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Sexual health services are available for all registered Ian Charleston Day Centre (ICDC) patients and provided by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL).
Testing and treatment is available on:
| Day | Information |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am to 5.30pm |
| Wednesday | Times and dates vary — contact the ICDC nurses to check when testing is available. |
| Thursday | 10am to 5.30pm |
| Friday | 10am to 2pm |
No sexual health service is available on Monday.
If you are diagnosed with an infection during your visit to the clinic, we will provide the appropriate treatment either before you leave or after you receive your test results. The majority of our medicines are dispensed in the clinic.
If your partner needs treatment, they will need to attend their local sexual health clinic.
For patients who are not registered with the ICDC, which is at the Royal Free Hospital, visit CNWL to find your nearest sexual health service.
We provide testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for registered ICDC patients.
There are different tests for different infections and the test we offer will depend on if you have STI symptoms or not. All STI treatment is free of charge.
All our tests and treatment can be carried out regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle. We are very happy to see, test and treat women who are on their period.
Common symptoms of STIs in women
- change in the colour, smell or amount of vaginal discharge
- redness or itching
- pelvic pain or pain when having sex
- heavier periods
- bleeding in between your periods or after sex
- needing to urinate frequently
- discomfort when urinating
- ulcers or sores
- lumps on the skin
- if you have been having anal sex, you may notice a change in bowel habit such as pain, constipation or diarrhoea, blood or mucus in your stools
Testing for women without symptoms
Women will be given a swab to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. You can do the swab yourself.
The swab involves inserting a small cotton bud into the entrance of the vagina and rotating the swab a few times against the walls of your vagina.
Testing for women with symptoms
We will do a full genital examination using a speculum and take several swabs from the vagina and cervix (neck of the womb). Sometimes we also examine your womb by performing a vaginal examination. We may also ask you for a urine sample.
We can test for non-STIs such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush, as well as STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas and herpes.
If you have been receiving anal sex, we can examine your rectum (just inside your bottom) and take swabs for STIs.
Can I have a chaperone?
You have the right to ask for a chaperone during an intimate examination.
A chaperone can be a friend, family member or another member of staff who is present during the examination.
At busy times, you may have to wait for a chaperone to become available. If you would like a chaperone, please speak to a member of staff.
We provide testing for STIs for registered ICDC patients.
There are different tests for different infections and the test we offer will depend on if you have STI symptoms or not. All STI treatment is free of charge.
Common symptoms of STIs in men
- discharge (fluid) coming from the tip of the penis
- redness or itching
- pain in the testicles
- discomfort when urinating
- needing to urinate frequently
- ulcers or sores
- lumps on the skin
- if you have been having anal sex, you may notice a change in bowel habit such as pain, constipation or diarrhoea, blood or mucus in your stools
Testing for men without symptoms
Men will need to provide a urine sample, which we will send to the hospital lab to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Testing for men with symptoms
We will do a full genital examination of the genital skin, testicles, and penis and may take a swab from the tip of the penis.
We will ask for a urine sample to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. We may also take a throat swab, depending on your circumstances.
If you have been receiving anal sex, we can examine your rectum (just inside your bottom) and take swabs for STIs.
If you are a man, please do not pass urine for at least an hour before being seen in clinic.
Can I have a chaperone?
You have the right to ask for a chaperone during an intimate examination.
A chaperone can be a friend, family member or another member of staff who is present during the examination.
At busy times you may have to wait for a chaperone to become available. If you would like a chaperone, please speak to a member of staff.
We provide all contraception for registered ICDC patients.
The use of crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and/or GBL during sex can impact our wellbeing, relationships and sexual health in a variety of ways.
CNWL provide ChemSex support for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Advice can help you:
- become better informed
- get more control over your lifestyle
- learn how to play more safely
- use drugs less frequently
- work towards a chem-free weekend or a chem-free month
- stop taking part in ChemSex altogether
- negotiate risks, set boundaries and avoid compulsive use when using hooking-up apps/online sites
- get clean needles/access safer injecting information
- get a sexual health screen, vaccinations or PEP/PEPSE.
You can also access support and information on the London Friend website.
Patients with HIV can receive treatment at the ICDC at the Royal Free Hospital.
Visit our HIV services page for information on how to make an appointment and what the ICDC can offer.
Even though there is still no HIV cure, HIV has become a treatable condition that can be managed throughout a patient’s lifetime using antiretroviral drugs and other HIV treatments.
It is important to diagnose and treat HIV early and continually for the best results — we can help by providing sensitive, non-judgemental and first-rate HIV testing, counselling and treatment for people affected by this life-changing condition.
PEPSE
If you have had unprotected sex or if your method of protection failed with someone who has or might have HIV, you can take post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure (PEPSE) to reduce the chance of getting HIV.
If you are worried about recent exposure to HIV, please visit a CNWL clinic or emergency department within 72 hours.
Hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for anyone living with HIV who does not have existing immunity against the infection.
Please speak to your ICDC doctor or the ICDC nurses for more information.
The following websites have useful information and may be able to help you further.
Antidote
Antidote is a specialist LGBT+ drugs agency offering one-to-one and group support and counselling.
Tel: 020 7833 1674
Visit: London friend website
College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists
Tel: 020 8543 2707
Visit: COSRT website
Contraception Choices
Visit: Contraception choices website
Liverpool HIV drug interactions
This website provides information on which drugs are safe to take and which may interact with HIV medication.
Visit: HIV drug interactions website
Sexwise
Sexwise is run by the Department of Health and Social Care and gives advice on sexual health including the different types of STIs and testing, contraception and sexual health clinics near you.
Visit: Sexwise website
Terence Higgins Trust
Tel: 0808 802 1221
Visit: Terence Higgins Trust website
The Royal Free London is not responsible for the content of external sites.
