| To
give you an idea of the kind of treatment that you can expect
here is a description of a typical visit to the Grove Road
Clinic in Norwich for a HIV test. |
| You
will need to make an appointment to spend 30 minutes talking
to health adviser. This is your opportunity to discuss any
concerns you have before the test. |
You
might like to discuss some of the risk factors associated
with HIV. This is a chance to talk about the sex that you
are or have been having and how this can be made as safe
as possible.
|
| The
counsellors describe themselves as non-judgemental: "Believe
us you won't say anything we haven't heard before." |
| This
is also the time to make sure that you are being tested
at the right time (it should be at least 12 weeks from your
last risk). |
| The
counsellors will discuss with you what happens to your blood
when it is taken to the laboratory and explain what an HIV
antibody positive result is and we will ask you to consider
positive and negative results. |
| You
can then decide whether or not to proceed with the test.
There is no obligation to do this but if you go ahead a
sample of your blood will then be taken. |
| An
appointment will then be made for you to return and collect
the results on the same day the following week. |
The
Grove Clinic can also give you information and advice about
making sex safer. The counsellors can discuss other types
of infection with you or arrange for you to have hepatitis
B vaccinations if you feel that this is appropriate.
|
| Tests
are also available for gonorrhoea, chlamydia and other non-specific
infections. If you aren't using condom because you find
it difficult to discuss this with your partner(s) the counsellors
at the can suggest ways in which you can broach this awkward
matter. |
| The
Grove Clinic also supplies free condoms and lube to its
callers: "We believe that knowledge is the key to a
happy and healthy sex life and are available to help you
make sure it stays that way." |
| All
of the places listed on the sexual
health guide will provide you with full confidentiality.
See also gay men's sex
survey |
