STI Clinics in Ireland (list in first post updated 10/08/2010)

LegacyUser

danh789 wrote: »

anyone know what the problem is with the clinic in galway, I keep ringing but there is no answer

What no ya calling? The no is (091) 525200..
You'd wanna call between 8.30 and 12. Only open a few mornings a week too..

LegacyUser

Does any one know if genital warts treatment is free in James or anywhere cheapish? I've been getting cryotherapy to get rid of them in well woman for the past 4 weeks (once a week) but at 30 euro a go I can't afford it anymore as I'm a student and so broke at the moment. I'm not sure how many more times I'll have to go, hopefully not many, its a horrible feeling and a rotten thing to have, especially when I've never had unprotected sex in my life

LegacyUser

It's just as horrible if you have had unprotected sex.

The mater won't charge you but you perhaps have to get a referral from a GP. Ring them

I would imagine to almost beyond doubt that st james treat them and you can jsut walk in.

I've had three people treat mine: GP, Dr Freedman in Ranelagh and a hospital in England.

The GP used a cryotherapy from what was essentially like a deoderant can spraying liquid nitrogen, Dr Freedman used Liquid Nitrogen from a cup with a cotton bud and the hospital in England used a metal contraption that looked like something from a paramilitary arsenal that sprayed out jets of liquid Nitrogen.

The one from the GP didn't really hurt much, gave me some cream too but didn't clear up infection. Dr freedman's method hurt quite a bit, put some lotion on after and told me not to wash it for 3 days. This cleared up vast majority but still had small amount, went back later than I should have and he repeated procedure, once again had about 4/5 small ones about 2 weeks after treatment. By this stage I had moved to England, went into local hospital on walk in STD night of the week, Dr sprayed each wart, told me if any left after a week to apply a lotion he gave me for three days. None left by end of week and none have returned since.

I typed this as I'm concerned the clinc you're going to aren't using a powerful enough source of Liquid Nitrogen, you should be almost clear after 4 weeks. From what I've heard a lot of GPs don't know what they're doing with the more complicated STD treatments. I haven't heard many great reviews of WW either.

I'd say your best bet is find the GUM section of a hospital. I'd recommend Dr Freedman too but he's pricey. Though his warts treatment covered 100% if you have health insurance

also hit the genital region with talcum powder twice a day. The warts multiply faster in moist conditions and the powder will stop a lot of the moistness. Though it won't get rid of any current warts

Keep the chin up, they will go away once you have the right doctor. Make sure you get a full check up, warts are the most common sti, and condoms don't stop you getting em but it will still play on your mind until you're get the full all clear

Victor

Unregistered wrote: »

I typed this as I'm concerned the clinc you're going to aren't using a powerful enough source of Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid Nitrogen is Liquid Nitrogen.

LegacyUser

Thanks for the info. To be honest I'm feeling really lousy about it WW used the nitorgen spray in the aerosal can thing. I'm a bit worried about the hospital clinics because I'd really rather see a female doctor, but I'll call them and see what they say.

LegacyUser

Victor wrote: »

Liquid Nitrogen is Liquid Nitrogen.

You need to be using enough from a good source to kill the wart. You dont want to use loads from a weak source as it can damage the surrounding healthy skin.

LegacyUser

Unregistered11 wrote: »

Does any one know if genital warts treatment is free in James or anywhere cheapish? I've been getting cryotherapy to get rid of them in well woman for the past 4 weeks (once a week) but at 30 euro a go I can't afford it anymore as I'm a student and so broke at the moment. I'm not sure how many more times I'll have to go, hopefully not many, its a horrible feeling and a rotten thing to have, especially when I've never had unprotected sex in my life

sorry but it seems like you have HPV which is an STI that is unlikely to ever go away, its not just an infection, its a disease. and if you do have HPV then you cant prevent it from spreading or getting it just by using a condom, its passed from Skin to Skin contact, anywhere from your thigh to your belly button. and that includes hand and mouth touching those areas. Im sorry for you if you do have HPV, but genital warts are the main obviouse symptom of HPV. You should be going to your doctor to get tested, out of the 100 or so strains of HPV, about 18 of the can cause cervical cancer, so if your a woman or a man, thats still a big thing you need to check out. again, im sorry for being the bad news.

LegacyUser

Unregistered wrote: »

sorry but it seems like you have HPV which is an STI that is unlikely to ever go away, its not just an infection, its a disease. and if you do have HPV then you cant prevent it from spreading or getting it just by using a condom, its passed from Skin to Skin contact, anywhere from your thigh to your belly button. and that includes hand and mouth touching those areas. Im sorry for you if you do have HPV, but genital warts are the main obviouse symptom of HPV. You should be going to your doctor to get tested, out of the 100 or so strains of HPV, about 18 of the can cause cervical cancer, so if your a woman or a man, thats still a big thing you need to check out. again, im sorry for being the bad news.

I'm well aware it is HPV, as I said in my post I Have been to the doctor and have been being treated. I know it won't go away, I have all the information, I don't need to be reminded about how bad it is, trust me I feel bad enough about it.
Genital Warts IS HPV, its not just the 'main symptom'.
Your post was unnecessary, but thank you for your concern.

I simply wanted to know if James or anywhere provided free/cheaper treatment as I can't afford to continue with mine.

LegacyUser

Unregistered11 wrote: »

Thanks for the info. To be honest I'm feeling really lousy about it WW used the nitorgen spray in the aerosal can thing. I'm a bit worried about the hospital clinics because I'd really rather see a female doctor, but I'll call them and see what they say.

The English doctor I saw described the aerosol spray as a toy.

I understand the male doctor issue, but really just think about it practically, would you prefer to have warts or not?

Once your immune system is good(ensure you dont smoke) you can purge the virus from your system once all the warts are detroyed.

LegacyUser

Dr Shay Keating. A very approachable doctor who works in the gay mens health clini9c and has his own private clinic at 254 harolds cross road. a friend recomended him to me where he did on the spot hiv testing plus testing for all other sexually transmited diseases. He uses his mob no for making apts on [we can't publish peoples numbers like that - Victor] and there is n o long waiting lists and he sits every evening except wednesday. He certainly put my mind at ease with the results of my hiv been given tome there and tghen. On the point of price he only cost 100 euro for m y full screening. A DEFINITE PLUS

LegacyUser

Unregistered wrote: »

Dr Shay Keating. A very approachable doctor who works in the gay mens health clini9c and has his own private clinic at 254 harolds cross road. a friend recomended him to me where he did on the spot hiv testing plus testing for all other sexually transmited diseases. He uses his mob no for making apts on [we can't publish peoples numbers like that - Victor] and there is n o long waiting lists and he sits every evening except wednesday. He certainly put my mind at ease with the results of my hiv been given tome there and tghen. On the point of price he only cost 100 euro for m y full screening. A DEFINITE PLUS

Thanks steve, and everyone else. I'd feel really self conscious about going to a male doctor, I was wondering if anyone on here knows of a good female doctor in or near the city centre? I don't want to go to James for the same reason. I know its stupid, its just how I feel:(

LegacyUser

hi. can any1 tell me what clinic i should go to to be tested?? i dont want to go to my gp for a referral and dont want him to find out about it as he is a family friend... also what is the cost of the test?? thanks

p.s. im sure i have something so need it sorted fast... its 5 years overdue!!!

LegacyUser

hi, i had unprotected sex about 3 months and am feeling no ill effects but basicly have put off going to a clinic just because i don't want to hear the wrong thing...would populer opinion be that i should get myself checked out? (everyones going to say yes arnt they!)

Bottle_of_Smoke

Unregistered wrote: »

hi, i had unprotected sex about 3 months and am feeling no ill effects but basicly have put off going to a clinic just because i don't want to hear the wrong thing...would populer opinion be that i should get myself checked out? (everyones going to say yes arnt they!)

