Your Private GP and Sexual Health Clinic in Canary Wharf

Sex is a lot of fun, but it does carry some risks

We are here to help you mitigate those risks

Dr Wayne Cottrell:

  • Regular STI screening is vital as many STIs have no symptoms, and infections can easily be missed
  • Diagnosing and treating an STI early on is easier, and it means you are less likely to pass it on
  • Being honest about your sexual history with new partners will help build trust and keep both partners safe
  • Always screen for STIs before starting a new sexual relationship
  • Know your limits when it comes to alcohol and drugs, as they can impair inhibitions and increase sexual risk-taking
  • Speak to your doctor about any new symptoms

Condoms

  • Still, the easiest and most effective way to protect yourself against a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and unwanted pregnancy
  • Remember to use lots of water-based lubricants (oil based lubricants will damage latex condoms)
  • Provided the condom is put on correctly, stays on throughout the sex, and doesn’t break, it should protect you against HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhoea,mycoplasma and chlamydia
  • Condoms do not give complete protection against STI’s such as Herpes or genital warts
  • Remember that STI’s also transmit through oral sex, so condoms won’t protect you

DENTAL DAM

  • A barrier protection method for oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex (rimming)

PREP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis)

  • An extremely effective way to protect against HIV infection
  • It involves taking one of the drugs we use to treat HIV on a daily or as-needed basis
  • It is very effective in protecting against HIV infection
  • I recommend PREP to all my sexually active patients
  • Remember that PREP doesn’t protect you against other STI’s

PEP (POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS)

  • If you have had a potential high-risk exposure for HIV, ask for PEP
  • PEP needs to be started as soon as possible after the event and no later than 72 hours
  • If you think you have been exposed, please see a doctor immediately, either at your local GUM clinic or A&E over weekends
  • We are able to source a starter pack of PEP if needed for same-day delivery to the preferred address (weekdays only)
  • This will give you enough medication for a week to allow you time to attend an NHS sexual health clinic

Preventative Vaccines

Hepatitis A vaccination:

  • Prevents infection with Hepatitis A virus
  • Passed on through certain types of sexual activities involving the feco-oral route (rimming)
  • Recommended for all MSM patients

Hepatitis B vaccination:

  • Prevents infection with Hepatitis B virus
  • Hep B can be sexually transmitted
  • It affects the liver and can cause liver scarring (fibrosis) and cirrhosis, leading to liver failure or liver cancer
  • Recommended for all MSM or anyone with an increased risk of blood exposure, such as healthcare workers, sex workers, etc

HPV vaccination:

  • A preventative vaccine against the 9 most common types of HPV
  • HPV causes genital warts and certain cancers (cervical, anal, throat, penile, vaginal)
  • It is licensed as a preventative vaccine for all patients up to the age of 45, but I recommend it to all my sexually active patients
  • There is some evidence that it also helps patients who already have HPV infection

If you are concerned about or just want advice on STI’s, please call: 0203 197 9100 or contact us via email at: contact@drwaynecottrell.com

For more information or to book an appointment call our clinic on the number below: 

0203 197 9100BOOK APPOINTMENT

Dr Wayne Cottrell will be back in the clinic from 18 October and the clinic will be open every weekday from that date

Canada Place Shopping Mall
34 North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HX

0203 197 9100

Monday: 08:00-18:30
Tuesday: 08:00-18:30
Wednesday: 09:00-17:00
Thursday: 09:00-17:00
Friday: 09:00-17:00