What exactly is a sexual health check-up?

He thinks my vagina is 'too big' for him

Restoration of the hymen

Sex in the seventies

Sexual health check-up

Tightening up your vaginal muscles

Question
I think it would be a good idea to get a check up at my local sexual health clinic, but I'm a little nervous as to what is involved. Do they hurt you?

I can't seem to find any information on it anywhere.

Answer
I'm assuming you mean your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. These are mostly to be found within large hospitals.

I've worked in quite a few of these over the years, and I can tell you that these days they are generally pretty friendly and welcoming places. At some sessions, you can just drop in; for others, you have to make an appointment.

I would advise you to ring up first. You don't need a GP's letter. The consultation is totally confidential, and no one will write to your doctor (or tell anyone else).

You begin by having a chat with the clinic doc. Then you get on a couch and he/she does a brief examination of your genitals. Then you'll probably go to another room, where a nurse or technician will take swabs from your penis to send to the lab. This does not hurt.

If you have any penile discharge, they'll take a small amount of it and look at it under the microscope. None of this is painful! But nearly everyone also has blood tests – which of course involve a jab in the arm.

Some test results are available immediately, while others take a few days to come back.

My advice: If in doubt about your sexual health, do go along!

Yours sincerely

Dr David Delvin, GP

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

© Copyright 1998 - 2008 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved