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

LegacyUser

timetable123456789 wrote: »

Are they external warts and are you shaving using a raw blade?

When I went to a gp he told me to shave the area before I can in so the warts were easily seen. Kept reoccuring. When I went to a specialist (Dr Derek Freedman) he told me shaving can cause irritation which can cause reoccurance.

I think a good idea would be to cut your pubic hair as short as possible but don't shave which will avoid irritating the skin. Before you see the doctor get a lamp close to the area and circle every wart with a biro. That way the doctor won't miss any.

yes i have been shaving the area. Will stop, hopefully it might help. Thanks for the tip. Really appreciate any advice at all. So sick of the whole saga at this stage. Feel like i'll never get to the six month wart free stage.

Uriel.

Anonymous Irish Male wrote: »

When I went for a thorough STD test a few months ago, I got the all-clear - except they didn't test for herpes. Which, ironically, is one of the only STDs I'm really afraid of.

As far as I can see, there is nowhere in Ireland which tests for herpes. Apparently, the blood tests cannot differentiate between Type 1 (coldsore) and Type 2 (genital). So, if you've ever had a coldsore (which the majority of the population has) you'll test positive. Currently I have two small red pimples on my penis, which look like harmless zits, but I'm still worried. One of the pimples has been there over 12 days.

I have been safe, sexually - I always use a condom. But condoms do not offer full protection against herpes, and I've been with women of...loose morals.

Can genital herpes (whether hsv-1 or 2) show up as tiny little pimples? Usually I figured it was almost certainly just an ingrown hair or a normal zit or something like that. I'm unfortunately prone to occasional outbreaks of acne. And I'm pretty sure that when I was still a virgin, I would get the occasional pimple down there.

What I wouldn't give to have peace of mind about this.

Hey.

Unfortuantely as you say there are no blood tests in Ireland for HSV diagnosis. It is possible to travel to clinics in London, if you were so inclined. In Ireland, tests can only be performed by swabbing open sores etc... Although, this is not always reliable.

Usually, the first outbreak of Genital Herpes is very overt,very painful and very very noticable. It doesn't sounds like you have herpes to be honest. You should keep an eye on it all the same. The skin on a penis is no different to any other skin, it gets blemishes, pimples, spots etc... I don't think you should be worrying about this, seriously.

Your condom usage is really important and although as you say condoms, even when used correctly, don't offer full protection against HSV, they are still very effective.

It is also not unusal for pimples/spots etc... to last over 12 days. Seriously, just don't worry and try not to play with the spots, excessively clean/scrub them or focus too much on the area as you will only prolong them.

Best of luck and don't be worrying so much.

LegacyUser

It's true that HSV is relatively benign, physically. The problem is the enormous social stigma and the moral imperative to tell every future partner that you have it, not to mention reputational damage. That's a bloviated way of saying that, if you've got any kind of conscience, you've gotta tell every partner and most people will run a mile when they hear the word "herpes", as would I.

I have another question.

First some facts:

Both HSV types can manifest as both coldsores and genital lesions. What this means is that you can get HSV-1 (which normally manifests as a coldsore) on your genitals, and you can get HSV-2 (which normally manifests as lesions on the genitals) on or around your mouth,

Normally HSV-1 appears around the mouth and HSV-2 around the genitals, but apparently HSV-1 is a huge cause of genital infections: it is passed on through oral sex, e.g. a girl with a coldsore (which may not be visible) gives a blowjob to a guy and gives him HSV-1 on his penis.

So, say you had a coldsore at some point in your life (I'm pretty sure I have). You get a bloodtest (it'd have to be in London) and you test positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2. Does this mean that the test only confirms that you have HSV-1 or HSV-2 in your body, but it cannot specify the location of the virus? (i.e. "well, you've got HSV, but most people do".

I also heard - though it may not be true - that if you have had a coldsore you're less likely to have genital lesions, and vice versa.

Finally, herpes lesions apparently do not leave a scar. I remember a long time ago I had one pustular-looking zit on my penis which I stupidly fiddled with and squeezed and it got fairly inflamed looking, popped, and left a tiny white scar. I also had something similar to this when I was about 13 and my penis had never been so much as in the vicinity of a female.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or comments on this.

Snoopy1

Can you just go to your GP and get tested?
Also when you make the appointment, do you have to tell the receptionist on the phone what its for?

