why do you need a consultation before a sti test?

[puntingking]

I find the whole thing embarrassing.  Next sti test will be private health care as NHS will write down notes that go down on my NHS file I imagine that probably get pass back to my gp.

Also, when the doctor ask you "have you ever paid a prostitute" what is your answer? I am not honest. I always answer no.


What I am suppose to say though, who was the girl that I slept with that supposedly might have given me a sti. I could say she was some random girl then that would not show me in a good light. I could say she was my girlfriend then that would suggest she may of cheated to be with in a chance to pass a sti onto me.
The consultation doctor ask very awkward and embarrassing questions for anyone especially if you are someone who sleeps with escorts like me
 
 

[daviemac]

I find the whole thing embarrassing.  Next sti test will be private health care as NHS will write down notes that go down on my NHS file I imagine that probably get pass back to my gp.

Also, when the doctor ask you "have you ever paid a prostitute" what is your answer? I am not honest. I always answer no.


What I am suppose to say though, who was the girl that I slept with that supposedly might have given me a sti. I could say she was some random girl then that would not show me in a good light. I could say she was my girlfriend then that would suggest she may of cheated to be with in a chance to pass a sti onto me.
The consultation doctor ask very awkward and embarrassing questions for anyone especially if you are someone who sleeps with escorts like me
 
 

Appointments at NHS GUM clinics are totally anonymous, you don't even have to give your real name just contact details. Even if they had your real name they can't pass any info to your doctor without your consent, (unless something drastic).

What's the point in telling them lies?? they are there to help you not judge you. No matter what you say they will have heard it before.

[usroads]

Davie is absolutely correct.
What consultation are you referring to?
I booked into my local clinic - they asked just general questions. Then I gave a urine sample and after the lab test I got an antibiotic shot in my butt. All in less than an hour.

[fisherofsouls]

Davie is absolutely correct.
What consultation are you referring to?
I booked into my local clinic - they asked just general questions. Then I gave a urine sample and after the lab test I got an antibiotic shot in my butt. All in less than an hour.

I assume they will be testing you for HIV ?  They often require a chat with a healthcare professional before taking your blood to ensure you understand the implications (medical, social, legal) of receiving a positive result. 

[Strawberry]

Appointments at NHS GUM clinics are totally anonymous, you don't even have to give your real name just contact details. Even if they had your real name they can't pass any info to your doctor without your consent, (unless something drastic).

What's the point in telling them lies?? they are there to help you not judge you. No matter what you say they will have heard it before.

Exactly I think there was a thread about GUM clinic anonymity and confidentiality not too long ago.

Their forms or at least the forms at mine explain confidentiality, they do not share information with your GP - mine cannot access my information proven when they needed to know the date of a procedure carried out at the clinic. They and I could not see it (I have full electronic access to my notes).

The consultation is useful for any questions you may have, plenty of questions on threads on this forum can be answered by qualified GUM staff.

[puntingking]

Appointments at NHS GUM clinics are totally anonymous, you don't even have to give your real name just contact details. Even if they had your real name they can't pass any info to your doctor without your consent, (unless something drastic).

What's the point in telling them lies?? they are there to help you not judge you. No matter what you say they will have heard it before.

I still feel totally uncomfortable in saying I sleep with escorts. Last time I visited I said I had symptoms of which I didn't otherwise they would not of seen me (I would have to had to do a self test instead). The self test never work on me as it is really hard to get blood out of me with the finger prick.  Then I said I just slept with my girlfriend and she cheated on me. It seems that was the easier thing for me to say and yet still somewhat embarrassing. 

[Strawberry]

I still feel totally uncomfortable in saying I sleep with escorts. Last time I visited I said I had symptoms of which I didn't otherwise they would not of seen me (I would have to had to do a self test instead). The self test never work on me as it is really hard to get blood out of me with the finger prick.  Then I said I just slept with my girlfriend and she cheated on me. It seems that was the easier thing for me to say and yet still somewhat embarrassing.

They've heard it all, and if they haven't then they are trained to hear it - if not then a complaint should be made.

[puntingking]

Davie is absolutely correct.
What consultation are you referring to?
I booked into my local clinic - they asked just general questions. Then I gave a urine sample and after the lab test I got an antibiotic shot in my butt. All in less than an hour.

