Genitourinary medicine, also known as GUM, is a branch of medicine that deals primarily with sexually transmitted diseases. A large part of this work involves HIV care, and GUM physicians are highly experienced and current with their knowledge of HIV, making a GUM clinic the best place to go for an HIV test.
The branch of medicine called %genitourinary medicine% deals primarily with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Other branches of medicine also deal with the reproductive and urinary systems; for example, an obstetrician manages pregnancy and birth, and a urologist manages serious conditions of the kidneys and bladder (such as tumors). However, a physician specialising in genitourinary medicine (also known as GUM) typically focuses on treating STDs. Some GUM physicians also provide birth control and manage other aspects of sexual health.
The management of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) constitutes a large part of the practice of a GUM physician. This is because the management of HIV is complex. Lifelong medications are required, which may cause side effects or interact with other medications. The virus can also develop resistance to the medications, and new medications (and combinations of them) are constantly being developed by research. Because the management of HIV is so complex, it’s best done by a specialist.
If you believe that you may have been exposed to HIV, you should seek your %HIV test% at a genitourinary medicine clinic. At a GUM clinic, you’ll be able to obtain whichever type of test you would like. There are rapid HIV tests available that provide results within an hour. However, if you take the test too soon after your exposure to HIV, your body may not yet have mounted an immune response to the virus, and the test may show a negative result even if you do have HIV. Your GUM physician will tell you whether you should come back for another HIV test in three months.
It’s recommended that some people have an %HIV test in Singapore% once per year or even more often. This screens for HIV, in case you’ve been unknowingly exposed. If you aren’t sure how often you need screening, you can ask your GUM clinic staff.
If you have your HIV test at a GUM clinic, then you’ll also have access to an expert in treatment if it turns out that you do have HIV. A GUM physician can also offer you HIV PEP, which is a regimen of medications that can help to prevent you from acquiring HIV after an exposure, if you need it. A GUM clinic may also be known as an STD clinic, but will be staffed by the same type of specialists.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. “STD symptoms: Common STDs and their symptoms.” Mayo Clinic. Published 18 Mar 2015. Accessed 28 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/std-symptoms/art-20047081
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 25 Feb 2014. Accessed 28 Jun 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Screening Recommendations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Recommendation Sources.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 4 Jun 2015. Accessed 28 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/screening-recommendations.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 28 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
References
Genitourinary medicine at Shim Clinic, Singapore