LegacyUser

Firstly, you don't even know whether you have Genital Herpes or not although you most certainly will have some form of herpes virus in your body even though it may not be the genital type. To my knowledge there are seven or eight different strains of the herpes virus that affects humans. So 95 per cent of people you meet everyday has a herpes infection of some kind - that's worth thinking about when you say that you would run a mile if someone told you that they had herpes. I'm not critisizing you but you really need to calm down a bit and put this in perspective by looking at the bigger picture here.

Secondly the symptoms you describe are pretty vague and don't really fit with a g herpes infection so why bother getting so worked up and anxious about what is a transient skin complaint that you probably don't even have. It would be understandable if you had a high risk HIV exposure or a cancer scare but is it really worth your time and anxiety at the end of the day worrying about coldsores? If it is bothering you that much just bite the bullet and go to a Doctor that gives STD screenings and talk over your worries with him or her.

My advice though for what it's worth is life's too short, relax and move on before you end up like a Howard Hughes basket case. Seriously

LegacyUser

Ok so my first port of call relating to STI screening was the internet and i found this thread both very helpful but also fed into the dauntingness that is going to get screened. Something that would have given me nightmares about as you hear the horror stories of how screening is carried out, for the male that is.

Im late 20s male and discovered a wart and had decided to visit James Guide Clinic. I'll keep this short as possible but just for information to those who are reading this looking to find out about the whole procedure and what is involved.

I attended the Monday walk in clinic.

I chose to drive in as i am not familiar with this end of town, the hospital car park has a daily charge of 12 euro that you will end up paying, it is a long morning.
Walk to Hospital 5 which is down opposite the IBTS building and there is a queue as the ticket system / walk in clinic is based on first come first served. I turned up between 630 and 7am and was 4th in the que. but i think i was mighty early because of what i had read on here. Try get there as early as possible to guarantee your place in the que.

You are given a number as you walk in the door and you fill out a form with your basic information and take a seat in the numbered seated reception. On the morning i was there they didnt give out enough numbers so people just walked in and took a seat, its easy to do. Where possible if you do arrive and there is no numbers there go through and ask someone for a number. A couple walked in and sat straight down and 20 minutes later a couple of lads came in and took a number, you get the picture, if you are attending the walk in clinic and are there early and one of the first 25 people there make sure you get a number.

Bring an mp3 player or book or magazine. It is a long wait, some people do not like waiting in silence and will try be chatty, but some people just dont want to talk. Its a stressful time for people, respect that not everyone wants to chat.

Once the numbers are called and you go through reception you are told to wait. Dont be wondering about the people 'jumping the que', these are people who have return appointments.


I waited until 1130 before i was called in. You are called in by the Dr into a room similar to a GPs office, it was only through reading here that i knew my doctor was Dr. Freedman. We went through my sexual history, of the last few partners over the past few years and will also how many sexual partners you have had etc. Have the information in your head as it can be hard when put on the spot and be honest, no one is there to judge you.

It may have been that i was highly stressed but i found Dr Freedman not 'odd' but a form of it, for a doctor. He started out very formally, professional and serious but then would break it when asking questions such as 'did you just bang her or..' , this slightly threw me, again just to make you aware. Maybe i was just stressed but the smallest things will throw you if its out of sorts.

The test / screening is effortless. I can not stress this enough. I was so worried about the actual screening but looking back it was just unnecessary pressure.
He will examing your testicles, uncomfortable but in no way painful. You get on the bedand he will carry out the swab test on your penis. This was the thing i had been dreading but let me tell you its not worth the hyperventilating. He will squeeze your penis, i just crossed my arms over my face and started talking to myself. All it is is uncomfortable for a number of seconds, a mild scratching on the inside of your penis. It feels un natural, yes but not painful at all. Do not worry about it. I cant tell you lads it seriously isnt worth worrying over.

Up with the trousers and then its a urine sample and blood sample. I was more relaxed at this stage and the Dr will talk about your job and such , or answer any of your concerns about anything you have on your mind or based upon the information you have given he might ask you a question or two, remember its not to judge you.

You are pretty much done at this stage, a little more waiting and you are called back. My urine showed a non specific infection so i was given 4 antibiotic tablets and was asked to return and a return appointment was made a couple weeks later.

The return appointment , for 9am, you just walk straight through to the reception, by-passing the numbered reception area. Present your appointment card and go to the waiting room. I was seen within 20 minutes. One of the nurses called me in to give me the results of the tests, all negative which was a great relief. She knew i was stressed etc but completely put me at ease as i explained exactly why i had attended and was very understanding and non judgemental. The conversation is frank but completely put my mind at rest in relation to the non-specific infection. Where i think the Dr had worried me in the fact he didnt explain it as clearly as i would have liked the nurse explained and dispelled any worries i had about it. I asked could i see the Dr about suspect return of the G warts, she organised it straight away and i saw another Dr but before she just talked to me about the fact that i was no different than anyone and really put my mind at ease. Again my advice is do not stress yourself.