Yes. The chances of you getting hiv/hep are pretty tiny and I'd imagine that's what you're worried about. Most other stuff is curable

RCPI

Parties to this conversation may be interested in attending a public meeting on this topic -

PROMOTING SEXUAL HEALTH IN A CHANGING IRELAND
Date: 8th December 2008
Venue: The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, No.6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Registration: Free - but as seats are limited tickets should be booked by email to college@rcpi.ie

http://www.rcpi.ie/PublicMeetings/Pages/PromotingSexualHealthinaChangingIreland.aspx

The meeting will also be available via live webcast on the night through the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland website www.rcpi.ie

LegacyUser

does anyone know of a clinic or gp in the dublin area that does the hiv tests that are effective 11 days or so after infection? i cant wait 6 months to know, need the peace of mind.

i think theyre called rna tests. im not sure thats the only one, but if anyone has info thatd be grand

LegacyUser

Unregistered wrote: »

does anyone know of a clinic or gp in the dublin area that does the hiv tests that are effective 11 days or so after infection? i cant wait 6 months to know, need the peace of mind.

i think theyre called rna tests. im not sure thats the only one, but if anyone has info thatd be grand

HIV antibody tests are conclusive after 3 months (13 weeks). You only have to wait 6 months for a conclusive result if you have recently had an organ transplant or have undergone serious treatment such as chemo. Even then the percentage that do not seroconvert after 13 weeks is less than .1%

Contact Dr. Friedman, he's a std specialist. He will guide you. He's in Ranelagh but is a expensive - 180euro. The test you need is a test that looks for the HIV virus itself rather than antibodies. However, please be aware that there is a high chance of a false positive and you will still need to take an antibody test at 13 weeks. I think the timeline for a hiv particle test is 7 - 21 days.

I would not recommend you go down that route. Instead, wait till 8 weeks, get an antibody test. at 8 weeks 98% of tests will be accurate. this will calm your nerves. then test at 13 weeks for conclusive results.

What was your exposure?

PS stay off the net and dont look up HIV information

LegacyUser

gisteredseveral wrote: »

HIV antibody tests are conclusive after 3 months (13 weeks). You only have to wait 6 months for a conclusive result if you have recently had an organ transplant or have undergone serious treatment such as chemo. Even then the percentage that do not seroconvert after 13 weeks is less than .1%

Contact Dr. Friedman, he's a std specialist. He will guide you. He's in Ranelagh but is a expensive - 180euro. The test you need is a test that looks for the HIV virus itself rather than antibodies. However, please be aware that there is a high chance of a false positive and you will still need to take an antibody test at 13 weeks. I think the timeline for a hiv particle test is 7 - 21 days.

I would not recommend you go down that route. Instead, wait till 8 weeks, get an antibody test. at 8 weeks 98% of tests will be accurate. this will calm your nerves. then test at 13 weeks for conclusive results.

What was your exposure?

PS stay off the net and dont look up HIV information

thanks a lot, very helpful. my exposure was a broken condom with a guy i was seeing. the guy hadn't ever had any sti testing at all, but he also hadn;t had any high-risk behaviour. i just get paranoid about these things and am always super careful

ha, thanks for telling me to stay off the net. the hiv info ive found has not been comforting!!

Bottle_of_Smoke

Unregistered wrote: »

thanks a lot, very helpful. my exposure was a broken condom with a guy i was seeing. the guy hadn't ever had any sti testing at all, but he also hadn;t had any high-risk behaviour. i just get paranoid about these things and am always super careful

ha, thanks for telling me to stay off the net. the hiv info ive found has not been comforting!!

I understand the paranoia, but really, if the above is true - you are not positive.

LegacyUser

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

I understand the paranoia, but really, if the above is true - you are not positive.

I completely agree with this sentiment.

To be perfectly honest, having worked in this area of work. An STD specialist would not recommend on medical grounds to have a HIV test.

Assuming, the man is Irish, is not an IV drug user and hasn't had sex with other men, it virtually impossible for him to have HIV. The I don;t have the current Irish stats at the moment but you can be assured that your partner is less than 0.1% likely to have HIV.

Adding to this fact that it is known that The vast majority of HIV transmissions do no occur through one time exposures. Yes of course they can happen one time and nobody is 100% safe but worldwide statistics suggest that on average, transmission from male to female occurs only 1 in 1,000 exposures from unprotected vaginal intercourse.

Putting all that together you can be very confident that you have not acquired HIV.

However, other easily treated STDs are much more likely to be present and transmitted (gonorreha, chlamydia)

Enough time has passed for you to get conclusive test results for these.

