of the test as you could wash away signs of the infection (and hence get a false all-clear).

Reply 4

Anonymous #2

What a load of rubbish alexander.

Reply 5

Meep!

Alexander

That WAS a joke...I meant that if you have no personal hygiene then the nurses may be a bit grossed out...jeez!

Reply 6

Schroedinger's Pandora

Of course they don't mind whether or not you've shaved.

Imagine all the dirty, sweaty, infested fannies they see on a daily basis.

The only GUM "etiquette" is to wash your bits before you go. :smile:

Reply 7

Anonymous #3

Youre suppsed to wait one week from possible infection for regualr infections such as chlamydia etc. Its 3 months for HIV. They will do a blood test for this after one week too though, they just prefer to do ane again 3 months later as it can take this long for HIV and syphillis to show through in your bloods. This is taken from the GUM website. Have a look on tehre for any other advice you need, its really good.

Reply 8

Anonymous #1

Thanks for the replies folks, can anyone tell me the GUM website address? As googling GUM brings up so much stuff but i can't find one with guidelines with how long to wait etc. Thanks.

Reply 9

Anonymous #3

i think it depends where you live really. i went on gumnewcsatle.nhs.uk You could try putting your town/city in place of newcastle or just try gum.nhs.uk
Or just the NHS website and find it through there

Reply 10

Anonymous #3

actually, if youre just wanting general advice just go on the nexcastle one, it has lots of general stuff. the only things specific to newcastle obviously are opening hours and telephone numbers

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