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Original poster

Gum clincc advice - scared to go!

22 replies

Chloe8823 · 12/10/2019 13:46

Hello,
I think I need to visit the GUM clinic as I've been having some symptoms. Canesten isn't helping so I know it's not thrush. Just confused as to what is causing this odour and strange discharge. I'm very clean, shower daily, fresh underwear, clean clothes. Been with hubby for several years. Gave birth in 2015. Trying to think of everything....
I've never been to the GUM clinic before and am scared of going due to embarrassment. Ive made an online appointment for Wednesday. Anyone any advice on what to expect? My biggest fear is being recognised by someone else in there!! Thank you

OP posts:
MrsJoshNavidi · 12/10/2019 13:48

No advice - but if someone you know recognises you - you will have recognised them too Grin

formerbabe · 12/10/2019 13:49

My biggest fear is being recognised by someone else in there!!

But they'd be there for the same reason!

Why are you embarrassed? What do you think they are there for? What do you think they do all day? If no one needed them, they wouldn't exist so just go!

Original poster
Chloe8823 · 12/10/2019 13:50

@MrsJoshNavidi yes that's true!
I don't know why I'm so scared about going! It's irrational I know. Just so embarrassing!!

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MsSquiz · 12/10/2019 13:52

I wouldn't worry about going. It's no different from going to the GP. I used to go to the gum clinic to have my implant removed or inserted and have been there for all of my smear tests.

MoaningMyrtle96 · 12/10/2019 13:58

@Chloe8823 BV?

formerbabe · 12/10/2019 14:13

I'm pretty sure the staff who work in GUM clinics aren't shocked that they have patients

StressedOuta · 12/10/2019 14:16

Have you read up on bv? Could possibly be that. Can cause a fishy odour and discharge.

Joeler · 12/10/2019 14:17

In my area,they do cervical smears there,coil implant, and contraception.I don't think every patient attending is there for testing.

cultkid · 12/10/2019 14:18

Why don't you try balance activ it could be BV

Original poster
Chloe8823 · 12/10/2019 14:28

Thanks for the replies. I have had BV in the past and was prescribed the antibiotic for it which worked at that time. These symptoms seem slightly different so unsure if it's BV again. Balance Activ pessaries made me sting like hell and itch, I think I may have been allergic to something in them. Will go along next week to the appointment, thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
Chloe8823 · 12/10/2019 14:30

@formerbabe of course they're not shocked to have patients, I wasn't suggesting this. Its more to do with me being embarrassed to go!

OP posts:
Original poster
Chloe8823 · 12/10/2019 14:30

Sorry @formerbabe I didn't mean this to sound rude

OP posts:
RavenLG · 12/10/2019 14:37

Don't be embarrassed. Sexual heath is nothing to be ashamed of, and as others have said, they don't just deal with the nasties they deal with contraception etc. Go and hold your head up. You'll be fine

MoaningMyrtle96 · 12/10/2019 14:45

@Chloe8823 I know Canesten do a test to see if it's BV. They do a gel pessary which is much better than the chalky one. I hope you get to the bottom of it to see what it is!

Raera · 12/10/2019 14:52

Has your partner treated himself for thrush at the same time as you?
If not he's re-infecting you, probably without having any symptoms himself

DisappointingBanana · 12/10/2019 15:06

I took my DD once. I didn't want to admit to her I was slightly embarrassed to be there.
A few of us chatted in a friendly inconsequential way in the waiting room. No one was judging anyone else. It's fine.

SprinkleDash · 12/10/2019 15:10

I've never been to the GUM clinic before

Just go, the people there have seen everything before and put you at ease!

I go to the GUM clinic once a year despite being happily married for several years and with DH since Uni (both 100% faithful). It’s good practice. They don’t just look for STIs they deal with women’s health issues too (thrush, BC, cervicitis, UTI etc). Besides, much easier to get in an see them than it is my GP!

Last time I walked out having been diagnosed with BV AND thrush! 😂

savingshoes · 12/10/2019 15:25

It is likely that you will recognise someone there one day as sooner or later all contraception will be dealt with at the gum clinic.
GPs in our area refused to discuss coil review from a friend who is due for it to be updated/removed and she's touching 40s. She wanted advice on smear/menopause/coil etc and the GP said that all contraception is now dealt with at the gum clinic and she had to book an appointment there.

Namenic · 12/10/2019 15:38

I went to a gum clinic when newly married even though we had been each others only partners. People were nice and it was fine.

mindutopia · 12/10/2019 15:50

I work in sexual health and there really is no reason to be embarrassed or nervous about going. People use the GUM clinic for lots of reasons. I had my coil inserted at mine and I also had my smear appointment there. We also often use the offices to conduct research appointments that have nothing to do with having an STI. It should be no more awkward than going to the GP and in fact the staff are often much more comfortable with all sorts of appointments do less likely to make anything feel uncomfortable.

Original poster
Chloe8823 · 12/10/2019 16:32

Thank you

OP posts:
formerbabe · 12/10/2019 16:46

@Chloe8823. Don't worry! Just making the point that you are just another patient to them and they are seeing patients all day every day...

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