Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are more common than you might think. These days, it is common for people to become sexually active in their teenage years and have multiple partners. While sexual openness is nothing to be ashamed of, being sexually open allows one to understand themselves better. However, when one is sexually open and has multiple sexual partners, they are also at risk of contracting STIs. If you are sexually active, undergoing regular STI tests is crucial. It can help quickly diagnose if you have accidentally contracted an STI, start early treatment and protect your health against aggressive STIs. For this, you can go to an NHS-backed or a private STI clinic in London. But the real question is, which one is better for you?
NHS-Backed STI Clinic vs. Private STI Clinic – Which Is Better for You?
The National Health Scheme, or NHS, is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. It came into being in 1964 under the National Health Service Act. Under this scheme, residents of the UK can receive free healthcare. It has benefitted millions of people across the UK. The state-funded healthcare system has played a crucial role in making quality healthcare accessible to all residents. This has impacted the lives of several people for the better. However, in recent years, there have been financial issues within the system, and the pressure on the NHS has increased immensely. More and more people are queuing in the emergency room, but the ratio of healthcare professionals for each patient has become a point of concern. This has resulted in poor quality of healthcare, longer wait times, an increased burnout rate in healthcare professionals and pressure on hospitals.
Apart from the government-aided model, there is a parallel private healthcare system running. This parallel system is run by private entities and has gained popularity due to increasing pressure on the NHS, leading to lower-quality treatment for patients. People have grown tired of waiting all day in emergency rooms only to receive rushed consultations. This growing dissatisfaction with the NHS has led people to seek alternatives, with private healthcare emerging as a preferred option.
STI clinics in London operate under both NHS and private systems. There is a significant difference between the two, and before you go for an STI test in London, you should understand this to make an informed decision regarding your health. Let's try to understand it in more detail.
NHS-Supported STI Clinics in London
In the NHS-supported clinics in London, there are both pros and cons. Weighing out the pros and cons of the system, you should decide if you should go to an NHS-supported clinic for an STI clinic in London or not.
Pros
● One of the biggest reasons why people go to NHS-backed STI clinics in London is because of its affordability. As the clinic is funded by the NHS, people can get their test done at a nominal fee or free. This has helped many people who can't afford expensive private STI clinics in London to keep an eye on their sexual health.
● Private STI clinics in London can only be accessible to a few people. The NHS-backed STI clinic in London makes STI tests accessible to more people. Even students with no income can get STI tests to keep their sexual health in check.
Cons
● The NHS-supported STI clinics are also under extreme pressure. These clinics often don't have enough healthcare professional-to-patient ratio. Therefore, people have to wait a long time to get their tests done.
● After a long wait, you have successfully undergone STI testing at an NHS-supported clinic in London, although the results can take some time to arrive. This long wait time only adds to the anxiety of the patient who has signed up for an STI test. This has been a problem with the busy and understaffed NHS clinic in London.
● When a patient receives a positive test result, they feel their life is falling apart. In such a situation, the patient needs counselling and guidance from the doctor to ensure their wellness. In NHS-supported STI clinics in London, the healthcare professionals to patients ratio is quite low. For this reason, there is a rush in these clinics, and doctors do not have time to give proper guidance to patients once they have received their results.
Private STI Clinics in London
Private STI clinics are the alternative options available to the NHS-supported clinics in London. People often visit these clinics instead of government-aided clinics because of the pros they offer. However, there are a few cons as well. Let's dig deeper to understand them.
Pros
● A variety of STI diagnostic tests are offered by private STI clinics in London. A person can get tested for a variety of STIs if they believe they have contracted one. The testing procedure is now fairly easy, and credit goes to the private STI clinics in London. You can even get same-day results for your STI tests. This has reduced a lot of the wait time people have to endure in NHS clinics.
● Compared to the government-aided testing facilities, the private STI diagnosis clinics in London are not as crowded. People don't have to wait in long queues and wait for their turn. The process is fairly quick and easy. There is no long waiting time; you will be in and out of the testing clinic.
● Once you have received your results and if they are positive, support will be available at the private STI clinic in London. They have doctors and other healthcare providers to guide patients and offer them the support they need. This kind of guidance and attention helps the patient make better and more informed decisions about their health.
Cons
● Private STI clinics in London do not provide testing at a subsidised or for free. They will charge you for your tests. Although the cost per test isn't astronomically high, it can still feel like a pinch to some people. People who can afford these tests prefer to pay a little extra for STI tests rather than waiting in the queue at an NHS clinic.
● Private STI clinics are not available everywhere in London. There are fewer clinics, which means it isn't as accessible for people looking for STI testing. However, private STI clinics are trying to address the matter by opening in more locations around London.
Getting tested for STIs regularly is crucial in today's world. People who claim they have never contracted an STI can be unaware of the reality, as many STIs are asymptomatic. STI testing is the only way to tell with certainty if one has contracted an STI or not. Through this, you might have gained some perspective on what’s non-negotiable or where you are ready to compromise. But there is no doubt: if you are sexually active, you must undergo regular STI testing. Depending on what works for you—NHS or private STI clinics—you must book for STI testing. If you don't have a budget and want quick, accurate results for STIs, instead of waiting in an NHS clinic, book an STI test at a private clinic now!