And finally, some general advice.

Condoms are 100% effective against the transmission of HIV, HEP B,C, Chlamydia, Gonorreha. This is provided they do not break. 99.99% of condom breakage occurs through human error. Throughout the future ensure that either you or your partner uses the condom correctly (no insertion before condom is on, follow the guidelines fully for actually putting it on, follow the guidelines for storage of condom, ensure it is not out of date, ensure the use of a recognised brand). Do this and you will never have to worry about HIV.

Please be aware that condom is only about 70% effective against HPV, 50% against herpes (HSV 1 & 2) and approximately 80-90% against syphillis.

Syphillis is very rare in Ireland and worldwide and is most prevalent in men who have sex with men. If you were unlucky to pick it up, it can be easily treated and you will have no long-term health effects (providing it is treated early (within the first 4-5 years of infection).

Herpes, is a nuisance and can be a very emotional STI to pick up but it will not have any long-term health effects. Unfortunately, you will have herpes for life but most people can effectively control outbreaks as time goes on either via natural immuno defences or using antiviral treatment.

HPV is the most common STD. There are over 130 different strains. It is likely that every sexually active person will have at least one strain in their lives and most likely more than one. Usually, its not a big deal and no "standard testing" is available.

Most kinds of HPV cause no symptoms and the vast vast majority do not cause health problems. Some strains cause genital warts (over 3,500 reported cases in Ireland last year). While a bit unsightly, these are essentially a cosmetic concern. Usually, they will disappear themselves in time without treatment (6 months - 2 years) after infection. Following treatment it now believed that if no more warts appear within 6 months that you will not see any again and your are no longer contagious/infectious. So no big deal really. Although, unfortunately, that mindset has not set into the general public yet.

Other strains may cause pre cancerous growths in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. This is why PAP smears are so so so important. And I encourage anyone who is or has ever been sexually active to get regular PAP smears. Once this strain of HPV is found it can usually be very easily treated and stopped before cancerous cells develop. Treat your body like a car and get NCT testing for it. It is more important than any car.

Also, there is now a vaccine (Gardasil) available for 4 strains of HPV - 2 strains that most commonly cause genital warts and the 2 strains that most commonly cause cervical abnormalities. You may remember some controversy in the Dáil recently on this. The vaccination program to girls has been postponed for now. However, anyone can get it through their GP but you will have to pay.

I am sorry for all the information but I feel it is so important to fully educate people about their health in relation to STDs. Sex is great, a wonderful gift but like all great things, precautions must be taken to ensure that we don't suffer some of the ill effects of the greatness.

My final recommendation to you personally is to get checked in your own time (but soon) for chlamydia and gonorreha. I do not believe you need HIV testing. but perhaps to ease your mind a standard antibody test at 13 weeks would provide you with the definitive knowledge that you are negative.

If you feel that your relationship with your partner is going to blossom/develop a bit more, then I highly recommend that you both get tested together for peace of mind.

I recommend anyone to get a yearly STI test if you have had more than one sexual partner in the previous 12 months.

LegacyUser

Just for anyone who wants to get the HIV test as quick and discreet as possible.

This clinic is on Haddington road at the corner of baggott street. (The big blue door).

It's open to general public between 5pm-7pm on Thursday evenings, and is free-of-charge.

I turned up last thursday week, without any appointment or notice or anything, and asked for a HIV blood test. I was shown into waiting room where there was only one person before me. After about 5 minutes I wast brought into a room where I was asked a few questions about why I though I needed a test, my sex, age, sexual orientation etc. I was never asked my name, only my initials and birthday to use as a reference.

I was then shown to another room where a blood sample was taken. (completely painless), and then told to come back in 1 week for the results. {They don't give results out over the phone}. The whole process took no more than 20 minutes.

I then turned up a week later and was given my result pretty much straight away.

