The GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) Clinic is where you can get checked out for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), or indeed for any potential medical issues involving your genitals. It can be a bit daunting going for the first time if you don't know quite what's going to happen. To help alleviate that, here's a brief description of what happens.
Going to the GUM Clinic
It can take a couple of weeks to get an appointment at the GUM clinic, so phone at the earliest opportunity (01865 231 231). When you call them they'll tell you preparations you need to make (e.g. not going to the toilet for 2 hours or so before the appointment). The whole process takes between an hour and an hour and a half, and in between the various stages you'll have to wait in the waiting room, which has magazines - but bring something to read and food or drink if you're likely to get bored!
The staff are all extremely friendly and put you at your ease. They'll ask you if you've been before, and if you haven't they'll explain the process. They'll also ask you if you want to be tested for HIV, which is done by taking blood. You'll be asked about your sexual history: your last three or so partners, whether you were in a relationship or a casual thing, whether you used contraception, whether you're on the Pill, and so on. Then they take a urine sample and perform an internal examination, during which the doctors takes internal and urethral swabs. These are a little odd if you've never had this done before, but are brief and pretty painless. You may be asked if a medical student can stand in on the examination but you have every right to say no if the thought makes you uncomfortable.
After your appointment you'll be given a questionnaire to check how you found the experience - please do fill this in. The receptionist takes your mobile number, and you can either ring for your results or they'll text you them eight days after your appointment.
You might also want to check out the Embarrassing Problems page on visiting the clinic (don't be put off by the name!).