I saw the Dr who examined me and it turns out what i thought was a wart was infact just a blemish. Your mind is your own worst enemy when it comes to these matters. You just constantly look at it and it builds up in your head as the worst case scenario. Your penis is just skin like the rest of your body and where you might just ignore a blemish on the back of your hand can can get a blemish on the penis as quick.

Thats it as far as i can recall. My advice is just not to stress over it. It isn't half as bad as people make out, seriously. You will be your own worst enemy if you just sit and stress about it. REading other posts of people describing whats wrong with them and looking for somoene on the internet to tell them, my advice, go get it checked out. St James is free but even if its throwing your GP a few quid to take a look , do it for peace of mind.

I couldnt reccomend St James Guide clinic enough. Its free, and run and operated by kind understanding non judgemental people who are over worked and underpaid in my opinion. This is long winded and probably all pointless but i wanted to make a point of writing about my experience becuase people just jump to the last post sometimes and work backwards.

Guys, dont stress it.


The staff can provide you with a cert for work that is just a generic St James Hosp one. Don't be afraid to say thank you to the nurses or doctors or clerical workers. They provide a great service and are very well mannered and smiling and provide a very relaxed atmosphere.

LegacyUser

Hi guys, was just wondering if anyone knew of a private std screening/treatment service in cork?

Thanks in advance

LegacyUser

quick_question wrote: »

Hi guys, was just wondering if anyone knew of a private std screening/treatment service in cork?

Thanks in advance

there's an STD clinic in the South Infirmary, Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork. Appointments necessary and you can be waiting a while, was a month myself. its free and confidential, you're given a number when you check in at reception on your appt day and are referred to by the number from then on whenever you're being called. Takes about 2 and a half hours.
Tel: 021 496 6844, Mon, Tue, Thur 9:30 - 11:45am and Wed 2:30 - 4:30pm

LegacyUser

I was just wondering if anyone know's if the clinic at the Mater Hospital is still free?


I know it used to be a few years ago, just can't afford much atm thats why I'm wondering!

LegacyUser

Hi,

I know there is a vaccination for HPV(genital wart virus) and I am fairly sure there is also one for genital herpes(a doctor mentioned it to me before). I'm just wondering if the following is common practice, or would be a wise course of action:

-man knows he has both or is highly likely to have both despite lack of symptoms
-man starts new relationship with girl who definitely has neither
-man suggests girl gets vaccinated for both to be on the safe side, and the risk of transmission is eliminated

I could be in this situation soon and would really not want to pass anything on to a new partner, do ye think this would be the best way to approach the issue?

LegacyUser

Hi,
I went to the walk in clinic last monday, was called out, the doc asked me questions, I had to take my pants down and he checked my penis and testicles. He didnt say much then just said now I had to pee in a tube and give blood.
Also i didnt get a result instantly. He told me if nothing was wrong they wont contact me and if something is wrong they will. Is that normal? And how long till they contact me if something his wrong? This was of working is very stressful.

LegacyUser

..also they didnt take a swab, is that normal?

Uriel.

anonomale wrote: »

Hi,

I know there is a vaccination for HPV(genital wart virus) and I am fairly sure there is also one for genital herpes(a doctor mentioned it to me before). I'm just wondering if the following is common practice, or would be a wise course of action:

-man knows he has both or is highly likely to have both despite lack of symptoms
-man starts new relationship with girl who definitely has neither
-man suggests girl gets vaccinated for both to be on the safe side, and the risk of transmission is eliminated

I could be in this situation soon and would really not want to pass anything on to a new partner, do ye think this would be the best way to approach the issue?

Firstly, there is no vaccination for Genital Herpes. Don't go near a GP if you want to discuss or manage sexual health. Go to an STI clinic.

Secondly, you can't "know" you or anyone has anything unless you get diagnosed by a sexual health specialist.

Finally, your potential approach is not the best way for the issue you describe. There are many variables left out of what you seem to have considered so far. The Gardasil Vaccine for HPV protects against the two most common Wart Causing Strains of HPV and the 2 most common pre-cancerous causing Strains of HPV. There are over 130 strains of HPV and a number of other strains other than the 2 protected against in the Vaccine.

