Sexual Health Clinic

The Sexual Health Clinic at Kingsbridge Private Hospital offers fast access to the highest level of diagnosis and care for patients who have concerns about their sexual health. This confidential service is offered in a private setting for both male and female clients at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast and Sligo.

All our sexual health tests include a 30 minute consultation during which our GP will help you choose which test is most suitable.

Instant STI test appointments include the cost of GP/ Nurse lead consultation, processing of the test and results. Please note these appointments DO NOT include the cost of any additional treatment or subsequent review appointments, which will need to be booked separately.

Sexual Health Tests and Costs

Please be aware that individual instant testing can only be completed 10-28 days after potential exposure depending on the test. Please see below for the period of time you must wait before being tested:

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It often causes no symptoms and can be passed between partners without realising. It is known as the silent STI as up to 75% women and 50% of men can have no symptoms.

Symptoms in women may include: 

• vaginal discharge
• pain passing urine
• abdominal pain
• abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse or between periods)

Symptoms in men may include:

• pain passing urine
• discharge from the penis
• pain at the tip of the penis 

To test for the infection you will be asked to provide a urine sample or have a swab taken (from the tip of the penis or vagina).

It is important that chlamydia is treated promptly to prevent long term complications. A short course of antibiotics usually clears the infection.

At our Sexual Health Clinic we provide antibiotics to treat Chlamydia. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is a viral infection which is easily transmitted from person to person. It is caused by the Herpes simplex virus which is of 2 types and characteristically presents as painful blistering skin lesions, but only type 2 is an STI found in the genital area.

Some people develop symptoms (small, painful blister) a few days after coming into contact with the virus. However, after you are infected the virus remains dormant in your body and can be reactivated by certain triggers, for example stress.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but we can use medication to help control the symptoms during an acute episode.

At our Sexual Health Clinic we provide anti-viral medication for genital herpes breakouts. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.

Genital Warts - HPV Vaccination

Genital Warts are a very common STI. They usually present as non-painful lumps in the genital are caused by the HPV virus. HPV can be passed by any skin-to-skin contact therefore you do not have to have penetrative sexual intercourse to pass the infection.

There are several treatments available including creams and ‘freezing’ the warts (cryotherapy).

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital we provide the HPV vaccination. Call us today on 02890 66 7878 to book an appointment.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection – the second most common STI in the UK. It does not always cause symptoms. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection which can cause vaginal/penile discharge, pelvic pain, or pain on passing urine.

Symptoms in women may include: 

• vaginal discharge
• pain passing urine
• abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse or between periods)

Symptoms in men may include:

• pain passing urine
• discharge from the penis
• pain at the tip of the penis 

Gonorrhoea is usually treated with a single antibiotic injection and antibiotic tablet. It is usually recommended that you have a followup appointment 1-2 weeks after treatment so that another test can be carried out to ensure the infection has cleared.

At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide antibiotics to treat Gonorrhea. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis B (HEPB) is a virus that can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and cause inflammation of the liver. It can also be transmitted by sharing needles for drug use. It usually has no symptoms but can cause serious liver disease.

For those who do show symptoms, they often include:

• feeling sick
• being sick
• lack of appetite
• flu-like symptoms
• yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice) 

Hepatitis C (HEPC) is a virus is usually transmitted from sharing needles, from mother to baby but also through sexual contact. In most cases, hepatitis C causes no noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged.

When symptoms do occur they are often vague but can include:

• flu-like symptoms
• tiredness
• depression

At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide vaccination for Hepatitis B & C. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.

HIV

Rapid Test HIV attacks and weakens our immune system, making us less able to deal with infection and disease. It is most commonly passed on through unprotected sex but can also be transmitted by infected blood or bodily fluid – for example, sharing needles.

HIV is a virus that can cause AIDS. It can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and stays in the body for life, attacking your immune system so that you are unable to fight infections. There is currently no cure for HIV but there are many treatments available to ensure most people with HIV live a normal, and otherwise healthy life. We test for HIV through a blood test.

At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide a rapid, same day, HIV test including advice on treatment for HIV. Call us today on 02890 667878 book an appointment.

Syphilis 

Syphilis is not as common as some sexually transmitted infections but can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Syphilis is caused by direct contact with a syphilis sore or lesion. Ulcers can be found in the genital area and also in the mouth. Symptoms and signs can be difficult to recognise.

Early signs (primary symphilis) include skin sores which are usually painless. The will appear 2-3 weeks after contact with the infection (although they may appear sooner). It is important to get tested as soon as possible.

Depending on the time frame, if the first test is negative a repeat test will be arranged at a later date. Syphilis is usually treated with an injection of antibiotics (or tablets).

At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide diagnosis and treatment for syphilis. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an STI that can cause vaginal/penile discharge. Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection, although up to half of all infected men and women have no symptoms.

In women, this parasite mainly infects the vagina and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

In men, the infection most commonly affects the urethra, but the head of the penis or prostate gland (a gland near the bladder that helps produce semen) can become infected in some cases.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital we provide antibiotics for the treatment of Trichomoniasis. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.

WHAT IS AN STI?

A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that can be passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN STI?

• Genital lumps
• Genital sores or ulcers
• Itching in the pubic/genital area
• None of the above – many STI’S have no symptoms but can still be contagious and affect general health and fertility
• Penile or Vaginal discharge

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE AN STI SCREEN?

• If you have any of the symptoms listed above
• Before each new sexual relationship, if you have been previously sexually active
• You may need regular screening if you are high risk

WHAT DOES A SEXUAL HEALTH SCREEN INVOLVE?

A consultation with our Private GP – consultations are 100% confidential Bloods – for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and C if deemed appropriate by doctor Depending on your symptoms you may have swabs taken. Urine testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea - these are the most common STIs If you are worried about a particular exposure and you have no symptoms, it is advisable to wait 2 weeks before you are screened.