Sexual Health
Understanding Abnormal Urination: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Urination is a natural bodily function that is often taken for granted until abnormalities arise. Abnormal urination can be a
July 9, 2024
£65
4 -12 hours
N/A
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a pathogen that targets the body’s immune system. The progression of HIV infection occurs in stages. Initially, individuals experience acute HIV infection, which may manifest with flu-like symptoms.
Left untreated, HIV can advance to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a severe condition where the immune system is severely compromised and unable to combat infections effectively.
HIV/AIDS remains a significant global health challenge, impacting millions worldwide. Ongoing efforts to prevent new infections, enhance treatment access, and support affected communities are critical endeavors.
HIV can spread through unprotected sexual contact, particularly through anal and vaginal intercourse without condoms, sharing needles among intravenous drug users, and from mother to child during childbirth, breastfeeding, or pregnancy.
Transmission risk is influenced by factors such as viral load (higher levels increase risk), consistent condom use (which significantly reduces sexual transmission), avoiding needle sharing (which reduces risk among drug users), and effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can suppress viral load, thereby lowering transmission risk.
We provide a range of HIV tests at our clinic, including the HIV Antibody and P24 Antigen Test, Multiplex Testing, and the Instant HIV Test.
Each test has a different window period and is appropriate for various patients depending on their recent exposure to the virus or the need for re-testing. The standard HIV test can be taken 6 weeks post-exposure, while the earliest test that can be taken after exposure is the Multiplex Test.
If you are unsure which test is most suitable for you, please contact us, we are here to help. Our experienced team can help guide you in selecting the most appropriate test for your situation.
HIV testing provides critical benefits to individuals and communities. It allows for early detection, enabling prompt medical treatment that improves health outcomes and extends life expectancy. Knowing one’s HIV status also helps prevent transmission to others through informed decisions and access to preventive measures.
Testing connects individuals to essential medical care, counselling, and support services, addressing both medical and emotional needs. For those testing negative, it offers peace of mind and reinforces preventive behaviours. At a public health level, HIV testing informs strategies to monitor and reduce transmission, crucial for controlling and eventually ending the HIV epidemic.
HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles contaminated with infected blood (common in injecting drug use), and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Healthcare workers may also be at risk through accidental needle sticks. Understanding these transmission routes is vital for implementing effective prevention strategies and reducing HIV transmission in communities.
Effective HIV prevention methods include consistent condom use during sex, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at high risk, and needle exchange programs to reduce transmission among injecting drug users. Regular HIV testing ensures early detection and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus and lowers transmission risk.
Treatment as Prevention (TasP) emphasises viral suppression among HIV-positive individuals through ART, reducing transmission to partners. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns are essential in promoting HIV knowledge, risk reduction strategies, and reducing stigma.
Upon testing positive for HIV, here are the next steps:
Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.
On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.
You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.
We kindly request that you arrive at your appointment adequately hydrated, as this facilitates the blood sampling process. This preparation helps ensure a smoother experience during your visit, allowing for easier and more efficient blood collection. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes to a more effective and comfortable appointment for you.
This test involves a straightforward procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein in your arm to draw a small sample of blood. It is a routine and minimally invasive process that allows healthcare professionals to collect the sample needed for testing at the laboratory.
Once your results are available, the doctor will contact you to discuss them. Any follow-up visits needed will be arranged during this call. You can choose to receive your results via email or post after your discussion with the doctor, or you may collect them in person or contact us directly for them. If you opt for the instant HIV test, you will receive your result immediately during the consultation.
Incorporated
in 1998
Experienced doctors & a professional team
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Up-to-date with the latest treatments & testing
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Experienced doctors & a professional team
Affordable private
health care
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Fast, affordable, high-quality GP and medical testing services with same-day appointments.
We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.
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Please note that Walk-in Clinic is a private medical centre & not an NHS service. City Walk-in Clinic Ltd company registration no. 07472804