LegacyUser

Does anyone know if Dr. Freedman includes syphilis blood testing as part of his sti screening?

i dont have access to a phone during the day and I can't find any website for him

also is a negative hiv test after 13 weeks conclusive or do I need to test again after 6 months or 12 months? thanks

Bottle_of_Smoke

Unregistered wrote: »

Does anyone know if Dr. Freedman includes syphilis blood testing as part of his sti screening?

i dont have access to a phone during the day and I can't find any website for him

also is a negative hiv test after 13 weeks conclusive or do I need to test again after 6 months or 12 months? thanks

Yes, his standard included Chlamydia, Ghonnorreah, HIV, Hep B & Syphillis

LegacyUser

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Yes, his standard included Chlamydia, Ghonnorreah, HIV, Hep B & Syphillis

Tah, thats great. I think I will pick him for my screening so

i hope you dont mind me asking but does anyone know about the window period for Hep b, syphilis and hiv?

Its now been 13 weeks since my last sexual encounter - a once off while backpacking in asia. I used a condom that didn't rip but never had a one nite stand before so I am really nervous about it all. I have read that 13 weeks is enough time to get accurate testing for all of these but then i also hear that you have to wait 6 months so i'm really not sure if i am just wasting my time booking a test now?

any enlightenment would be really excellent. thank you all.

PS i am a looooong time poster but have to go unreg for the obvious sensitivity of this

LegacyUser

gistered_again wrote: »

HPV is the most common STD. There are over 130 different strains. It is likely that every sexually active person will have at least one strain in their lives and most likely more than one.

When I was diagnosed with genital warts in the well woman centre they told me that because it's so common that there is so no need to tell partners but this sounds sneaky and unfair to me. So what do I do? I've avoided sex for 2 years because I can't bear to tell anyone, I'm so scared of being rejected or of everyone finding out.

Also cryotherapy didn't work for me, I found it very painful had to keep cancelling appointments because I hadn't healed from the last time and after spending €250 on treatments 1 week after I was told I was clear they were back and are still there 18 months later, I asked for cream but the nurse and Dr in the Wellwoman Centre both told me that as the warts were so small the cream wasn't suitable, any ideas??

LegacyUser

cozy toes wrote: »

When I was diagnosed with genital warts in the well woman centre they told me that because it's so common that there is so no need to tell partners but this sounds sneaky and unfair to me. So what do I do? I've avoided sex for 2 years because I can't bear to tell anyone, I'm so scared of being rejected or of everyone finding out.

Also cryotherapy didn't work for me, I found it very painful had to keep cancelling appointments because I hadn't healed from the last time and after spending €250 on treatments 1 week after I was told I was clear they were back and are still there 18 months later, I asked for cream but the nurse and Dr in the Wellwoman Centre both told me that as the warts were so small the cream wasn't suitable, any ideas??

Well, its quite unusual to have ongoing problems like this when being treated. I have to be perfectly honest, you are not being treated correctly. There are a a number of different treatments available and different styles of each treatment. Cryotherapy can be administered in a number of different ways with different solutions and differing make up of compounds. Usually, a Dr. would try different methods for wart removal if one method is not proving successful. Unfortunately, though most Genital Warts can be treated with a basic treatment, one size does not fit all and each individual may respond differently to different treatments.

Don't lose hope, there is a treatment there for you. You need to make sure to support your body. 60% of the fight against the HPV is your own immuno defenses. eat healthy, get plenty of rest, avoid stress as much as possible, do not smoke and minimise your alcohol intake.

I highly recommend you see another doctor. To be honest, in my experience, apart from taking blood samples and sending them to the lab to be tested, I find the service and expertise of the wellwoman clinics to be really poor.

I know you're female and probably wish to only see female doctors, but I highly recommend Dr Derek Freedman, he is expensive but in my mind one of the best in the country.

As regards, telling future partners:

Usually, after successful treatment and no sign of additonal warts for 6 - 12 months you will never see them again and you are no longer "contagious". Unfortunately, there is still a lot of confusion in the medial field in relation to HPV - a high percentage of doctors now feel that within 2 years of infection and no signs of symptoms, that the body has successfully eradicated the virus. Others feel that it lies dorment somewhere in the body. It will probably be some time before we have definitive answer but for the vast vast majority of people they will never see another wart again or in the case of high risk strain will never have cervical problems.

