Sexual health check - meaning and definition
Alsosexual health check-upSTI check-upsexual health checkupGUM checkfull sexual health check
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A sexual health check is a routine visit, often to a sexual health clinic, to test for STIs and talk about contraception, vaccines, PrEP and any concerns about sexual or reproductive health.
At a glance
- A sexual health check is a routine visit to test for STIs and discuss contraception, vaccines and PrEP.
- Checks are confidential and usually quick.
- Tests may include urine samples, self-taken swabs and a blood test for HIV and syphilis.
- Questions about partners and types of sex help staff offer the right tests, not judge.
- You do not need symptoms to go, because many infections have none.
In detail
Checks are confidential and usually quick. Depending on your situation, they may include urine tests, self-taken swabs, a blood test for HIV and syphilis, and questions about recent partners and the types of sex you have. These questions help staff offer the right tests, not judge anyone.
Many clinics recommend a check after a new partner, when changing partners, at least yearly for sexually active people, and more often for those at higher risk. You do not need symptoms to go; many infections have none.
In a sentence
- Before we stopped using condoms, we both went for a sexual health check.
- I book a sexual health check every year, even when I feel fine.
Common questions
How often should I get a sexual health check?
Many clinics recommend one after a new partner, when changing partners, at least yearly for sexually active people, and more often for those at higher risk. A clinic can suggest a schedule that fits your situation.
What happens at a sexual health check?
Staff ask some questions about recent partners and the kinds of sex you have so they can offer the right tests. Tests may include a urine sample, self-taken swabs and a blood test for HIV and syphilis. It is confidential, and you can also ask about contraception, vaccines and PrEP.