OK. I will go and take it from there. The thing Is though even though I have not got symptoms and I am only going to the sti clinic for peace of mind as a general check I have to say that I have symptoms for them to see me face to face for a test otherwise they will say to self test.

[Strawberry]

OK. I will go and take it from there. The thing Is though even though I have not got symptoms and I am only going to the sti clinic for peace of mind as a general check I have to say that I have symptoms for them t see me face to face for a test otherwise they will say to self test.

I know the home kits are difficult, I would make a complaint if they still refuse in person even if only for bloods.

Also worth knowing fairly accurate rapid home HIV test kits can be bought for £20 each, work from a drop of blood from your finger results there and then. These don't however test for syphilis which does require a phial of blood sent to labs.

[puntingking]

They've heard it all, and if they haven't then they are trained to hear it - if not then a complaint should be made.

OK

[daviemac]

I still feel totally uncomfortable in saying I sleep with escorts. Last time I visited I said I had symptoms of which I didn't otherwise they would not of seen me (I would have to had to do a self test instead). The self test never work on me as it is really hard to get blood out of me with the finger prick.  Then I said I just slept with my girlfriend and she cheated on me. It seems that was the easier thing for me to say and yet still somewhat embarrassing.

In order to receive the best medical attention / treatments you need to be totally honest, including if you see trans escorts. What tests they do will depend on what you do sexually.

Like I said there will be nothing whatsoever you could say that they haven't heard before and they won't bat an eyelid if you say you shag escorts.

[puntingking]

I know the home kits are difficult, I would make a complaint if they still refuse in person even if only for bloods.

I will do that. I will call at 8am tomorrow.

[daviemac]

Exactly I think there was a thread about GUM clinic anonymity and confidentiality not too long ago.

There was, last post Feb 12th this year.    https://www.ukpunting.com/index.php?topic=334692.msg3478852#msg3478852

[puntingking]

In order to receive the best medical attention / treatments you need to be totally honest, including if you see trans escorts. What tests they do will depend on what you do sexually.

Like I said there will be nothing whatsoever you could say that they haven't heard before and they won't bat an eyelid if you say you shag escorts.

Ok

[sensualencounter]

Not true about the complete anonymity at my local GUM clinic. They refused to see me if I didn’t tell them my correct name and DOB and also GP info. There was a box to tick to say “don’t tell my GP” thiugh.

[Mothball15]

what about private postal tests?

[Strawberry]

what about private postal tests?

Usually require a phial of blood, which some people find very difficult and or can coagulate  between sampling and lab = rejected sample = go back to square one.

[Doc Holliday]

Not true about the complete anonymity at my local GUM clinic. They refused to see me if I didn’t tell them my correct name and DOB and also GP info. There was a box to tick to say “don’t tell my GP” thiugh.

You do not have to give your real name etc. How did that conversation go?

[JontyR]

I still feel totally uncomfortable in saying I sleep with escorts.

Yes I understand that. I say I have slept with someone I later learned was working as an escort.

They probably knew it was a cover story, but they don't care. The point of the questions is that they are giving you all the relevant tests and advice. If thats the outcome of what I say then everyone wins.

[puntingking]

Yes I understand that. I say I have slept with someone I later learned was working as an escort.

They probably knew it was a cover story, but they don't care. The point of the questions is that they are giving you all the relevant tests and advice. If thats the outcome of what I say then everyone wins.

I will just have to say that I met a girl on tinder for a one night stand and I want to get myself checked. That the least embarrassing thing for me to do.

[Strawberry]

I will just have to say that I met a girl on tinder for a one night stand and I want to get myself checked. That the least embarrassing thing for me to do.

If you say you are a punter you may be offered the Hepatitis B vaccine.

[puntingking]

My local gum clinic is fully booked today but they managed to book me in for a morning slot on Monday so I have to take a few hours of work on Monday to go. I was not working today so I was free to go today so today suited me but never mind.

[Colston36]

My local gum clinic is fully booked today but they managed to book me in for a morning slot on Monday so I have to take a few hours of work on Monday to go. I was not working today so I was free to go today so today suited me but never mind.

