Sexual Health Clinic - Examinations

Examinations

With the patient's consent, a clinician will inspect the patient visually and by touch. If needed, the clinician will take samples to test for sexually transmitted infections.

In a private room or space, the patient will partially undress.

The clinician may inspect the patient's:

• Throat and lymph nodes of the neck for inflammation
• Pubic hair for lice
• Lymph nodes of the groin for swelling
• Genitals, anus, and surrounding areas for sores and warts

The clinician may swab the patient's:

• Throat to test for gonorrhea and possibly chlamydia
• Cheek, inside, to test for HIV
• Sores of the genitals, anus, and surrounding areas to test for herpes
• Urethra to test for gonorrhea and possibly chlamydia
• Vagina to test for chlamydia and possibly gonorrhea
• Cervix to test for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (a Pap test)
• Rectum to test for gonorrhea and possibly chlamydia

The clinician may take small blood samples by pricking a finger or from a vein to test for HIV, syphilis, and possibly herpes and hepatitis C.

The clinician may ask for a small urine sample, given in private, to test for chlamydia and possibly gonorrhea.

The inspections and taking samples don't hurt, but swabbing the urethra and cervix, and a finger prick blood sample feel uncomfortable.

Women will often receive a pelvic exam, both external and internal, but usually less thorough than a reproductive health exam.

A patient can choose a female or male clinician if available. A patient can have a chaperone. Some clinics have separate hours or facilities for men and women.