GUM stands for Genito-Urinary Medicine. GUM clinics are free to attend, and usually located in Hospitals. GUM clinics are by law confidential, you don't even have to give your real name, but it does help to give the correct information so the right tests can be offered.

 Durham University Hospital is the nearest clinic. To get to the hospital you can walk or get a bus. Have a look on the map: www.multimap.com

Getting a taxi there and walking back may be advisable.  You can just ask to go to the main entrance of the University Hospital Durham.

University Hospital Of North Durham,
North Road,
Durham,
County Durham,
DH1 5TW 

 Appointments are necessary: 0191 333 2660/1

 
What happens when I arrive at the Durham University Hospital?

•  Enter the main entrance and follow the signs to the GUM clinic on the level one (2nd floor). The door is on the right side of the corridor.

• You will be asked to fill in a confidential contact information form before seeing a nurse or doctor.

• You will then be called into the examination room. You will be asked if you have a preference of a male or female nurse or doctor. However, there will always be a female present if the patient is female.
  

• You will be asked for a medical and sexual history. It is best to be as honest as possible so that you can be offered all the relevant tests.

• They are non-judgemental and confidential. They are there to be helpful, and remember they’ve seen it all before!

• The experience can be uncomfortable, but not painful.

• Your results can be text, emailed, posted or told to you over the phone.

 You can go to a GUM clinic for a general check up, if you think you are pregnant, prenatal check ups,  smear tests, to be checked for testicular or prostate cancer  etc. They are basically doctors specialised in treating Genital and urinary organs.  It's just as important for males to go as females for check ups and testing.

For more information go to: www.ruthinking.co.uk  or www.brook.org.uk  

or www.thesite.org

 Or  www.bbc.co.uk/lifestyle/atoz.shtml and scroll through the index until you find what you are looking for .