Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Analgesia team
What Does a Gum Clinic do?
The medical abbreviation GUM stands for Genitourinary Medicine. This medical specialty focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other conditions affecting the genital and urinary systems.
GUM clinics, also known as sexual health clinics (SHCs), can provide tests and treatment for STIs, as well as advice and free contraception and condoms.
These clinics offer a range of services, including:
- Testing and treatment for STIs, including HIV testing
- Contraception advice and services, including emergency contraception
- Pregnancy testing and advice
- Abortion advice and services
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to protect against HIV
- Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Support and advice for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or rape