STI testing in London is free and confidential. You can go to an NHS sexual health clinic without a referral from a GP, and if you live in London you can order a free test kit online to use at home. This guide explains how both work, what a test covers and what to do after unprotected sex. It is written for people who see escorts or have more than one partner, and for the escorts themselves.
Where to get tested
- NHS sexual health clinics. You can walk in or book, you do not need a GP referral, and care is confidential. Central London clinics include 56 Dean Street in Soho, the Mortimer Market Centre in Bloomsbury and the Burrell Street Clinic in Southwark, and there are many others across London.
- Free home kits. Sexual Health London, at shl.uk, runs a free online service for people who live in London. You register, complete an online consultation, receive a kit by post, send your samples back and get your results by text or email.
If you are visiting London you can still use a walk in clinic. Sexual health services in England are open to everyone.
What a test covers
A standard screen usually covers chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV, using a urine sample, swabs and a blood test. Ask about hepatitis B and C if you may be at risk. Some infections take weeks to show on a test, so the clinic will tell you when to test and when to retest.
When to test
- After a new partner, or after sex without a condom.
- Regularly if you have more than one partner. A clinic will advise how often.
- If you have symptoms, such as discharge, pain, sores or irritation. Do not wait.
After a risk
PEP, post exposure prophylaxis, can stop an HIV infection after a risk, but it must be started within 72 hours, and sooner is better. It is free from sexual health clinics and from A&E. Emergency contraception is available from pharmacies, GPs and sexual health clinics. PrEP, which prevents HIV, is available free from NHS sexual health clinics in England if you are eligible.
Condoms and escorts
Condoms cut the risk for vaginal and anal sex, and are advised for oral sex too. A listing that offers sex without a condom is offering a risk, and bareback meaning explains why. OWO and CIM carry their own risks.
If a test is positive
Most infections are easy to treat, and HIV is a manageable long term condition. The clinic will explain the treatment, and help you tell recent partners without naming you if you prefer. Clinics do not tell your GP unless you ask them to.
For people who sell sex
The same free, confidential services are open to you, and National Ugly Mugs offers safety tools and support. Safety and help lists the contacts.