Very odd. You've been with umpteen escorts without shame or embarrassment and professional health workers embarrass you. Curiously enough I believe quite a few pros are or have been nurses.

[Strawberry]

My local gum clinic is fully booked today but they managed to book me in for a morning slot on Monday so I have to take a few hours of work on Monday to go. I was not working today so I was free to go today so today suited me but never mind.

Not an attack but if I could get an appointment that quickly I'd be very pleased, services are stretched and under resourced

[sensualencounter]

You do not have to give your real name etc. How did that conversation go?

Like so:

Name and DOB?

I don’t want to give my name.

If you don’t then we can’t see you.

But I don’t want to.

Well we won’t see you then.

And then I gave my real name and DOB and the smarmy cunt looked me up and confirmed it.

[snaitram99]

Like so:

Name and DOB?

I don’t want to give my name.

If you don’t then we can’t see you.

But I don’t want to.

Well we won’t see you then.

And then I gave my real name and DOB and the smarmy cunt looked me up and confirmed it.

First one I went to, GUM dept in large gen hospital but not in large town or city, was a bit like this. I made the point it was supposed to be confidential and after several people tried to pressure me into giving the info they saw me once I'd given them a partial postcode and my real d.o.b. Didn't go back there again.

Subsequently been to sexual health clinic in larger city.  No prob with any name you want to give and a contact number. did not insist on any address or GP info. Seen it all before, not judgmental. Just say you see Sex Workers to keep it pc!

So they do vary. The second one is happier if they can get the first half of postcode, e.g. CF43, which will be a fairly wide area. I suspect that is so they can recharge for patients outside their area. But they will still see you without this.

[Drcoco]

Like so:

Name and DOB?

I don’t want to give my name.

If you don’t then we can’t see you.

But I don’t want to.

Well we won’t see you then.

And then I gave my real name and DOB and the smarmy cunt looked me up and confirmed it.

The last one I went to was NHS - asked for the same info so just gave them fake details apart from my phone number as they text results refused to give them gp name and they were ok with it - admitted seeing sex workers  - they were fine with it didn't batter a eye lid and gave me a hep b booster

[datwabbit]

If they're trying to track STI numbers they might want your postcode.

[Drcoco]

What is annoying now is that they don't do walk in's same clinic years ago when I first went there I would just walk in give them any old name and they would screen me now I have to call first something to do with covid

[sensualencounter]

First one I went to, GUM dept in large gen hospital but not in large town or city, was a bit like this. I made the point it was supposed to be confidential and after several people tried to pressure me into giving the info they saw me once I'd given them a partial postcode and my real d.o.b. Didn't go back there again.

Subsequently been to sexual health clinic in larger city.  No prob with any name you want to give and a contact number. did not insist on any address or GP info. Seen it all before, not judgmental. Just say you see Sex Workers to keep it pc!

So they do vary. The second one is happier if they can get the first half of postcode, e.g. CF43, which will be a fairly wide area. I suspect that is so they can recharge for patients outside their area. But they will still see you without this.

My one point blank refused until I'd given them the details and they checked it out on computer. so unless I could completely use somebody else's name & DOB, there was no chance.

I'm not trying to put anyone off as we should all get tested regularly but the advice above about it all being anonymous etc ISN'T true in my case.

I've tried a different clinic in my area but they were only open two days a week and for weird hours and appointment only.

They are all pushing postal kits for testing as well at the moment and one of them is not offering HIV & syphilis in the home testing kits ffs

[puntingking]

I do hope when I go for a sti test Monday that they test me for hiv. It be slim chance for me catching that as I only have protected sex with wgs but I like to be sure that I have no sti at all. You can still catch hiv from needles aswell.

[Kool Keef]

Not sure what's it's like in the rest of the country but in Manchester if you want to book an appointment for a check up (which still seem to be only telephone consultations) or order a home test kit, you now have to sign up for PHR (Personal Health Record) & enter your details.
They've also changed the blood test in the Home Kit from a blood spot to a vial which is a pain, last time i got my results they hadn't checked the blood sample, i'm guessing i hadn't provided enough blood.

