What Can You Expect at A Sexual Health Clinic?
What Can You Expect at A Sexual Health Clinic?

Booking an appointment at a clinic may be necessary before going. A professional will meet with you in a private area and ask you why you're at the clinic. Other than that, they'll ask about your medical history and may measure your blood pressure and weigh you.

It is possible that you may be inspected at your visit, which will be explained to you. For a sexual health screening for suspected infections, you may be requested for samples such as urine, blood, breasts (which can often be done yourself), oral, and anal. The sort of swab you need depends on your sexual preference. Samples will only be taken if you provide your permission. The clinic will determine how and when you receive your findings. Most places, on the other hand, strive to reply as quickly as possible, and text messages are frequently used to do so.

Is there a way to keep the results of medical examinations private?

Staff at sexual health clinics are health consultants, but not physicians, who do check-ups. They are, nevertheless, extremely well-trained, and nonetheless place a great value on privacy. If you're in a relationship, you should be able to ask about other parts of sex and relationships without fear of judgement. Only if you provide your consent will your medical records be shared with your primary care physician. It is legal in Australia to agree to sex at the age of 16. If you're between the ages of 13 and 15, you can still get help and therapy from a sexual health clinic. Confidentiality cannot be maintained until you comprehend what the specialists are telling you.

If you're under the age of 16, you'll want to talk to your parents or caregivers about your desire for contraception, HIV test, or an abortion. This is something they can't make you do since you're not an adult with the same rights to privacy and confidentiality as anybody else. The rules are different if you're under the legal age of consent to sexual activity, which is 16 years old in Australia. To ensure your safety, the clinic personnel will enquire about your sexual history, including who you've had sex with and where you've done it. Adults, such as social workers, may find it vital to get involved. The purpose of this is to ensure that you are not being compelled to engage in sex.

Ultimately, unless they consider you are in danger or at risk of injury from sexual abuse, specialists will keep your session confidential. Before taking any action, we'll talk it over with you. Additionally, your doctor may not keep fully secret anything you provide during a check-up if:

  • As a minor and a victim of abuse, you are in danger of being deported.
  • If you're under the age of 16 and you tell someone you've had intercourse with them, you're breaking the law.
  • You describe a young victim of abuse who is under the age of 18.
  • There is a danger to another person's life.

It doesn't matter what's going on, everyone deserves support.