They have changed their name because they now deal with many genital and sexual problems, not just infections. Stearn As well as doctors and nurses, GUM clinics usually have special counsellors, called health advisers, who can help you with worries and give you additional information. GUM clinics have facilities for doing tests for all genital infections. In many cases, they will be able to give you the results, and the treatment, straight away. You don't need a letter from your GP to attend a GUM clinic - simply phone the clinic and make an appointment.
GUM clinics are very confidential.
They will ask if they can send the results of your tests to your GP, but if you refuse they will not do so. You can attend a GUM clinic for tests if you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, even if you have no symptoms, or if you want an HIV test. The clinic could help if you are worried about whether the appearance of your genitals is normal. The telephone number is probably listed in the 'Business and Services' section of your phone book under 'Venereal Diseases' or 'Sexually Transmitted Diseases'. If not, telephone your local hospital and ask for information about the nearest GUM clinic.