It is recommended that you get a sexual health screen about every three months and more frequently if you are more sexually active. There are many ways to get tested for STIs including with your GP, but most people will attend a drop in/appointment at a Genito-Urinary Medicine clinic such as the Sandyford.

The Sandyford (the main Genito-Urinary Medicine clinic in Glasgow, between the city centre and west end) has drop-ins at 0830-1400 on Mondays to Fridays except Tuesdays when they are 0830-1030. There is also a specific clinic for MSM (Men who have Sex with Men: gay and bi men) called the Steve Retson Project that runs upstairs in the Sandyford on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 1700-2000.

When you arrive, you sign in at the reception; the earlier you arrive the faster you will be seen as many people use the service and therefore waiting times can be quite lengthy nearer the end of the drop ins. Once signed in, you will receive a numbered card and an information pack that also includes forms (such as the registration form). You will be called, in number order, to have your registration form checked through. If you are going to the drop-in, you will be given a further form so that the clinic knows the reason why you’re attending. You don’t need to answer all the questions, though it’s best to give as much information as possible. The service is confidential and you will be asked if you want information to be shared, e.g. with your GP.

Once you get into the clinic you will be asked some questions which can be quite sensitive and personal, but your answers will help the clinic direct you to their most appropriate services.

The sexual health screen usually includes a urine sample and swabs of the end of your urethra, throat and they will also take blood samples. Women will also get swabs from their vagina or cervix and an internal examination of the vagina. Both women and men may also have swabs of their rectum taken. The samples they take depend on what you are at highest risk for, and cause minimal discomfort. They will help the health care professional get the best insight into whether you have contracted any STIs or not.

Test results can be found in a number of ways: calling the results line, making an appointment to come back or going to another drop-in.