The Sheppey Community Hospital operates a walk in GUM Clinic on Fridays between 09.00-11.30.
Please contact them directly for further information
Sexual Health in Kent
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common of sexually transmitted infection (STI) but as Chlamydia doesn’t show specific symptoms it means that unless you have a Chlamydia test it is likely to remain undetected.
There are some symptoms that may appear, for Men they may notice a discharge from the end of the penis, or a burning sensation while urinating. Chlamydia may also cause a joint condition in men that is known as Sexually Acquired Reactive Arthritis (SARA).
In women, there may be an abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding in between periods as well as a burning sensation while urinating. If left undetected, the infection can spread in to the fallopian tubes and ovaries which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can, in turn, affect fertility if it is not treated.
There are two methods for Chlamydia testing, one is testing urine and the other is through a vaginal swab.
Chlamydia is caught through unprotected sex, vaginal and anal with someone who already has been infected with Chlamydia. Chlamydia is very easy to pass on so if you have had unprotected sex with someone it would be a good idea to get yourself tested.
HIV
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which gradually attacks the immune system. This renders a person unable to fight infections and cancers. HIV is different to AIDS, AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV is more common amongst men who have sex with men although the number of people infected with HIV in the heterosexual community is on the increase. HIV can also be caught through sharing drug needles as well as through blood transfusions and blood products.
There are various symptoms for HIV such as sudden weight loss, skin rashes especially on your face, anus or genitals, chronic diarrhoea and although these are associated with HIV they are also common symptoms for other things. If you feel that you may have been exposed to HIV then it would be advisable to have a HIV test. For more information on HIV and AIDS visit the Terrence Higgins Trust’s Website www.tht.org.uk 
