What Services Are Offered at a Private STI Clinic in London?

STI clinics in London offer a wide range of services to the patients that come to seek help. Most of them facilitate services, including STI screenings, contraceptive consultations, pregnancy tests, reproductive health checkup, and so on. However, if you are not sure of what services are available in your local STI clinic, read on this blog to get a comprehensive idea. Here, we will cover everything, right from the importance of obtaining sexual health checks to the benefits of choosing private healthcare.

Understanding Why STI Tests Matter

Before we discuss on what services are offered at a private STI clinic, it is essential to understand the significance of STI testing. Regular STI screening helps: 

• Detect infections well in advance (even the asymptomatic ones)
• Prevent long-term health complications, such as, infertility, chronic pain, etc.

• Reduce germ transmission to healthy individuals.
• Give mental peace and assurance to patients
• Promote responsible behaviour towards sexual health.  

Who can benefit from STI clinics?

These clinics not only offer diagnostic facilities for sexually transmitted infections, but they also vital information regarding other matters related to reproductive health. And guess the best part? STI clinics provide these comprehensive services to all, no matter what their age, gender or sexual orientation is. However, not all STI clinics of London facilitate the same level of care to patients; hence it is important to check in advance regarding the availability of services.

Private STI clinics play a crucial role in managing good sexual health and future wellbeing. They are a place where you can obtain a non-judgemental atmosphere to discuss about your private issues while receiving personalised advice and treatment to mitigate potential sexual concerns.  

Services available at private STI clinics

Depending on the clinic, a wide variety of services can be obtained from STI clinics. Here is a list of some of the most common ones: 

1. STI testing 

This is the most basic service that STI clinics provide. They help detect symptomatic as well as asymptomatic STIs that can bother your long-term health. STI testing includes the following assessments:

• Urine samples
• Blood samples
• Genital, throat and rectal swabs
• Vaginal examination

Some common STIs that these clinics help detect are as follows:

• Chlamydia
• HIV
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• HPV (Human papillomavirus)
• Genital herpes
• Hepatitis A, B, C

• Contraceptive advice

STI clinics offer contraception services to both males and females. These can involve consultations regarding which type of contraception will suit the best, and at STI clinic London patients receive expert guidance on making informed choices. Some common contraceptive methods STI clinics facilitate are:

• Hormonal contraception (for females) – This generally consist of the pill, implant, patch, and injection. These contraception methods function by releasing specific hormones in the body to stop ovulation.
• Barrier contraception – These contraceptives are available for both men and women, and includes condoms, diaphragms, dental dams, etc. As the name suggests, these contraceptives work by acting as a physical barrier that prevents meeting of the sperm and the egg.

• Pre-screening during pregnancy

If you think you might have conceived, it is necessary to go to an STI clinic and get checked whether there is any risk of germ transmission to the baby. These tests are accessible at most clinics, and they will be able to provide you necessary advice regarding precautionary steps to protect the child.

• PrEP services (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP is a type of medication that individuals who have been tested HIV negative can take. This helps them prevent from becoming infected with the HIV germ and pass on to halthy individuals. STI clinics offer PrEP services to only those who require it, and many of such clinics in London have also started offering free services.

• Other service

Apart from the above services, STI clinics can also offer additional services. For example, mental health counselling, sexual health and relationship advice, and more. Thus, if you are searching for a reliable STI clinic, try finding out the local council’s online portal. You can have a complete list of all the available clinics in your area and make a well-informed decision.

What does the appointment process involve at a sexual health clinic?

Numerous sexual health clinics currently provide online appointment scheduling, simplifying the process of securing a visit. You can also contact the Clinic to schedule your appointment by phone. Remember that if you have worries regarding your sexual health, many clinics offer emergency appointments!

Is all sexual health services provided free?

The majority of sexual health services come at no cost, although there are some exceptions. For instance, certain clinics might bill for STI testing or birth control that isn’t available on the premises. It’s important to verify the fees of your local Clinic before your visit.

Conclusion

STI clinics provide a wide range of services that are crucial for the sexual health of all individuals. The facilities may differ from one clinic to other; hence, you need to understand what services are provided beforehand. Look out for additional facilities such as contraception and reproductive health counselling along with STI screening. This can help you address a wide range of enquiries, giving you mental peace. Book your consultation at one of your nearest clinics now. 

Read more: 10 Risk Factors for Men about their Health Condition

FAQs

1. How quickly can I get results from a private STI test?

One of the key advantages of private STI clinics is speed. Many offer:

• Same-day or next-day result delivery
• Rapid tests for HIV and syphilis (delivery time within 15–30 minutes)
• Fast-track lab testing for full panel test (usually within 1 to 2 days)
• Express turnaround options at an extra cost

2. Can I get treatment at the same clinic if I test positive?

Yes, you can. Most private STI clinics offer you immediate medicine prescriptions (e.g., antibiotic and antiviral treatment), injections (for gonorrhoea, syphilis), etc. Besides, they can also facilitate follow-up care and partner notification services.   :

3. Do private STI clinics offer services beyond testing and treatment?

Yes, you can avail a complete suite of sexual healthcare services apart from testing and treatment. Some of them are as follows:   

• HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations
• PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention
• Fertility and pregnancy testing
• Contraceptive advice
• Sexual health counselling