GP or GUM clinic?

[UterusUterusGhali]

Where should I go for a potential uterine infection?

I know I need a smear, and I WILL book one tomorrow, but I think I have an infection at the mo. I'm worried it's an STI, so GUM would be best, but I probably need antibiotics too.

Not sure where to turn. It feels rotten. :(

GUM clinic doctors can prescribe antibiotics too. I'd go to wherever you can be seen sooner, as both should be able to help with this.

I hope you feel better soon

I would go to GUM clinic.

They're generally very good and if they think you have one will give you antibiotics x

Can I ask what makes you think you have a uterine infection? They can be very severe, so if you are in a lot of pain or if you are feverish A&E might be more appropriate. If you aren't unwell enough for A&E then I agree with PP, wherever you will be seen sooner.

No temp.
Pelvic pain, getting worse over the last week, but it's been rumbling for a while.
Last two months my periods have lasted a week longer than usual. They are v heavy but not long usually.
Breakthrough bleeding.
Most worryingly my menstrual blood and subsequent loss is quite offensive.

It's probably just the menopause

I'll see if I can get into the clinic this week. It's sore.

I definitely think you should be seen sooner rather than later, apart from anything it sounds miserable for you

A uterine infection generally only happens if you have had a long term STD which has spread. Is this possible? You'd probably be in A&E with the pain and a temperature.

what do you mean by 'offensive' ? What's changed?

You need to see a GP; all your symptoms sound like peri menopause. Have a read of symptoms. I really don't think you need a GUM clinic. You need a range of blood tests possibly if you are under 45, or otherwise, treat the symptoms with HRT etc.

You need a scan by a gynaecologist- not a GUM appt.

if you have had unprotected sex with someone and think you could have a STD see the GUM people. if you have not had unprotected sex, see your GP.

I had a screen 2 years ago. I've only been with OH since then. Of course either of us could have been harbouring something. I use a copper coil for contraception. Wondering if it's moved. I have started using a moon cup.

Polly my loss is smelly. Not normal blood/discharge smell. It gets a bit whiffy before my period but is quite bad this month and definitely not normal.

God I'm so worried I've got an STI.

I will call the GP first thing and book a smear at the very least then see if they'll see me.

I work for a GP. Our GP appointments are really good compared to MN standards -on the day routine apps if you ring before 11, next day apps if you ring between 11 and 2, appointments in 2 days time between 2-8pm (roughly). And emergency appointments on the day always.

But our smears/ STI testing figures are shocking unless you're under 25. 2 weeks wait at least. I mostly advise people to go to our local SH clinic for anything to do with sexual health/ contraception. They have a range of different locations, with a great deal of appointment only/ walk in services every day. They're much more able to deal with this stuff quickly, and are apparently brilliant.

I don't know if this is the case for all areas. But if so, id definitely advise the GUM clinic.

If not the peri M, possibly BV. I wouldn't worry

Go to the GUM clinic. It’s quicker and more efficient than your gp. Go for a full screen and you’ll be sorted in a week.

I had a copper coil and the recurrent BV made me have it removed.

Is the smell fishy? Bv has a distinctive fishy smell. It can also give you a sore lower abdomen.
Gum clinics can generally do more in terms of immediate diagnostics. Esp if it's a big clinic with a lab on site.

No not fishy.

I've had BV on a few occasions and this is not at all like it. I usually treat that with OTC stuff.

Local sexual health place is open Wednesday so I'll try to get an app for then. :)
Thank you all.

It really is getting quite sore. :(

If it's getting very sore OP then ring first thing for a doctors appointment tomorrow. I know some places won't give them, but my surgery definitely would if you were feeling very sore. I'd put you on the emergency list if needs be xx

When you say breakthrough bleeding do you mean between periods and what about after intercourse? Is there a separate discharge or all bloody. How long ago was your smear is it quite late?
Someone needs to see your cervix and take a proper history that can be either place.
However if after he and exam GP thinks may be GUM they may send you there and if go to GUM and more GP they will tell you to see them after screening.

If neither you nor your DH have had sex with anyone else, it can't be a sexual infection if you had a full screening 2 years ago. You could not have been harbouring anything because those tests should have picked it up. Anything like PID would cause a temp and pain.

You can get an infection via the coil strings, nothing to do with sex or STDs. Best get it looked at.

I've been to the GP today.
He was a young chap and was more stressed out by the exam than I was. He actually said "phew" at the end of it. (He got a senior colleague to help.)

It's much more painful since the exam. They took a swab and I've done a urine test for chlamydia and ghonerea. I wish I'd taken him up on his offer for stronger painkillers. :(

No temp. Obs normal. Feel sick and weak though, but that could just be me.

You poor thing could you phone and ask for a prescription to be left at reception for you?

I hope you get the results quickly. Did he have any suggestions of what it might be?

Glad you've been seen. Fingers crossed for speedy results so you can get treatment for whatever is going on!