So for partners? well I would avoid having sex, particularly without a condom with anyone while warts are present. When the warts have disappeared and are gone for at least 6 months you can resume normal sexual practice (following the normal recommended safe precautions e.g. safe sex or sex with uninfected partners).

Once the symptoms are clear, you have no obligation to tell anyone. It is a virus you had in the past and its gone. Simple as that really. For men, HPV is primarily a cosmetic concern, i.e the presence of warts. the higher risk strains pose very little danger to men (penile cancer less than 0.1%) - men can't test for it and as mentioned the body usually eradicates the virus within two years. Most people 90%+ who are infected with the wart causing strains don't develop warts at all because their body/immune system keeps the virus in check without it taking over.

There is no reason to let Genital Warts affect your sex life (casual or committed) and there is certainly no sense in letting it be an issue for relationships.

I know you are going through a difficult pschological time at the moment, but seek out another doctor and keep your immune system healthy and I can tell you, genital warts will be a distant memory in no time at all. Remember that, 80-90% of people will have at least one HPV infection during their life time. It really isn't a big deal.

BUT!!!!!

Although the Genital Wart strain is low risk and you won;t have any long-term physical issues as a result, I highly recommend all sexually active females to have a pap smear every year or 2 at the least. HPV infection is so common, and the higher risk strains, while usually do not lead to long-term problems can cause cervical cancer. And this is easily prevented by regular checkups and getting pre cancerous cells early.

LegacyUser

gistered.1 wrote: »

Well, its quite unusual to have ongoing problems like this when being treated.

To be honest I was never 100% sure if the diagnosis was accurate, I have quite bad skin with a lot of lumps and bumps and skin tags that look very similar to the "warts" but when I asked both the Dr and the Nurse in the wellwoman they said they were different and were deffinitely warts. But I have read that cryotherapy shouldn't be too painful and I was often still in pain and bleeding a week later so maybe they were wrong.

gistered.1 wrote: »

Don't lose hope, there is a treatment there for you. You need to make sure to support your body. 60% of the fight against the HPV is your own immuno defenses. eat healthy, get plenty of rest, avoid stress as much as possible, do not smoke and minimise your alcohol intake.

The thing is I'm very healthy, rarely even get a cold and if I do it usually only lasts 3 to 4 days, I eat healthily, have a fairly stress free life and don't smoke, I also take a multivitamin with probiotics in it.

gistered.1 wrote: »

I know you're female and probably wish to only see female doctors, but I highly recommend Dr Derek Freedman, he is expensive but in my mind one of the best in the country.

I don't really want to go to a male Dr but I would consider one who is so highly recommended, the problem is I'm on the Northside and would find it hard if I had to go back for several treatments.

LegacyUser

Have also been diagnosed with warts and it looks as if the cryotherapy may not be working - does anyone know how long they should take to clear/how many sessions are needed on average???

LegacyUser

cozy toes wrote: »

To be honest I was never 100% sure if the diagnosis was accurate, I have quite bad skin with a lot of lumps and bumps and skin tags that look very similar to the "warts" but when I asked both the Dr and the Nurse in the wellwoman they said they were different and were deffinitely warts. But I have read that cryotherapy shouldn't be too painful and I was often still in pain and bleeding a week later so maybe they were wrong.

The thing is I'm very healthy, rarely even get a cold and if I do it usually only lasts 3 to 4 days, I eat healthily, have a fairly stress free life and don't smoke, I also take a multivitamin with probiotics in it.


I don't really want to go to a male Dr but I would consider one who is so highly recommended, the problem is I'm on the Northside and would find it hard if I had to go back for several treatments.

To be perfectly honest, you are not describing the typical characteristics of genital warts. I highly recommed you seek a second opinion on this one.

I recommend you go see a dermatologist. Derma's deal with with all manners of skin problems including genital warts. A derma will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is and if it does turn out to be warts they should be able to offer alternative treatment. But really this doesn't sound like warts at all. The timing is wrong especially with a healthy immune system like you describe

LegacyUser

I think i may have an std,i have 4 red circle/blotches on my penis and scrotum. I am going to go to an sti clinic tomorrow. It will be in Dublin and i was wondering which one returns results the fastest,private or public i dont mind just concerned with speed