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At your appointment

Going to a sexual health clinic can be nerve-wracking for some people. Find out what to expect

Person talking to receptionist in clinic

What do I do when I arrive for my appointment? 

Please go to the reception desk where a member of our team will be able to help you. They will make sure we have your details up to date and direct you to the waiting area. Our waiting areas have water coolers and a TV for you to watch while you wait. A health care professional will call you through to a private room. A chaperone might be there too – this is someone who is there to help the doctor or nurse. You might be asked if a medical student or other trainee can be in your appointment to help with their learning. If you feel uncomfortable about this, you can let us know that you’d rather not have them there.  

Let us know if you have additional access or support needs, like if you have a hearing impairment, prefer a male or female doctor or nurse, need a translator or wheelchair access or would like somewhere quieter to sit. If you would like to discuss something with a member of our reception team privately, please ask.  

Information:

Please note if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may need to rebook your appointment for another time.

How long will I have to wait? 

We try to keep waiting times to a minimum, but unfortunately appointments can overrun.  

Other patients may arrive after you but be seen before you – this is because different clinics run at Brighton and Hove SHAC and people are here for different reasons. If you feel like you’ve been waiting a long time, please ask a member of our reception team to check for you. 

What questions will I be asked? 

You may be asked some personal questions about your medical and sexual history, contraception you use, and other questions about your sexual partners and lifestyle. These might include things like: 

  • When you last had sex 
  • If you’ve had unprotected sex
  • What kinds of sex or sexual contact you’ve been having
  • What type of contraception you use, if any 
  • If you have any symptoms

You don’t have to answer these questions if you don’t want to, but they help us to give you the right treatment and care.  

Other frequently asked questions (FAQs) about sexual health and contraception appointments

We understand that you may feel more comfortable with, for example, a male or female health care professional. While we do our best to meet your wishes, this is not always possible. You may need to wait longer to be seen while the health care professional becomes available.  

We understand that you may want a friend, parent, partner or other trusted person to come to your appointment with you if you’re nervous or worried. We like to see you on your own first to talk about anything private that you might not want them to hear. 

We know that it’s not always possible to arrange childcare and do encourage you to bring someone who can watch your child while you have your examination or procedure. We do not allow children to be left unsupervised in the waiting area. 

Some results may be available by the end of your appointment. Usually, though, we’ll send results by text message which can take 2-3 weeks. We will still notify you if all your results are negative. If you don’t have a phone or a UK phone number at the moment, we can arrange to send your results via email, or you can get in touch with us.