"West Middlesex sexual health clinic"

I came to the sexual health clinic regarding genital herpes, I had been given some antiviral medicine by my GP 4 days prior to my visit but it was not working sufficiently so was directed by Hounslow sexual health clinic to visit this clinic. I went in the morning but it was full so I came back in the afternoon. THe waiting time was long but I didn’t mind as I understand it is the nature of the service and everybody has to wait and the nurses are doing there best of course. The nurse and the trainee girl carried out the consultation I was asked how many people i had been sexually active with in the last 6 months (I told her under 10) and in response to my answer I was asked if I was a sex worker to which I replied no because I am not and have never been.

I was so hurt by this question as I have never been asked this question during a sexual health check up and felt embarrassed and ashamed. Because of this, due to my own issues with anxiety and paranoia of needles, I was a bit shaken and upset i could not follow through with my blood test and I was in tears in the nurses room. I Underatand that the questions are all part of the consultation but feel like the nurse could have maybe rephrased this question or something, just due to the fact that this made me feel so uncomfortable. I will be carrying out my blood tests at the Hounslow sexual clinic. I was also asked at what age I lost my virginity which I feel is private and didn’t see the relevance. Although overall I was satisfied and received the medicine which I needed and I had no other issues with this practice, just thought I would raise this as a potential issue.