[Strawberry]

Not sure what's it's like in the rest of the country but in Manchester if you want to book an appointment for a check up (which still seem to be only telephone consultations) or order a home test kit, you now have to sign up for PHR (Personal Health Record) & enter your details.
They've also changed the blood test in the Home Kit from a blood spot to a vial which is a pain, last time i got my results they hadn't checked the blood sample, i'm guessing i hadn't provided enough blood.

Blood spot tests were so easy, now back to vials.

[Doc Holliday]

Like so:

Name and DOB?

I don’t want to give my name.

If you don’t then we can’t see you.

But I don’t want to.

Well we won’t see you then.

And then I gave my real name and DOB and the smarmy cunt looked me up and confirmed it.

Of course they cannot see you if you do not give a name DOB and a contact. It just doesn't have to be your real name and DOB. There is little point giving a fake contact as you won't get test results.

She will not have been checking if you were lying or not, but checking if you already had an existing record under those details. If nothing comes up then a new data entry is created.

If you have given your correct details then this will allow the clinic to also access your Summary Care Record, but no entry of your attendance diagnosis and treatment will be added to it without your approval.

If you do give fake details then you should give the same details should you attend the same clinic again in the future.

External Link/Members Only

[Kool Keef]

Blood spot tests were so easy, now back to vials.

They were, don't know why they've changed it, I had to squeeze my finger for about 10 mins last time to get what i thought would be a sufficent amount of blood out for the test, all for nothing in the end. 

[JontyR]

I will just have to say that I met a girl on tinder for a one night stand and I want to get myself checked. That the least embarrassing thing for me to do.

But it will lead to an incorrect assessment of your exposure to risk. Just say that you since found out that someone had suggested that she was or had been a sex worker.

[Doc Holliday]

Not sure what's it's like in the rest of the country but in Manchester if you want to book an appointment for a check up (which still seem to be only telephone consultations) or order a home test kit, you now have to sign up for PHR (Personal Health Record) & enter your details.

PHR's in general are being encouraged, but so far as I know not compulsory? It is accepted that some people cannot deal with technology and a PHR is basically an app controlled by yourself, where you can compile your own personal heath record gathering information from multiple sources including your GP records and keep it updated.

I think STI clinics are utilising this as an administrative tool, making the process of booking/cancelling appts, receiving test results and home test kits more efficient. It requires you to have created your own account and verified the email etc, pretty much as you would do with any other online account.

[Kool Keef]

PHR's in general are being encouraged, but so far as I know not compulsory? It is accepted that some people cannot deal with technology and a PHR is basically an app controlled by yourself, where you can compile your own personal heath record gathering information from multiple sources including your GP records and keep it updated.

I think STI clinics are utilising this as an administrative tool, making the process of booking/cancelling appts, receiving test results and home test kits more efficient. It requires you to have created your own account and verified the email etc, pretty much as you would do with any other online account.

Okay, i don't mind it tbh, it seems an easier process ordering a home kit that way than it was previously.

[Strawberry]

They were, don't know why they've changed it, I had to squeeze my finger for about 10 mins last time to get what i thought would be a sufficent amount of blood out for the test, all for nothing in the end. 

Takes me 30 minutes to get enough blood last time the most successful stood with back against heated towel rail, had 3 rejected in last 6 months due to 'coagulation'.

[Kool Keef]

Takes me 30 minutes to get enough blood last time the most successful stood with back against heated towel rail, had 3 rejected in last 6 months due to 'coagulation'.

I ordered a home kit again earlier this week so i'll have to go through it all again, if they reject this one i'll pay for a blood spot one elsewhere, bit daft of them to put people through that when the blood spot method seemed to work fine. 

[sensualencounter]

Of course they cannot see you if you do not give a name DOB and a contact. It just doesn't have to be your real name and DOB. There is little point giving a fake contact as you won't get test results.

She will not have been checking if you were lying or not, but checking if you already had an existing record under those details. If nothing comes up then a new data entry is created.

If you have given your correct details then this will allow the clinic to also access your Summary Care Record, but no entry of your attendance diagnosis and treatment will be added to it without your approval.

If you do give fake details then you should give the same details should you attend the same clinic again in the future.

