Do You Need an Urgent STI Appointment? What to Do After Exposure, Symptoms, or a Partner Testing Positive
Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, 73 Baker Street
Private same-day STI testing • No waiting lists • Results in 24–42 hours
Westminster residents receive 20% off all sexual health tests.
Every day in London, people wonder whether they need an urgent sexual health appointment – or whether they can simply walk in somewhere, order a home kit, or wait.
Many NHS services give guidance like:
- “Walk in if you’ve had HIV exposure in 72 hours”
- “Come in for emergency contraception”
- “Come in if a partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia / gonorrhoea / syphilis / HIV”
- “Most routine STI checks don’t need appointments”
But NHS clinics such as 56 Dean Street and Burrell Street are extremely busy, often with long queues and very limited same-day availability.
If you need a test now — without long waits or crowded waiting rooms — Marylebone Diagnostic Centre offers private, same-day STI screening with fast, discreet results.
This guide helps you understand when you need urgent testing, what to test for, when to book, and how to avoid delays.
If You Have Been Exposed to HIV in the Last 72 Hours
This is an emergency situation.
You must attend an A&E or emergency sexual health service for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
PEP is most effective when taken within 72 hours of exposure.
After you start PEP, you will still need:
HIV testing
STI testing
Kidney + liver monitoring
Follow-up screening at 4 weeks and 12 weeks
MDC can provide every follow-up test, with results in 24–42 hours.
If You Need Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is not provided at MDC.
You should:
- Go to your local pharmacy
- Go to an NHS sexual health clinic
- Book emergency contraception using NHS services
But afterwards – you should still have an STI test, especially after unprotected sex.
MDC offers same-day testing.
If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
You must attend:
- A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), or
- A&E (if needed urgently)
These specialist services provide:
Forensic care
Emergency contraception
STI prevention
Support
Safeguarding
Once medically safe, MDC can support you later with:
Follow-up STI tests
HIV + syphilis retesting
Kidney + liver blood work (if needed)
Private, quiet environment
We keep everything confidential.
If a Partner Has Tested Positive for an STI
You should get tested immediately if a partner has been diagnosed with:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- LGV
- HIV
These infections can be silent, so even without symptoms, you need a test.
MDC offers:
- Urine tests
- Swabs (vaginal / throat / rectal if required)
- HIV / syphilis / hepatitis blood tests
- Culture & sensitivity if symptoms are present
- Results in 24–42 hours
- Private rooms, no walk-in crowds
Do You Need an Appointment for a Routine STI Test?
If you’re symptom-free and just want a check-up:
- NHS clinics will often direct you to order a home kit
- NHS walk-in clinics can be busy and unpredictable
- Private clinics offer full panels with fast turnaround
At MDC:
You don’t need an appointment (same-day slots available)
You can book instantly online or by phone
You can walk in and be seen quickly
All test results return in 24–42 hours
What Tests Should You Have After Unprotected Sex?
A complete sexual health screen should include:
Urine test
For chlamydia & gonorrhoea.
Blood tests
For HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C.
Swabs (if needed)
Throat, vaginal, or rectal depending on exposure.
Doctor review
To explain results clearly.
MDC offers Basic and Advanced Sexual Health Profiles, reviewed by a doctor.
When Should You Get Tested After Sex? (Timing Matters)
Different infections show up at different times.
Chlamydia / Gonorrhoea:
Test from 2 weeks
HIV (4th generation):
Best at 28 days
(earlier test still useful, follow-up needed)
Syphilis:
Test from 28 days
Hepatitis B & C:
Test from 28 days
If you have symptoms:
Test immediately
MDC clinicians guide you on timing.
Symptoms That Require Urgent STI Testing
If you have any of these, do not wait:
- Burning when you urinate
- Unusual discharge
- Pelvic or testicular pain
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Lower abdominal pain
- Strong odour
- Ulcers or sores
- Fever
- Sore throat after oral sex
Same-day testing is available.
Why People Choose Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC)
- No queues
- Discreet private clinic rooms
- Same-day testing
- Fast results: 24–42 hours
- Reviewed by Dr
- 1:1 confidential care
- 5 minutes from Baker Street Tube
- Westminster residents get 20% off
- Full advanced STI panels
We give you answers quickly, privately, and professionally.
Book an STI Appointment in Central London Today
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
📞 +44 7495 970109
📅 Monday–Saturday | 08:00–16:00
🚇 Baker Street Tube – 5 minutes away
Private • Same-Day • Confidential • Fast Results
Westminster residents: 20% off
