In Singapore, a GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic is the best place to go if you know or suspect that you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
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Genitourinary medicine, also known as GUM, is a branch of medicine that deals with illnesses of the genitals and the urinary tract. By far the most common conditions treated at GUM clinics are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Because the urethra and the reproductive tract are closely related, burning or pain during urination is a common symptom of an STD.
Many of the people who come to GUM clinics have symptoms of an STD. Men may have noticed burning or pain during urination, discharge from the penis, swelling or redness of the penis, or sores on the penis or around the anus. Women may have noticed unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, swelling or redness of the vulva, pain during intercourse, or sores on the vulva, inside the vagina, or around the anus. Any of these symptoms should lead you to visit a GUM clinic as soon as possible.
However, not everyone at a GUM clinic has symptoms. It’s very common for someone infected by an STD to have no symptoms at all, or very mild symptoms that are easily missed. Therefore, many people come to GUM clinics on a regular basis to receive screening for STDs. Depending on your history, this may involve blood tests, saliva tests, and/or urine tests. Screening is usually a quick process, and can help to avoid years of health problems caused by having an untreated STD. It can also help you to avoid infecting your sex partners with STDs. That’s why, in Singapore, it’s strongly recommended that all sexually active people (outside of a monogamous relationship) receive screening at least once a year.
In some cases, you may have been notified that a recent sex partner of yours has been diagnosed with an STD. When you come to be checked for that STD, you will likely be screened for several others at the same time, since it’s not uncommon to get more than one STD at once.
While you may feel embarrassed to be visiting a GUM clinic, rest assured that you’re not alone. In Singapore, STDs are increasingly common. Although you may feel strange discussing your sexual history, a GUM provider has heard absolutely everything, and will never be shocked by what you say. Their only interest is in helping you stay healthy.
In fact, your visit to a GUM clinic will be much like your visits to your regular doctor. You’ll get a history and a physical examination. This may be enough to diagnose your infection, but most likely, some tests will be needed. You may need to give a saliva sample, a urine sample, or a blood sample, and a sample may be taken of any discharge you have. It may take up to a few days to get the results of your tests, and receive prescriptions for any necessary medications. If you have an STD, it’s best to avoid having sex until you’ve been treated, so you don’t infect your sex partner.
References
Genitourinary medicine at Shim Clinic, Singapore