Sexual health in Preston, handled with discretion and without judgement
A new partner, a recent exposure, a symptom you're not sure about, or a screen you've been meaning to arrange for months. Whatever brought you here, the appointment is straightforward, completely private, and handled by a doctor who has these conversations every day.
Completely confidential No referral needed No explanation at booking Evenings & Saturdays
Why people seek a confidential consultation
Sexual health concerns are among the most common reasons people seek private GP care — and among the most commonly put off. What usually delays people isn't the medical issue itself, but the discomfort of discussing it. A private consultation offers a confidential setting, direct access to the same doctor, and the chance to discuss concerns without feeling rushed.
Sexual health concerns we can help with
The following concerns can all be addressed in a single appointment at our Fulwood clinic. Where further investigation or specialist referral is needed, it's arranged during the consultation.
STI Testing
Routine and comprehensive STI screens including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes and trichomonas. Available as a standalone appointment or as part of a broader consultation.
Symptoms After Sexual Contact
Discharge, pain, sores, rashes or anything that has appeared after sexual contact and needs proper assessment. Examination arranged where appropriate and treatment prescribed if needed at the same appointment.
HIV Testing & PEP
Confidential HIV testing with advice on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) where appropriate.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination can be discussed and arranged where clinically appropriate.
Contraception Advice
Emergency contraception, ongoing contraception options and family planning — all discussed in a single appointment without a separate referral.
Find out more about women’s health →Sexual Wellbeing Concerns
Low libido, sexual dysfunction and other sexual wellbeing concerns can be assessed and discussed in a confidential setting.
Men’s health, in more detail →Not sure whether your concern is listed? WhatsApp the clinic and we'll advise before you book.
STI testing and sexual health screening
Many sexually transmitted infections can be present without causing symptoms, which is why screening is often recommended following a new partner, unprotected sex, or if you haven't been tested recently.
Testing may involve a urine sample, blood test or swab depending on the infections being screened for. Dr Secretary will advise on the most appropriate tests for your circumstances and explain the results personally once available.
BASHH guidelines recommend annual STI screening for sexually active adults under 25, and for those with multiple partners at any age.
What happens during a sexual health consultation?
A sexual health appointment follows a clear, predictable structure. Knowing what to expect in advance makes the process easier for most patients.
Discussion
A brief discussion about your symptoms, concerns, sexual history and the type of assessment required.
Testing
Appropriate samples are taken during the appointment and everything is explained beforehand.
Results & Treatment
Results are discussed directly with you. Treatment or referral is arranged where needed.
Where a concern requires specialist input — for example referral to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or a gynaecologist — the referral letter is written and sent during the appointment at no additional charge.
What confidentiality means here
Confidentiality is a core part of every sexual health appointment. Your results and medical information are not shared without your consent, and you choose how you'd like to be contacted.
- Your results are not shared with your NHS GP without your consent — even if Dr Secretary has access to your NHS records.
- Nothing from your appointment appears in correspondence to your home address without your agreement on the format.
- You can specify how you would like to be contacted about results, including WhatsApp or a specific phone number.
- Your sexual health history is not included in any shared records without your permission.
- All consultations are held in line with GMC confidentiality guidelines.
Pricing for sexual health appointments
All fees are shown below. There's no registration charge and no joining fee. Where a consultation is booked alongside screening, one appointment covers both.
More individualised screening panels are available — discuss your requirements at booking or at the start of your appointment. View the full pricing page →
Privacy, continuity and time to talk
The Same Doctor Every Time
Dr Secretary handles every sexual health appointment personally. No rotation, no locum. If you return for a follow-up, the same doctor who saw you initially will be in the room.
Time to Talk Properly
A 30-minute appointment is enough time to discuss your history, your concerns and your options — without feeling processed through a system.
A Non-Judgemental Environment
Sexual health is a clinical matter. Every patient is treated with the same respect as any other health concern, regardless of history or circumstances.
GP-Led Assessment
All testing, examination and treatment decisions are made by Dr Secretary directly — not delegated to a nurse-only pathway.
Prompt Access to Blood Tests
Where blood testing is needed, it is arranged at the same appointment through our private blood testing service, with results discussed personally.
Sexual health support from Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP with experience in NHS general practice and sexual health care. He provides confidential consultations for STI concerns, sexual wellbeing issues, contraception advice and HIV testing, with a focus on clear communication and continuity of care.
"Sexual health deserves the same attention and professionalism as any other aspect of healthcare."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full profile →
Sexual health in Preston, answered
What is a sexual health check?
A sexual health check is a clinical assessment and screening process for sexually transmitted infections. It typically involves a brief discussion with the doctor, a urine sample and, depending on the infections being screened for, a blood test.
Can I get an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, may not cause symptoms initially. This is why regular screening is recommended after a new partner, unprotected sex, or if you have not been tested recently.
How soon after exposure should I get tested for an STI?
The timing depends on the infection. For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, testing is reliable from around two weeks after exposure. HIV testing is most accurate from 45 days after exposure using a fourth-generation test, though earlier testing is available. Syphilis typically shows on a blood test from three weeks after exposure.
Are sexual health appointments confidential?
Yes, completely. Results are not shared with your NHS GP, your employer or anyone else without your explicit consent. All consultations are conducted in line with GMC confidentiality guidelines and UK data protection law.
Can a private GP test for STIs?
Yes. A private GP can carry out STI testing, arrange blood panels, examine patients where clinically appropriate and prescribe treatment. At My Private Clinic, all testing is arranged and results discussed by Dr Secretary directly.
What happens during a sexual health consultation?
Dr Secretary takes a brief relevant history, discusses the type of screening appropriate for your circumstances and arranges the necessary tests during the appointment. Where symptoms are present, a clinical examination may be carried out. Results are returned within 24 to 72 hours and discussed directly.
Do I need a sexual health check if I have no symptoms?
Yes, in many circumstances. Routine screening is recommended for all sexually active adults, particularly following a new partner, unprotected sex, or if you have not been screened recently. The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of infection. BASHH guidelines recommend annual STI screening for sexually active adults under 25 and for those with multiple partners at any age.
How quickly do STI test results come back?
Most results are returned within 24 to 72 hours. Dr Secretary contacts you directly once results are available, using the contact method you have specified.
Where can I get a sexual health check near me?
If you’re searching for a sexual health check near you, My Private Clinic offers confidential appointments, screening and STI testing in Preston, with evening and Saturday slots at our Fulwood clinic.
Book a confidential sexual health appointment in Preston
Whether you need STI testing, sexual health advice, or reassurance about a recent concern, Dr Secretary offers confidential appointments in a professional, supportive setting. Patients attend from across Preston and surrounding Lancashire. Evening and Saturday appointments are available at our Fulwood clinic.