Conversations about sexual health, in my view, do not happen enough. The idea of getting an STI is often seen as taboo and shameful, meaning that people just don’t feel open or confident enough to talk about them. However, the reality is that STIs are just like any other medical issue, and should be perceived as such. Though the prospect of getting an STI is scary, there are places you can go that can help you with information, preventative measures, and treatment – because contrary to popular belief, STIs do not have to have a permanent effect on your life. This article is going to talk about a number of clinics that are accessible to students in the Lincoln area, and go into the sexual health services they provide.
Lindon Gum – NHS
This clinic provides a great range of services relating to STI diagnoses and treatment, cervical screening and contraception. They have a wealth of information that also relates to substance abuse, the post-pregnancy experience, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including how transgender individuals can have equal access to health screening services. They also provide access to the Lincolnshire C-Card Scheme, which provides free condoms, lube and sexual health information to young people aged 13–19 years old – however they increase this age bracket up to 25 for inclusion of those with learning disabilities.
This clinic is located at Lindon House, 134 Dixon Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TU. You can contact them by phone at 01522 309 309, and find further information on their website at https://lincolnshiresexualhealth.nhs.uk/
YourSexualHealth
This private clinic offers a wide range of discreet and confidential STI tests. To book your appointment, you simply choose the test that you require and an appointment time that suits you on their website. Once your appointment is confirmed, you can then visit the clinic where you will be greeted by a nurse who will take your sample, and send it to their lab for the appropriate testing. You can obtain evening and weekend appointments for your convenience, obtain results relating to multiple STIs from one sample, and the turnaround for results is often less than a week!
This clinic is located at The Landings, Burton Waters, Lincoln, LN1 2TU. You can contact them by phone at 0161 660 2599, and find further information on their website at https://yoursexualhealth.co.uk/clinics/lincoln/
Better2Know – Lincoln City Centre Clinic
This clinic is open every week for your private and confidential sexual health testing appointment, offering an incredibly broad range of services which include, but are not limited to: same day appointments, fast lab tests, telephone counselling, confidential testing, access to STI specialists, 24/7 results reporting, and the provision of appropriate prescriptions. Their phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any questions you might have about the tests you need, the booking process or testing process – also on their website, you can utilise an instant messaging service where you can talk to a trained Sexual Health Advisor.
This clinic is located in the Bailgate area of Lincoln, and you can contact them by phone at 020 7099 0955 – you can find more detailed information at their website at https://www.better2know.co.uk/clinics/view/lincoln-citycentre-ln13ae
The bottom line is that sex is not something to be ashamed of, and getting an STI is not something to be ashamed of either – but not having these conversations about sexual health with those around you, particularly those with whom you are sexually active, isn’t good for anyone. By getting rid of the taboo attached to STIs and normalising the conversation, preventing the contraction of STIs will be far easier to achieve. So don’t be afraid to contact these clinics if you need or want them, because everyone is just there to help you.
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