Matthew Hodson

In the latest issue of FS magazine from GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, Mike reveals how, after a long time of putting it off, he took a deep breath and headed to the GUM clinic for the first time – only to find out it wasn’t such a big deal after all.
 
Mike said:
“The idea of it made me feel uncomfortable… Then I read an article in a magazine saying how you can have some sexually transmitted infections and not even know it, and they can cause physical and mental damage if not treated… It also said that if you do have HIV the sooner you know the better. With all this whizzing around in my head, I thought it was time to bite the bullet and go for a check-up.”

According to a GMFA spokesman:
"Going for a sexual health check-up can be quick and simple, so it is well-worth making the effort. If you are sexually active, it is recommended you go about every six months to see if you’ve picked up any infections. You may have an STI without knowing it, so sexual health check-ups are an important part of staying healthy.
 
"When you go for a check-up, most clinics now include an HIV test on an ‘opt out’ basis – they tell you they’re doing an HIV test and you have an option to decline – rather than you asking for one yourself."
 
Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, adds:
“Mike’s experience is common among gay men. Sometimes going to the clinic can seem a hassle, or we’re worried about what will happen. But often it’s simpler than going to a GP, a dentist, or even to get your hair cut. And it’s an important part of looking after ourselves and keeping our bodies in check.”
 
The article ‘I was a sex clinic virgin’ appears in issue 116 of FS magazine, the gay man’s magazine from GMFA. FS is available for free in gay venues and GUM clinics across the  UK or can be downloaded at www.gmfa.org.uk/fs.

For full listings of sexual health clinics in London, and links to clinics around the UK, visit:
www.gmfa.org.uk/clinics