This page has been added to inform my visitors on the importance of regular sexual health screening.
Having spoken to several gentlemen it became very clear that most had never heard of GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinics.
I visit the GUM clinic every month. Of course I would be screened more often but I do many social dates which do not involve sexual intimacy. There is also the fact that I only see limited number of gentlemen.
I receive full screening for all STI's as well as HIV. From day one, I made the staff fully aware that I work as an Escort. It gives me peace of mind knowing they take 'extra special care' of me :)
A visit to the GUM can be time consuming depending on whether the GUM you opt for has an appointment system or not. The one I visit does not have an appointments system so one could be there anything from 2 - 4 hours.
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Q. What is a GUM clinic?
A. GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic is a sexual health clinic that specializes in the prevention/treatment of sexually transmitted infections. GUM clinics offer FREE and confidential screening and advice.
You don't even have to give them your real name.
You can also get free contraception (condoms, dental dams, lube etc)
Remember to be completely honest when filling out questionnaires regarding your sexual activities. Anything you tell them is confidential and will help determine the kind of tests/screening you need. They are not there to judge anyone!
Good luck and be safe x
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What happens at the clinic?
You will be asked to fill out a form. Be very honest. The details you give them will determine what kind of tests you need.
You will be offered counselling on your first visit.
This is to prepare you for a worse case scenario i.e if your results come back positive, is there anyone who will support you through the ordeal to come?
The tests don't take long and are usually over and done within just minutes. Its the waiting around which can be time consuming, however, that just depends on individual clinics. Some have an appointments system and some are walk-in.
Blood is taken as well as swabs from the mouth and the nether region. They also do a urine test. Some results are given on the day and others you can either pick up on the date they give you or give them consent to send you a text message. The text message is very discreet.
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Useful links:
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The information below is what the doctors at the GUM I attend advise me.
Other GUM clinics may well differ in their advice
At the end of the day only you can decide whether some risks are too small to worry about or too big to risk.
- Brushing your teeth or flossing shortly before oral sex can cause
bleeding gums and may increase the risk of catching or transmitting an
STI. Flossing or brushing right before or after may make your breath smell
better but can also tear the lining of the mouth or gums increasing the
potential exposure of any virus if present. Condoms or dental dams are
the best way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections
- Frottage (rubbing against each other) - Infections can be transmitted without penetration or ejaculation
- Kissing - You may pick up Herpes or Glandular fever through kissing so its best to avoid anyone who has cold sores around their mouth!
- Oral sex (owo) - Although the risk of HIV infection is fairly low, some other STI's can be easily passed via oral sex, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes or syphilis.
These risks can be avoided by using a condom/dental dams for oral sex. There is a
small risk of picking up hepatitis B
through oral sex, if you have not been vaccinated. If you have an
existing STI in your throat you will be more vulnerable to infection
and the chances of picking up HIV or Hep B are increased.
One more thing before I go....
!!!CONDOMS GIVEAWAY!!!
If you would like a couple of condoms to take with you, please ask before we part company. I do expect a kiss in return though!!!
Be safe
Jasmin xx