External Link/Members Only

Whilst you appear to know everything, you weren’t there. He took my details and then asked me to confirm my postcode. Like I said, unless I used somebody else’s complete details, I wasn’t being seen.
Believe it or not, it’s up to you.
Whether that’s the correct procedure or not is another matter but that’s what’s happened the last two times. Prior to that I did give limited details but something has changed.

[big-al93]

Maybe it's been changed to allow for covid contact tracing and is a temporary measure? Would be reasonable for a health service taking a strong stance on this tbf.

[Doc Holliday]

Whilst you appear to know everything,

Thank you   

The corner stone of STI testing globally is confidentiality. This includes the ability to give a false name. It is hugely beneficial to give your real details and that would be my advice, but you do not have to.

No I wasn't there. If this person said you would only be seen if you provide your real name, then I accept that is what happened but it is wrong and I would have followed that up.

It is important to promote awareness of sexual health amongst punters including regular testing and if readers of this thread get the perception that you cannot give a false name then that is damaging.

[Doc Holliday]

Maybe it's been changed to allow for covid contact tracing and is a temporary measure? Would be reasonable for a health service taking a strong stance on this tbf.

I give up 

Can you provide a link to that?

[Strawberry]

Thank you   

The corner stone of STI testing globally is confidentiality. This includes the ability to give a false name. It is hugely beneficial to give your real details and that would be my advice, but you do not have to.

No I wasn't there. If this person said you would only be seen if you provide your real name, then I accept that is what happened but it is wrong and I would have followed that up.

It is important to promote awareness of sexual health amongst punters including regular testing and if readers of this thread get the perception that you cannot give a false name then that is damaging.

As an regular GUM clinic attendee, this is also my understanding - if real details are required this will erode the service provision, preventing access for the very people they need to target. Just does not make sense.

However that does not mean all staff realise this, they are doing their NHS procedures thing without thought. I have encountered bloopers, anomalies and staff who need an attitude change. Thankfully few and far between, and I am able to make complaints when such instances have arisen. Poor attitudes, and poor policies need to be brought to the attention of the providing authority however because of the nature of the service some patients will not want to take the risk, or be confident enough to rock the boat. When I have heard of poor experiences I have with permission, in confidence passed on concerns.

[datwabbit]

I phoned my local GUM a month ago to book a f2f because I told them I wanted bloods and I struggled with getting enough myself. I gave the name I used and they misheard and confirmed a different guy at a different address . The woman got flustered and looks like it was the previous record she'd dealt with and somehow brought back that record.

[Strawberry]

I phoned my local GUM a month ago to book a f2f because I told them I wanted bloods and I struggled with getting enough myself. I gave the name I used and they misheard and confirmed a different guy at a different address . The woman got flustered and looks like it was the previous record she'd dealt with and somehow brought back that record.

Completely out of order unacceptable.

[big-al93]

I give up 

Can you provide a link to that?

Why would I have a link when it was merely a suggestion? As evidenced by the word maybe at the start of the sentence and a question mark at the end of it. The OP stated that it has been a change in the last couple of times, I simply suggested, what I thought, a reasonable explanation of why that change may have come about.

[Strawberry]

Why would I have a link when it was merely a suggestion? As evidenced by the word maybe at the start of the sentence and a question mark at the end of it. The OP stated that it has been a change in the last couple of times, I simply suggested, what I thought, a reasonable explanation of why that change may have come about.

GUM clinics have contact details, always have in order to communicate the results.

[KatieEdinburgh]

The corner stone of STI testing globally is confidentiality. This includes the ability to give a false name. It is hugely beneficial to give your real details and that would be my advice, but you do not have to.

To be fair I think it is changing, what information they ask for and it may be also different for some parts of the country/dependent on the clinic. GUM clinics in my experience the past two years have asked for real information, postcode, and they needed to check which GP you’re with. In London however I could get tested completely anonymously with results sent to a phone number, although this was a while ago.

I do worry that’s a bad development if it becomes the standard and I could see it being a problem for anyone who perhaps have no legal address/homeless/moved here illegally no Visa as you should be able to be tested for STIs without necessarily having to register with a GP. I get they want to have access to your medical records and find you on the system, but it will put so many clients off getting checked if they can’t do it anon (especially if married) so it’s a concern that there’s less anonymous options since covid.