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Welcome to our easy read section
This page is designed to give you clear and simple information about our services, in an easy read format.
Worcestershire Integrated Sexual Health Service
We are Worcestershire's Integrated Sexual Health Service
We are a NHS service (National Health Service)
Our services are free
We have clinics across Worcestershire and we provide:
- Advice and information
- Contraception
- Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Do you have a concern, complaint or comment?
You can contact our Patient Relations Team.
Do you have a communication or information support need?
If so, please contact a member of the WISH team so your needs can be recorded and responded to.
Testing for STIs
An STI is an infection on or around your genitals (penis or vagina) it is usally passed on by having sex.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not show any symptons for two weeks.
If you think you may have caught a STI in the last 14 days, you may be asked to come back and have more tests at a later date.
Men, or people with a penis - do not have a wee at least 1 hour before your tests are done as this might make your tests less accurate.
Women, or people with a vagina - you may not have to give a urine (wee) sample unless you think you might be pregnant or it hurts or stings when you pass urine (wee).
The tests you have will vary depending on your needs and what you tell us.
The standard tests are for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. These are all sexually transmitted infections.
Your doctor or nurse can explain in more.
Some tests are done by taking a swab or urine (wee) sample.
Swabs are a cotton bud which is inserted into the vagina or tip of the penis to collect body fluids (cells).
Sometimes you might have a throat swab taken.
Some tests need a blood sample.
You do not have to give a blood sample if you don’t want to but this may mean that some tests cannot be done.
If you do not have symptoms you will not need to be examined or get undressed.
Men can give a urine (wee) sample.
Women can take their own swab — the doctor or nurse will tell you how to do this.
If you prefer we can examine you, if you want us to.
If you are examined, you will need to undress below the waist and take off your underwear (pants).
When will I get my results? - We will send you a text message with the results of your tests.
This will arrive within 2 weeks of your visit.
If your results are negative (clear) you will not need to do anything.
If your results show you have an infection you will be telephoned by a nurse who will tell you what to do next and how to get treatment.
Treatment is free.
We are always interested to know what you
thought about your visit to the clinic and the care
you received.
It is helpful if you fill in a feedback sheet and leave
it in the box by the reception desk.
Do you have a concern, complaint or comment?
You can contact our Patient Relations Team.
Do you have a communication or information support need?
If so, please contact a member of the WISH team so your needs can be recorded and responded to.
What happens when I come to clinic?
You will need to fill in a form so that we have some information about you.
You can bring someone with you when you visit.
It is up to you whether they come into the consulting room with you and listen to what is said.
If someone does come in with you, we may ask for a few minutes to see you on your own.
Sometimes we might have another member of staff in the room. We might have nurses and doctors who are training.
We will ask if it is OK for them to stay in the room, you can say yes or no.
What we tell you will be kept confidential
We won’t tell anybody else about what you say.
The only time we will tell anyone about this, is if
you or someone else is in harm or danger.
We will always tell you if we are going to
share information. We will ask you about your
relationships, now and in the past.
There will be personal questions about your health,
your relationships and your sex life.
It is important to be honest when you answer so
that we can give you the best advice.
Do you have a concern, complaint or comment?
You can contact our Patient Relations Team.
Do you have a communication or information support need?
If so, please contact a member of the WISH team so your needs can be recorded and responded to.
What is contraception and how does it work?
Contraception is used to reduce the chance of getting pregnant when people are having sex.
There are lots of different types of contraceptives.
Most of them are used by the women to reduce the chance of getting pregnant.
Some contraceptives contain hormones. The doctor or nurse will explain how each type works.
It is important that you tell us if you are already taking any medicines or tablets.
Even though all types of contraception reduce the chance of getting pregnant, they don’t all reduce the chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It is important to use condoms for sex, even if you or your partner is using another type of contraception.
Men who have sex with men need to use condoms for sex to reduce the chance of getting a STI.
Women who have sex with women can use dental dams (a small piece of latex rubber which lies across the vagina) to reduce the chance of getting STIs.
Use condoms if you are using and sharing sex toys.
A nurse or doctor will help discuss options with you If you have thoughts about what you’d like to use, then please let the nurse or doctor know.
Do you have a concern, complaint or comment?
You can contact our Patient Relations Team.
Do you have a communication or information support need?
If so, please contact a member of the WISH team so your needs can be recorded and responded to.
How to put on a condom
Condoms come in many varieties and sizes.
Always check the expiry date which is printed on the condom packet.
Carefully open the packet by tearing down from the jagged edge.
Take the condom out of the packet.
Squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air, then place it over the tip of the penis.
Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. If it wont roll down, it’s the wrong way round.
After sex while the penis is still erect hold
the condom in place as you withdraw your penis then simply take the condom off.
Wrap the condom in a tissue and put in the bin.
Don’t put it down the toilet because this can cause blockages.
Do you have a concern, complaint or comment?
You can contact our Patient Relations Team.
Do you have a communication or information support need?
If so, please contact a member of the WISH team so your needs can be recorded and responded to.