GUM clinic- what do the tests consist of?

Going to the GUM clinic next week to be responsible, for the first time, and have no idea what actually happens. Can anyone enlighten me? Like what the hell is the speculum thing- how do they open you with that? :confused:

Do you lie on a table or what? how long does it all take?

Do they take blood as well?

Reply 1

isabella

9

Anonymous

Going to the GUM clinic next week to be responsible, for the first time, and have no idea what actually happens. Can anyone enlighten me? Like what the hell is the speculum thing- how do they open you with that? :confused:

Do you lie on a table or what? how long does it all take?

Do they take blood as well?

I never been to one - But i assume it's a Smear Test. You will lie on a table with ur lower half covered with a sheet. The Speculum is a metal/plastic devise,which they insert & open a bit. Not to painful, just uncomfortable.

I'm sure someone with actual experience of going to a GUM clinic,will have more information :smile:

Reply 2

hallowsfanatic

I had a blood test and was tested by what was I think a smear, but I have never had one of those. I think you would just lie down and get it down, shamefully I was too anxious and the doctor told me what to do and I did it myself behind a curtain, but obviously that's not recommended - but I got the all clear anyway, which was good.

It then took about two weeks for the results, and I received them via text message.

Just go in, relax and i'm, sure you'll be fine!

Reply 3

isabella

9

Hollz

I had a blood test and was tested by what was I think a smear, but I have never had one of those. I think you would just lie down and get it down, shamefully I was too anxious and the doctor told me what to do and I did it myself behind a curtain, but obviously that's not recommended - but I got the all clear anyway, which was good.

It then took about two weeks for the results, and I received them via text message.

Just go in, relax and i'm, sure you'll be fine!

There's nothing bad about being anxious :smile:

I doubt you did a Smear Test yourself - would be really hard ....

Reply 4

hallowsfanatic

Seriously, she gave me the stick and told me what to do - as I was just too anxious to let the doctor do it. Anyway, that's not normal behaviour, I suppose I am just odd lol, although she did say that some people are anxious, but glad it worked out okay, but if I had had to go back, then I would have let the doctor do it.

The moral for me is just to be careful and not let myself in any similar situation again, when I need to be going anyhows!

Reply 5

isabella

9

Hollz

Seriously, she gave me the stick and told me what to do - as I was just too anxious to let the doctor do it. Anyway, that's not normal behaviour, I suppose I am just odd lol, although she did say that some people are anxious, but glad it worked out okay, but if I had had to go back, then I would have let the doctor do it.

The moral for me is just to be careful and not let myself in any similar situation again, when I need to be going anyhows!

I do believe you ! I just assumed for a Smear,a Speculum was always used. But it's obvioulsy not, When i had a smear test a speculum was used.

Reply 6

hallowsfanatic

I have no idea what that is, I've never been for a smear, should have as I'm over 20 bu it's one of these things I have avoided but shouldn't really...and I have no idea what a speculum is, the equipment used was like a cotton bud with only one side :s-smilie:

Reply 7

isabella

9

Hollz

I have no idea what that is, I've never been for a smear, should have as I'm over 20 bu it's one of these things I have avoided but shouldn't really...and I have no idea what a speculum is, the equipment used was like a cotton bud with only one side :s-smilie:

A Speculum is a metal device,which gets inserted and then opened up.To allow the nurse to get a good look ! It's quite big & looks like a ducksbill.
I think the Cotton bud,was for a swab.I also had that whilst the speculum was in. Not very nice & quite painful :frown:

Reply 8

hallowsfanatic

It mst just been a swab then, checking for STDs, and it's quite simple I suppose....

Smear test sounds somewhat scary though

Reply 9

isabella

9

Hollz

It mst just been a swab then, checking for STDs, and it's quite simple I suppose....

Smear test sounds somewhat scary though

I was scared but. I didn't have time to worry about it though, as i saw my gp for a regular appointment (about a discharge ) ... And she did it then !

I found it v painful - but that was becuase i was sooo tense. She kept telling me to relax.

Reply 10

silverbolt

19

a swab test, a blood test and a urine test, it varies depending on your sex and sexuality (gay men for instance have a rectal swab test), the blood test checks for HIV and syphilis, you can also be tested for Hep B and C if needed, the blood test is optional, if you dont think youve been exposed to HIV or syphilis then you dont need one

results then take 2-3 weeks to arrive, GUM clinics usually have a no news is good news policy, if your just going in for a check up then if you dont ahve any problems then you wont hear from a GUM clinic, also they wont give you reslutls over the phone (at leat thier not supposed to)

Reply 11

Anonymous #2

http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/sex/shi_clinic.html

see link

GUM clinic- what do the tests consist of?

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