There are other issues with HPV too, like you may no longer be infectious (that's if you have a current HPV infection to begin with). Your partner, depending on age, sexual history etc.. may have already been exposed to multiple strains of HPV.

There's way to many variables involved.

If you have HSV, then chances are you will infect her at some point if you do not use condoms and there is also a possiblilty of infecting her even if you do use them. IT depends on a number of variables again. How often you have outbreaks, viral shedding, location of the infection etc...

The best approach for yourself and future partners is to attend a sexual health clinic the next time you have an "outbreak" and get a diagnosis. Then if you get into a longet-term sexual relationship with a partner, the both of you should get a full screening before you considering not using condoms

Uriel.

justaguyfromdublin wrote: »

Hi,
I went to the walk in clinic last monday, was called out, the doc asked me questions, I had to take my pants down and he checked my penis and testicles. He didnt say much then just said now I had to pee in a tube and give blood.
Also i didnt get a result instantly. He told me if nothing was wrong they wont contact me and if something is wrong they will. Is that normal? And how long till they contact me if something his wrong? This was of working is very stressful.

Sounds like you went to the Guide Clinic. Usually they'll be in contact with you within 2 weeks. Leave it till about 4 before you stop "worrying". Tests for Chlamydia/Gonoroeah etc... would have instantaneous results. If you had one of those, they would have given you Meds on the day.

You could always wait 3 weeks and then ring them for results in case you can't shake the worry.

It is a normal approach, it's definitely not ideal but it is a free public health clinic and with resource restraints, they have to minimise resource expenditure

Uriel.

justaguyfromdublin wrote: »

..also they didnt take a swab, is that normal?

Usually they would, but urine test may be sufficient.

LegacyUser

Uriel. wrote: »

Sounds like you went to the Guide Clinic. Usually they'll be in contact with you within 2 weeks. Leave it till about 4 before you stop "worrying". Tests for Chlamydia/Gonoroeah etc... would have instantaneous results. If you had one of those, they would have given you Meds on the day.

You could always wait 3 weeks and then ring them for results in case you can't shake the worry.

It is a normal approach, it's definitely not ideal but it is a free public health clinic and with resource restraints, they have to minimise resource expenditure

I did go to the guide clinic. The weird thing was that after the blood sample and the urine sample they just told me to go and if anything came up they would call. So why wasnt I told I could wait for the results of the urine test?? Really this is such bad practice.

Uriel.

justaguyfromdublin wrote: »

I did go to the guide clinic. The weird thing was that after the blood sample and the urine sample they just told me to go and if anything came up they would call. So why wasnt I told I could wait for the results of the urine test?? Really this is such bad practice.

Sorry you picked me up slightly wrong ( I probably didn't phrase it too well). The doctor will know on the day about the chlamydia/gonorrohea tests, although possibly in the GUIDE clinic if it is particularly busy they may not do it straight away, but most of the time they do and if you are positive they'll let you know and give you meds.

If you are negative they usually say nothing or something along the lines of "everything looks fine there". It could have been a particularly busy day (every day is busy really) but some can be more than others.

If you where at a private clinic they (not everyone is the same) usually do the tests straight away and you can see them performing same and then you are told within 2 -3 mins.

Look don't be worrying, you will hear from them if you test positive for anything.

LegacyUser

as far as I know if they(james guide clinic) feel your most recent sexual encounter was within the 2 previous weeks they make you come back for a second full screening cos they think its too soon to tell.also if you have decided to get the likes of the hepititus combined vacine you will have to return 2 or 3 times.

LegacyUser

Has anyone ever used the Tallaght STI centre for getting tested?? Had a sexual encounter 2 years ago, it was unprotected, I knew her for 5 years before hand she was in a long term relationship, I have a similar story from maybe 6months before her also unprotected, I never probably educated myself on this and have decided to go take the test..anyone ne info on the tallaght centre

LegacyUser

think you mean the family planning center.they charge 140 euro and your appointment will prob be a week after calling. they you will have to leave a deposit also to confirm your booking.results will take 2 to 3 weeks(think all bloods are sent to jmes hospital any way)

LegacyUser

Hi guys I'm worried I may have chlamydia or gonorrhea, I don't fancy a long wait in James, can I ring ahead and get an appointment if I say I'm showing symptoms?

Mr. Loverman

worriediamsore wrote: »

Hi guys I'm worried I may have chlamydia or gonorrhea, I don't fancy a long wait in James, can I ring ahead and get an appointment if I say I'm showing symptoms?

If you have money you can go to Dr. Friedman in Dublin.

