Does anyone else feel like sexual health clinics are only really for younger people?

[Mondaymorningblues]

In the past I've been to both the Mortimer Market Centre and the Dean Street clinic in London. They've both been great in the past, but now that I'm nearly 40 they don't seem interested any more. It's very difficult to book an appointment as I don't seem to fit into their criteria, and going from past experience I don't think I ever saw anyone in the waiting room who looked over 35. Even ten years ago I felt very intimidated at Dean Street as it felt like it was full of beautiful, edgy people. I know it shouldn't matter but I just want to feel comfortable.

Where do we go for a sexual health problem for those of us who aren't young and trendy?

The clinic where I am is for anyone needing it. Full of people from teens to those in their forties. There is a specialist teen clinic in the city centre, but it is advertised as such so no mistakes to be made.

I’m sorry you feel that the service isn’t welcoming though, that potentially doesn’t bode well for the sexual health of a large number of people.

Maybe it’s a soho thing? Try Jefferiss wing at St Mary’s Paddington. Very welcoming.

Sorry if I sound daft but what kind of sexual health problem couldn't be dealt with by the GP? Last time I went to a sexual health clinic was a few years ago as they did coils and smears but now the GP does them.

Sexual health funding has been cut massively (thanks Tories), hence the long wait for appointments. They may have additional services for young people because that's how the funding has been targeted, they've identified a greater need there.

The one in my city is also where you go for diabetes checks, so I guess that evens out the ages in the waiting room! Not been for a while but definitely didn't feel out of place or unwelcome.

The local one to me everytime I call I can never get an appointment. I got told to try calling at 9am to see if there's any appointments left for the next 48 hours - I work 9-5 (and often overtime) therefore I can just be given a random time in the middle of the day (I never work locally). On top of this I've been told I need a consultation before I swap my old implant for a new one - this will be my third (I know the risks etc). Apparently they can't do a consultation on the phone either.

Funding has meant they're closed on a Saturday and late night Thursday too. Hasn't the government thought how much it's going to cost the tax payer if I fall pregnant?

In my local one there’s usually always older men and women in the waiting room. It’s not really modernised in terms of young people as such, it feels quite inclusive. Not sure what it’s like everywhere else though

@feduuup Staff at the sexual health clinics are specialists, so whilst your GP may have a basic knowledge of all subjects, anything beyond that is where sexual health services come into play.

Even something as simple as contraception, if you have a complex medical history your GP often won't know where to start, and if they try they can misadvise.

If you've got recurrent symptoms and the tests are coming back clear, a GP will fob you off, whereas the SH Clinic will know what to do next.

They're also a key support for sex workers and other people in vulnerable situations. GPs do not have the knowledge or resources to support those in precarious situations and with chaotic lifestyles.

@NoBaggyPants I can see what you mean thinking about it, I recently fell pregnant on the coil so had to go to hospital for treatment to have my rogue one removed and new one put in and it was amazing the difference in care when I reflect on it, they measured my womb and all sorts to put the right coil in and then scanned it whereas the GP coil was wham, bam thank you mam.