Imperial College Union’s Sexual Health Clinic returns this Thursday 27 February. Now that exams are over for most of us, there’s no excuse not to get tested: with no studying required and results returned faster than most College departments, even the addition of a blood test means this is a less painful experience than January exams.

All joking aside, getting tested regularly and practicing safe sex are the most important things you can do for your sexual health. Many STIs are completely symptomless, especially in women, so getting tested regularly even if you feel fine is encouraged – better safe than sorry.

The STI clinic that comes to the Union is completely free and tests for a range of STIs. In an appointment, you will go in and have a chat to the clinic nurse who will ask you some questions about your sex life and sexual health. After that, you will be asked to provide a urine sample and you may also be offered a rapid HIV test (which you are welcome to decline if you feel uncomfortable). Results of the urine test will usually be returned in a few weeks whilst the HIV results will be returned in just a couple of minutes. Appointments last about 15 minutes in total and they are available from 11AM-4PM so you should be able to fit one into your day. If you want to book an appointment, email Zoe, the Representation Coordinator at z.richardson@ic.ac.uk. Your details will be kept confidential.

While I’m on the subject of sexual health, I’ll just mention that you can get condoms from the South Kensington Campus in the following places:

• Student Activities Centre (Floor 2M of the Union Building in Beit) – provides condoms, dental dams and pregnancy tests at the reception desk
• Imperial College Health Centre – provides condoms on request. You can also approach your GP for contraceptive advice and emergency contraceptives
• Halls of Residence – your hall of residence should have condom reps who you can approach for condoms when needed
• Beit bars – you can also ask staff working in the bars in Beit for a pack of condoms