I know James's used to let you ring ahead, but they change their policies all the time. And in general they don't answer their phone. But give them a ring and see how you get on...

LegacyUser

Ok I might give Freedman a call, with my work it's difficult to get out there (James' and with the wait) and I'm nearly sure this is a clear cut case of something unpleasant. Any idea on the ballpark figure?

LegacyUser

previoususername11 wrote: »

Ok I might give Freedman a call, with my work it's difficult to get out there (James' and with the wait) and I'm nearly sure this is a clear cut case of something unpleasant. Any idea on the ballpark figure?

€180.

It's over and done with quickly - and you get results fairly swiftly. Having done both on various occasions, I'm rather spend the money and get it done quickly.

dohd

Thanks for all the help and advice on this thread.

I've had the textbook symptoms of chlamydia for a couple of days now. Went to a clinic in Dublin for a test today as I couldn't get into James'. I thought I might get the results there and then but it turns out I've to wait five working days.

This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, it'll be late next week by the time I have gotten the results and (given that I assume I have it) the antibiotics. I have a family wedding next weekend and antibiotics will cast a long shadow over it.

More importantly, though, I just don't want to go around with these symptoms for another few days - they're quite irritating! Given that I'm pretty convinced that it is chlamydia, is there anything I can do at this stage?

Uriel.

dohd wrote: »

Thanks for all the help and advice on this thread.

I've had the textbook symptoms of chlamydia for a couple of days now. Went to a clinic in Dublin for a test today as I couldn't get into James'. I thought I might get the results there and then but it turns out I've to wait five working days.

This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, it'll be late next week by the time I have gotten the results and (given that I assume I have it) the antibiotics. I have a family wedding next weekend and antibiotics will cast a long shadow over it.

More importantly, though, I just don't want to go around with these symptoms for another few days - they're quite irritating! Given that I'm pretty convinced that it is chlamydia, is there anything I can do at this stage?

No there is nothing you can do and you should not self-diagnose. You need antibiotics and these can only be prescribed o n confirmation of the infection. You could try ringing the clinic after 3 days to see if results came back early.

I am surprised that a clinic (especially if it is private) cannot provide you with same day results for such a test... but then I guess each clinic has it's own set of procedures. Shocking though and I wouldn't go back to that one again.

lunapark

Hey all,

does anyone know if it is possible to use one of those foot veruca liquid nitrogen packs for HPV warts? Obviously the amount of time you apply the frozen tampon etc. will differ, but basically does anyone think it's possible? I'm only talking about HPV warts on the outside of the penis, not within the foreskin or more sensitive parts of the penis i.e under and around the head

Uriel.

lunapark wrote: »

Hey all,

does anyone know if it is possible to use one of those foot veruca liquid nitrogen packs for HPV warts? Obviously the amount of time you apply the frozen tampon etc. will differ, but basically does anyone think it's possible? I'm only talking about HPV warts on the outside of the penis, not within the foreskin or more sensitive parts of the penis i.e under and around the head

No, I would not recommend you do this at all. Foot Veruca liquid etc.. is made specifically for that purpose. It has a different compound make up compared to what you would need for genital HPV. Genital skin is far more sensitive than that of the sole of your foot. You may damage youself somewhat serious if you try to self medicate. Please for your own sake, just don't go there.


Genital Warts should be treated by an STI Specialist (not even a GP), different compounds and mixtures and sessions may be required for different individuals.

If it is money that is an issue, go to a Public Health Clinic such as the Guide clinic for this.

lunapark

thanks for the advice, it was something I was wondering- seemed to make sense initially.

cheers!

Bottle_of_Smoke

dohd wrote: »

Thanks for all the help and advice on this thread.

I've had the textbook symptoms of chlamydia for a couple of days now. Went to a clinic in Dublin for a test today as I couldn't get into James'. I thought I might get the results there and then but it turns out I've to wait five working days.

This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, it'll be late next week by the time I have gotten the results and (given that I assume I have it) the antibiotics. I have a family wedding next weekend and antibiotics will cast a long shadow over it.

More importantly, though, I just don't want to go around with these symptoms for another few days - they're quite irritating! Given that I'm pretty convinced that it is chlamydia, is there anything I can do at this stage?

Go to a GP now. They don't need a test to diagnose it and all doctors will know what to prescribe if they think it is chlamydia. Plus Chlamydia symptoms are the same as other things you don't need to an STI clinic for. You don't know its chlamydia could be a urinary tract infection or something else.

Did you tell the doctor you had symptoms or just get tested?