Sexual Health Testing
Gay and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by poor sexual health and rates of infection for most STIs remain unacceptably high.
With many of the most common STIs not displaying clear symptoms, having a regular sexual health check-up is the best way to know your status and to reduce the number of any new infections.
It is now recommended that men who regularly have sex with men, particularly those having anal sex, have a regular sexual health check every three months, including an HIV test.
SX offers the following testing services:
M-Test [Currently suspended due to the pandemic]
SX is a regular venue for M-Test, a weekly community sexual health testing service for gay and bisexual men, and all men who have sex with men.
The service, delivered by NHS Lothian’s ROAM Outreach team, is based in the SX Hub at 1 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, every Tuesday from 2pm-4:30pm then reopens 5:00pm-7:30pm. The service is drop-in, so no appointments are necessary.
M-test offers access to free, confidential and anonymous testing for:
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
Results for HIV and Syphilis tests will be given to you at the end of your visit to the clinic, with Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea results made available one week later via an automated phone service..
In addition, you can access one-to-one support, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, and access to advice, free condoms and lube.
SX is one of five community venues where m-test is offered. Additional clinics are available from:
- Leith Community Treatment Centre – Every Monday, 5-7pm
- Galashiels Health Centre – Every Tuesday 10am-1pm
- Whitburn Health Centre – Every Wednesday 1:30-7:30pm
- Craigroyston Health Centre – Every Friday 1:30-3:30pm
In addition, sauna testing is usually available on Wednesdays and Thursdays at No.18 and Steamworks. Call 07774 628 227 to check times.
To find out more about the m-test service, including specific details for additional venues, visit the ROAM website here.
Checkpoint [Currently suspended due to the pandemic]
Checkpoint is a testing service in Lothian which is available for anyone who wants to know their HIV, Syphilis or Hepatitis status.
The project is delivered by SX, in partnership with Waverley Care, and offers a mix of appointments and drop-in clinics to suit your needs.
CheckPoint offers access to free, confidential and anonymous testing for:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
Results for HIV tests will be given to you at the end of your visit. Tests for hepatitis B and C take up to two weeks to come back and we can arrange to get your results to you in a way that suits you.
In addition to testing, you can access one-to-one support and access to advice, free condoms and lube.
The service is provided from SX Hub, 3 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6NB. Appointments are available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. To make an appointment, call Waverley Care on 0131 558 1425, or email checkpoint@waverleycare.org.
In addition, we offer a weekly drop-in clinic with no appointments necessary. The drop-in runs every Thursday evening from 5-7pm.
If you are unable to access an appointment, or the drop-in clinic, we may be able to arrange testing in a location to suit you. You can contact us to discuss your needs on 0131 652 3250, or by emailing info@s-x.scot.
SX can provide support for men to access testing, by working closely with Central Sexual Health.
Clinics are located at:
Stirling Health & Care Village, Area 1, Livilands Gate, Stirling. FK8 2AU
Monday morning & afternoon
Tuesday morning & afternoon
Directions to Stirling Health & Care Village
Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre Hallpark Road, Sauchie. FK10 3JQ
Wednesday afternoon & evening
Directions to Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre
To access the sexual health services enter the building from the Parkhead Road entrance and report to the main reception.
Falkirk Community Hospital, Suite D Major’s Loan, Falkirk. FK1 5QE
Wednesday, morning & afternoon
Thursday, morning, afternoon & evening
Friday morning & afternoon
