First things first

Every centre is different. Always ring in advance to check their opening times and to see whether you need and appointment or not.

How can they help?

Don't be scared or embarrassed about going to a GUM clinic. An STI is an illness like any other. You're looking after your body by going for a check-up.

What to expect

Boys:
You will have to let a doctor or nurse examine your penis. They may ask you to provide a urine sample, a blood test or take a cotton wool swab from the end of your penis for testing. All STI tests are painless.

Girls
You may have to have an internal examination. If it's a male doctor there will always be a female nurse present. If you'd rather not have a male doctor you can ask for a female doctor or nurse. All STI tests are painless.

Can you trust them?

Totally. Even if you are under 16 you have the same right to confidentiality as everyone else. When you arrive at reception they'll ask for your name, date of birth, address and the name of your GP.

You don't even have to give your real name and your GP is only contacted with your permission and you can tick a box to say no. Nothing will be sent to your home unless you give permission. When you see the doctor, be honest about your sexual history as this will help them treat you – remember they are there to help not judge.

Bristol
Bristol Sexual Health Centre Central Health Clinic Tower Hill Bristol BS2 0JD Tel : 0117 342 6900 (Appointments) Tel : 0117 342 6944 (Health Advice) Website: www.uhbristol.nhs.uk	Opening times: Monday,Tuesday,Thursday : 9am - 7pm Wednesday : 10am - 7pm Friday: 9am - 7pm You can either 'drop in' without an appointment between 9am - 12noon or ring to make an appointment at other times

Bristol
Clinic Express Ltd 26 Upper Maudlin Street Bristol BS2 8DJ Tel : 0117 92 999 00 Website: www.clinic-express.co.uk	Opening times: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12.30pm AND 1.30pm - 5.30pm APPOINTMENTS ONLY: Monday to Friday: 5.30pm - 7pm This is a private clinic, which charges for it's services.

Bath
Sexual Health Clinic Combe Park Royal United Hospital Bath BA1 3NG. Tel : 01225 824617 (Appointments Line) Tel : 01225 824558 (Health Advisor)	Opening times: Monday: 9.15am - 11pm Wednesday: 9.15am - 11pm Friday: 9.15am - 11pm ALL CLINICS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Swindon
Sexual Health Department Marlborough Road Great Western Hospital Swindon SN3 6BB. Tel : 01793 604038	Opening times: Monday: 9.30am - 7pm Tuesday: 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 7.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am - 4pm Thursday: 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 7.00pm Friday: 9.30am - 12pm ALL CLINICS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Salisbury
Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine Salisbury District Hospital Odstock Road Salisbury SP2 8BJ Tel : 01722 410069	Opening times: BY APPOINTMENT: Monday: 3pm - 5pm Tuesday: 3pm - 6pm Wednesday: 9am - 11.30am Thursday: 3pm - 6pm WALK-IN CLINIC: Wednesday: 2pm - 4pm Friday: 9am - 11.30am

Yeovil
GUM Clinic Higher Kingston Yeovil District Hospital Yeovil BA21 4AT Tel : 01935 384382	Opening times: Tuesday: 2pm - 6pm Friday: 9am - 4pm ALL CLINICS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Taunton
GUM Clinic Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton TA1 5DA Tel : 01823 252222	Opening times: Monday: 9.30am - 12pm AND 4pm - 6.30pm Tuesday: 10am - 12pm AND 5pm - 7pm Wednesday: 9.30am - 12pm AND 2pm - 4pm Thursday: 9.30am - 3.30pm Friday: 9.30am - 12pm ALL CLINICS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Weston Super Mare
GUM Clinic Weston Intergrated Sexual Health Centre Weston General Hospital Grange Road Weston Super Mare BS23 4TQ Tel : 01934 881234	Opening times: Monday: 1.30pm - 5.30pm Tuesday: 1.30pm - 5.30pm AND 6.30pm - 8pm Wednesday: 9am - 12.30am AND 6pm - 8.30pm Friday: 9am - 12.30pm ALL CLINICS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY