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

pilot pete 38

irishh_bob wrote: »

wouldnt i need to wait three months before tests were credible

yeah it can take 3 months for your body to produce anti bodies to hsv 2 , ask for a herpes test when doin other blood work, think it now done in ireland .....they also swab your mouth which is also tested for herpes...hsv 1 affects prob most of the population but loads dont get symptoms (cold sores)

Ickle Magoo

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pilot pete 38

Unregistered wrote: »

Unregistered wrote: »

Hi,
I'm looking for some help/advice on what to do next after getting the all clear for STI's but still concerned that I have something that's not part of the std test ....
Backround is that I had a one night stand with a woman while in Portugal last Sept.
I did use a condom but still, i developed small blitsters on my penis after 3-4 days. Just over a week after the night, I went to my GP and he sent my blood & urine away for test - the tests showed I had herpes type 1 and everything else was clear.
Ever since that week, I've had tingling sensations in my leg muscles and often have cramps in my legs and sometimes in my arms.
As i was worried that this could be HIV, I went to the STI clinic and got tested twice ... 10 and 16 wks after the one night stand .... All tests showed clear.
But still, the tingling sensations and cramps continue - they are not as severe as they used to be but still, they're a nuisance especially when trying to do any exercise.
I've also developed a rash on the back of my palms... brown/reddish marks- they look like large freckles ... about 6-8 on each hand .... sometimes they are more visible after showering and then get less noticeable after 1-2 hours.
As I haven't been with anybody since that night in Sept, I'm convinced that the tingles/cramps/rash are a related to something I caught that night but the STI results say that I'm clear.
....I've gone to my GP but he's told me that it's nothing to worry about seeing as the STI results were clear.

Anybody have any suggestions on what I may have caught, or who I could go to get checked out - Is there any private STI doctor in the Limerick that anybody can recommend?
... just want to get this sorted and move on as it's been dragging me down for almost 6 months.

Hi I am sorry to hear you are having some difficulties.

It is almost certainly stress related. Its not mentioned where the testing was done but every decent testing facility in Ireland automatically (without assumption) test for the following:
HIV, HEP A,B,C Syphillis, Gono, Chlamydia.

Taking each one individually:

HIV - despite assumptions is very difficult to transmit. You don't provide details of your partner but assuming she was a non drug using woman from the EU the chances that she had HIV is about 0.1%.

I am not sure why you have anxiety about this particular incident? Is it because of the blisters, Your first one night stand? or was she a CSW?

At worst if she was a CSW the rate of infection with HIV in Europe varies between 0.1% (same as any other woman) in Germany to about 9% in some former USSR countries. So even if your partner was a CSW the chances she is infected is low.

Now, add to that the fact that HIV has been proven to be only transmitted Once in approximately 2000 vaginal (unprotected) exposures. Of course it can happen the first time which is why condoms are the single most important part of sex life outside of a monougomos relationship. So if you had unprotected vaginal sex - 1 in 2000 chance of hiv infection (provided your partner was infected).

Finally, condoms are the best barrier to STIs outside of monogomous relationships. You used a condom and providing it didn't break ten you have no worries regarding HIV.

But best of all an antibody test after 16 weeks is proof that you do not have HIV. Tests are definite after 13 weeks. It has been known to take 6 months in the event that you are or have recently been treated with Chemotherapy.

HIV is not a fear for you so don't worry.

Now to the rest.

HEP A - not sexually transmitted unless there is anal rimming or unprotected anal sex - and anyway usually its not a big deal and the body fights it off very quickly.

HEP B - condom protected vaginal sex carries no risk. And your test results out to 16 weeks proves that you do not have it. In 90% of cases the body would also fight it off without long-term damage.

HEP C - is now not considered a sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Very few places in the US would test following a vaginal exposure (even unprotected). HEP C is only transmitted blood to blood so anal sex would be required. Your tests are good for this also

Syphillis - very rare in europe now even in CSWs and about 80% of all cases are in Men who have sex with Men. Your test results also prove that you do not have this.

Gon & Chlamydia - condom protected sex is safe regarding these - also your test results prove you did not get this.


I assume your herpes type 1 diagnosis was as a result of a swab of the blisters?

Did the girl perform unprotected oral sex on you (even just a quick suck/kiss/lick)? HSV type 1 is the virus that most commonly causes blisters (cold sores) of the mouth. Its rare that HSV type 1 is transmitted via vaginal sex (not impossible though). Either way if those blisters were genuienly as a result of type 1 HSV then you are likely to only have one outbreak a year at most. As times goes on you will probably only have an outbreak every few years.

The various ailments/problems you describe could very easily be stress/anxiety related to the one night stand. But this is the only relation. Your symptoms are not indicative of any std and your test results conclusively prove this. Move on with your life from this perspective but by all means follow up with your symptoms to find an answer (it will not be std related) and I would bet its anxiety related.

Finally, I applaud your use of protection. Continue to make such smart choices and you can expect to live a life free from the effects of the serious STDs.

hi. Gave and recieved oral sex with girl one night 1 year ago. Had all the tests done loafs of times. Hiv at nearly 10 months same with hep b and c. Everything negative but its hard to convince the mind. I gettin better now but i haf aches where i never had aches. The mind is a powerful thing. Get the facts and stick to them. Also talk to a trusted friend helps... Goodluck post me anytime.....

Ickle Magoo

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frag420

I am considering getting tested as have never done so before. Don't have any symptoms of anything, more precautionary than anything.

What concerns me is the blood test as I have an irrational fear of needles. Do they actually draw blood or is it a small prick on the top of finger?? Are there any alternatives to the blood test? I would literally take a punch to the nose to get blood than a needle!!!

Cheers

frAg

Uriel.

frag420 wrote: »

I am considering getting tested as have never done so before. Don't have any symptoms of anything, more precautionary than anything.

What concerns me is the blood test as I have an irrational fear of needles. Do they actually draw blood or is it a small prick on the top of finger?? Are there any alternatives to the blood test? I would literally take a punch to the nose to get blood than a needle!!!

Cheers

frAg

Has to be a blood test I am afraid for HIV, Syphilis and HEP B/C.

Standard blood test and usually 3 viles of blood required.

For HIV you could ask for an oral swab but it is much less accurate and I am not sure if many clinics (if any) still offer this.

Blood testing is your only man I am afraid. It's not so bad though, it a small pinch on your arm, needle is in you for about 30seconds and then done and dusted. It's well worth the peace of mind and unfortunately as you get older the likelihood is that you will just have to get used to needles if you get sick.

frag420

I sweated just reading that!! Guess il just have to get over it!!

Cheers

LegacyUser

My sexual experience hasn't been all that great. Just bits and pieces through the years. Some mickying around with unprotected oral sex - giving and receiving.

Intercourse all protected except for once.

Showing no symptoms of anything but want to get tested all the same for peace of mind.

I'm female. Can anybody tell me what the procedure is like?

I'm in Galway. Can anyone tell me where I can get it done in Galway. Would prefer to avoid the gp, just in case.

I would also be able to travel to Dublin for a testing if there is a place within Dublin city.

Any recommendations?

Uriel.

Galway.Chick wrote: »

My sexual experience hasn't been all that great. Just bits and pieces through the years. Some mickying around with unprotected oral sex - giving and receiving.

Intercourse all protected except for once.

Showing no symptoms of anything but want to get tested all the same for peace of mind.

I'm female. Can anybody tell me what the procedure is like?

I'm in Galway. Can anyone tell me where I can get it done in Galway. Would prefer to avoid the gp, just in case.

I would also be able to travel to Dublin for a testing if there is a place within Dublin city.

Any recommendations?

Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Never been. Just seen it referenced elsewhere.

Don't go via your GP for testing. It will then be on your medical record. Even though you may get a fully negative result, certain insurance forms etc... ask if you have ever had STI screening. Even having a test performed can affect the analysis of risk performed by the company.

For lots of reasons, I would always advise people to go to STI specialist clinics for testing and/or follow up and to completely avoid your own or any other GP.

LegacyUser

I'm goin into James for an STI test tomorrow, it says tickets allocated at 9am, anyone know would I need to be there much before 9 to ensure a ticket?

LegacyUser

I got tested about 2 weeks ago in Cork, I thought I'd detail it here for anyone who is nervous about it.

I'm a healthy 22 year old male, have had a fair few one night stands and sexual partners. Regrettably some have been unprotected, hence my reasoning for getting tested.

I rang around 3 weeks before to enquire about it and the lady on the phone couldn't be nicer, I was afraid of all sorts of weird questions, but I was only asked my name and phone number (I'm pretty sure you can give a fake name if you want because they don't check, not that I would advise it.) I was given the earliest possible date and time.

I arrived on my appointment day at around 10.15, nervous as hell. The GUM clinic in Cork is way own the back of the Victoria hospital with no sign at the main entrance so I had to ask at the desk, I must say, I much prefer the term GUM clinic to STD clinic, it makes asking at the desk feel less embarrassing for me. But for those who would be too embarrassed to ask I'll put directions at the end of the post.

I arrived at 10.15 went straight to the desk and gave my name I was handed a form to fill out which just asks the basic details of Name, Address, Allergies, GP etc. (Again, I'm not sure they would mind if you left stuff blank should you want to). I gave my details, even my GP against my better judgement, I really wish I hadn't now that I read about insurance premiums and such. But I haven't been to him in years so I doubt he has an extensive file on me if anything at all.

I was seen at about 1120 for my two swabs when my number was called out. I went in and was asked some basic questions on my sexual history by a very nice lady, I'm presuming doctor given she was wearing street clothes.

Then I was taken into a different room and told to take my pants to my knee's and hop up on the bench and was given a covering. The lady left the room while I disrobed.

I did as told and rolled back my foreskin as it tends to be longer it should be. The lady came back in with a male nurse in tow which didn't surprise me in this really stupid lawsuit culture we like to develop.

She first examined the penis just a cursory look over and noticed the slight cut I had from stretching to rid myself of phimosis and gave me advice to not stretch quite so much as to break the skin as scar tissue is tighter than skin. Then came the dreaded swab. I just closed my eyes and held my head back but the first one was OK, quick as a flash.

The second one wasn't so quick to my dismay, the foreskin had rolled back up and the lady was having trouble getting it back (I really wish she just asked me to do it), that swab hurt a lot more but only because of the foreskin rolling back and the lady not being able to see what she was doing properly. The swabs aren't really as sore as they are made out to be, but the second one was just uncomfortable for me because of the "digging" around the lady had to do.

After the swabs were taken the lady called me back into the room to give me advice about the phimosis which was very nice of her considering I don't think it's part of the regular package :pac: She advised a steroid cream starting with the letter B which I can't remember the name of (anyone know what it might be? If I read it I'll know it ) She also advised surgery, but I'm really not comfortable going that route with regard to my penis.

I was told I could pee and to then wait in the waiting room to be called again. I really really didn't want to pee, and I will admit it was quite uncomfortable because of that second swab.

I was called again about 30 minutes later and taken into a room where a very nice gentleman ran me through how the tests showed up. All taken so far were negative and they just had to take bloods to get the tests for HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis I think. He then gave more advice with regard to the Phimosis and other things, and gave me the talking to about condom usage, which I expected but he was not judgemental, and I would believe he was really looking out for what's best for me.

Then he took me to another nurse to have my blood taken, another very nice person having a chat while he did it to put me at ease given my hatred of needles. Quick as a flash it was over with one vial taken, I expected it to be 3!!! Taken off and plastered I was told to go to the desk and book in for results in 2 weeks.

2 weeks later I went in, was waiting a half hour, was called and got the all clear by a lady who ran through every page nice and quick that I was clean and since my last unprotected encounter was 2 months previously that I should book in for just bloods in one month just to get the 100% all clear. And I was done!

It really is a very fast process with the waiting the only bad side. Everyone is really really lovely and does take care of you really well.

Directions to the clinic for those who may be embarrassed to ask.

Go to the main entrance of the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital, go straight until you get to the elevator and then go down the corridor on your left, when you get to the end of that corridor go right until you get to the top of a staircase, proceed down the staircase to the very bottom, do a 180 around the corner and walk down the corridor a few doors down on your right is where you are looking for (there will be a sign over head). The office is in on the left.

Have a nice day everyone

Surprise Result

Thought I would share my experience on here. Was prompted to by reading a thread where the gf had kept knowledge of an sti from her boyfriend.

Met my boyfriend last year, was crazy about him and we eventually started sleeping with each other. I'd had a couple of partners before, he'd had none. I'd never had unprotected sex before so when the condom was annoying him we just took it off, was ok cycle wise and the thought of sti just didn't enter either of our heads at the time.

