Sexual health clinics for over 40s

[autumnalgloom]

I've been going every few years or so since my early 20s, and even then I noticed the age group of the people in the waiting room, just because it was so different from a GP surgery.

I went a few years ago and the waiting room was full of teenagers, and I felt so ridiculous and out of place. I know it shouldn't matter, but I'm starting to wonder where over 40s actually go for testing. Am I supposed to go somewhere else that I don't know about? I need to go and get something looked at, but I'm already imagining the staff looking at me and wondering what on earth I'm doing there.

I went, sensibly, in my fifties and was treated like shit by the nurse.

Update: I just phoned, and was told to call back at 8.30 in the morning to get an appointment. It sounds like one of those kind of GP surgery situations where everyone has to phone at the same time in the morning in a desperate attempt to get an appointment. Wish me luck.

I got an at home testing kit through the post from sh24.org.uk

The home testing kit can't test for what I need to be seen for.

@autumnalgloom

Update: I just phoned, and was told to call back at 8.30 in the morning to get an appointment. It sounds like one of those kind of GP surgery situations where everyone has to phone at the same time in the morning in a desperate attempt to get an appointment. Wish me luck.

You’re correct, they’re doing same day appointments which get booked up quickly.

As well as Mortimer Market you could try one of the ChelWest clinics eg John Hunter. There’s links through to them here: www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/hiv-sexual-health

I managed to book a phone appointment for Friday.

Well done for persevering, @autumnalgloom. Hope all goes well and you get effective treatment asap.