I've always been quite nervous about catching a sexually transmitted infections or HIV but was afraid of going to the sexual health clinic. I wasn’t sure what would happen as I had never been before, there were things that put me off like what if I have been going a disease to someone? What if I have a disease? And what if I get aroused at the sexual health clinic?

But after one night when the condom tore I became really anxious and wanted to get myself checked out, I didn’t know what to do or how to book an appointment. I decided to speak to a youth worker who gave me the number for the G.U.M clinic in Bradford. He was very helpful and he also explained what would happen when I get my check up. He was able to cheer me up and convince me to get checked so I rang the clinic and booked an appointment for the following week.

The week passed really quickly and before I knew it I was outside the clinic wondering what would happen. I built up the courage to go in eventually and went to the reception and told her my name. As it was my first time visiting I was given a form to fill in so they could have a better understanding of my sexual lifestyle. I was reassured that the information was confidential and not even my GP could see it. I took a seat and waited for my name to be called out; once it was called out I followed they nurse to a private room. Before he began the tests the nurse calmed me down and told me not to worry; after asking me some simple questions to find out what tests to do she began the check up.

I decided to have the full works and get the all tests done as it was my first time having a screening. When I was asked to drop my pants I dint feel that embarrassed. The nurse took a quick look at my genital area to see if there were any problems. The nurse had to also check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia. This was done by taking swabs of my mouth, penis and anus before I zipped up; I thought it would have hurt but surprisingly it didn’t, it was just uncomfortable. The nurse also wanted a urine sample so I went to the toilet to get this.

I also wanted to get checked for HIV so she arranged for me to speak to a sexual health advisor. When she was available she popped by to explain what would happen, HIV risk and what would happen if I did get HIV; I guess she was trying to comfort me in case I did have HIV. I still wanted the HIV test so the nurse took a small sample of blood from my arm. After this I was free to go and I was told I would get my results back after two weeks.

I had a really good experience of going to the Bradford sexual heath clinic. The staff were friendly and I was constantly reassured that there was nothing to worry about. I urge everyone to get check as you can’t be sure if you are clean with out a check up. And with your mind being at ease it makes your sex life a whole lot better.

Oh, and by the way I did get a text back after two weeks and I was in the clear :).