Sexual Health Service (GUM)

The Sexual Health Clinic provides free testing for all sexually transmitted infections, free sexual health advice, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, Hepatitis A and B and HPV vaccinations for at risk individuals, HIV testing and access to Post Exposure Prophylaxis following sexual risk (PEPSE) and discussion and onward referral for those seeking PrEP (HIV prevention). We also provide information for victims of sexual assault.

PrEP (HIV prevention) is now available free on the NHS from Northern Trust Sexual Health Clinic (Coleraine, Ballymena and Magherafelt). If you like to access PrEP call us on 07384820826 or email SexualHealth@northerntrust.hscni.net. If you like to read more on PrEP visit www.Iwantprepnow.co.uk or https://prepster.info

Opening times

The clinic is available to book via a central booking system (028 7034 6028), this line is available to call Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm to make an appointment to be seen.

*Please note: we no longer provide a walk in service at any sites.

Clinic locations

Causeway Hospital, Coleraine – Outpatients 2 (Ground Floor)
Appointment Clinics, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine – Hub
Braid Valley Care Complex, Ballymena – Ground Floor South
Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt – First Floor, Main Building
Northern Regional College Newtownabbey Campus, 400 Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 9RS
Northern Regional College Ballymena Campus, Trostan Avenue Building, Ballymena BT43 7BN

What to expect

You will be asked about why you have come to the clinic and some personal questions about your sexual history. This is important as it will help us to offer appropriate tests, treatments and advice. If you decide to be tested for infections, the examination process will be explained and a chaperone offered. A chaperone is a member of staff who can be present during an intimate examination to help the patient feel more comfortable. Routine tests can include swabs, a urine sample and blood tests. Some tests may be repeated 12 weeks later. Your doctor or nurse will discuss your individual care during your visit.

If you have no symptoms you do not have to have an examination and can opt to do self-swabs and have urine and blood tests.

A medical student or trainee may be present in the clinic on the day of your visit. If you do not wish to have them present during your consultation or examination please inform member of staff.

Male patients should try not pass urine for one hour before coming to the clinic.

Results

Some results may be available on the day of your visit. Other results will be back within two weeks of your visit.  It is important that you give us a reliable phone number as will be our main contact for you.

You will receive negative results by text message or if there is anything additional, or we identify something that may need another visit to the clinic, we will contact you. Any treatment is free of charge.

Partner notification

If you are treated for a sexually transmitted infection, it is important that relevant sexual partners are also treated. Staff will discuss this with you and work with you to help find the best way to inform them.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

If you are interested to know more about sexual health or more details about a specific infection visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/sexual-health.