After the heat of the moment had passed I was racked with guilt over having potentially exposed someone I love and care about deeply to the risk of infection, however small the risk was. So I decided to get an sti test and we both decided I should go on the pill as we both liked sex much better without a condom. Went for the test, thought nothing more of it, got the pill and resumed sex life. Went back for results and expected all clear, terrible shock to find I had been carrying chlamydia around for at least 4 years. ( devestated about what that probably means fertility wise ) . The doctor asked for my bfs phone number to inform him, but I thought he deserved to hear it from me, not from a stranger over the phone. So I went round to his, had rehearsed a million different ways of telling him. In the end, I just blurted it out and told him he needed to be tested too. He was amazing, put the kettle on for tea, opened a massive bar of chocolate he was going to give his sister for her birthday, thanked me for getting tested and telling him and then we had a big cuddle for what must have been a couple of hours. His test came back negative ( thank god!!!!).

The reason I wanted to post is so people can know that if you love and respect someone, a sign of that is that you be upfront with them and be proactive about caring about their health. If they love and respect you in return, they will appreciate your honesty and responsibility, even if the news itself is hard to deal with. Things may not end very well, I know of all the stis, chlamydia is among the most treatable and curable, I can't imagine how hard it must be to share a diagnosis of something very serious or incur able, but the point is that if you love and care about someone, it's your responsibility to be tested and honest with them, even if that means you have to have an awkward conversation. These things spread because people are too embarrassed and afraid to be mature and responsible about it. I had no symptoms, it's possible whoever gave it to me didn't either ( no contact details for exs so can't inform them, I emigrated since then to Ireland). I don't even know how I got it, doctor reckons a condom must have split without my knowing. The only way to make sure you are healthy is to get tested and if you actually love your partner, hiding bad results from them just won't be an option.

Anyway, just thought I would share. Bf and I still going strong 8 months in!!

LegacyUser

I was tested recently and have documented my experience in case it is of help to someone else and also there are few posts from a female perspective in this thread.

I went to Dr Friedman in Ranelagh. He's based opposite the Ulster Bank - very easy to get to. Small waiting room, only 2 other others there while I was. Receptionist is very friendly and discrete. She look several calls while I was there but she never addressed any of the callers by name etc. There appears to be a lot of respect for privacy there.

The receptionist took my name, date of birth, address and details of any medication and contraceptives I was used.

Meeting with the doctor started with a brief chat which included the following:
1) Why I made the appointment
2) When I became sexually active
3) Number of previous partners
4) How many were regular partners/casual
5) In which instances did I /didn't I use protection
6) Anything that I was concerned or worried about, discharges, spots etc

After that the blood test began - appeared standard. I can't tell how big the needle was or anything because I didn't look but this took about 2/3 minutes and didn't hurt at all.

The doctor then asked if I would like his female receptionist or anyone else to be present while he took vaginal swaps. I didn't but it was nice to have the option I suppose.

This process is very like having a smear test, perhaps just a little bit more pressure and takes slightly longer. A little uncomfortable but not painful. This took no more than 5 minutes.

After that he did an internal check with his fingers to see if he could feel anything out of the ordinary. This lasted no more than 30 seconds and was painless.

After that, he checked some of the samples under a microscope. This seemed to take forever but was probably no more than 2 minutes.

All he could tell me from this was that everything appeared to be in order but that the bloods and rest of the swabs would need to be tested in order to get full results.

Your samples are only identified using your first name and the first letter of your surname and a 5 digit code. I was told to ring in a week with the code for full results. All results are given over the phone and he doesn't do a print out of results.

Overall, I wish I did this sooner. Hope this post has been of help to somone here.

Mr. Loverman

Surprise Result wrote: »

His test came back negative ( thank god!!!!).

He should get re-tested. I know a couple who were in the same situation as you (including the guilt you feel and the relaxed attitude by the boyfriend). He also tested negative even though he knows he was the one who was originally infected (he got symptoms a few weeks before after an unprotected fling). She assumed the problem was her so he said nothing. A re-test later showed he was positive.

Needless to say he is a scumbag and he isn't one of my friends anymore, but still, your boyfriend should get re-tested in a few weeks for peace of mind.

LegacyUser

I got my act together recently and finally got tested in Cork. All I can say is I have never been more relieved finding out I'm not carrying any infections. It is scary to think of how many infections are out there and many are so easy to contract as careful as you may be.

The female doctor told me after the initial swabs that I had a large amount of white blood cells at the top of my cervix which would suggest I was fighting some kind of infection, so straight away she gave me an antibiotic. Nervous wait for two weeks. Went back and found out I was completely clear and the possible of an infection at the top of my cervix is a mini infection which happens naturally and heals itself more or less. So happy now.

Honey-ec

Just FYI for anyone in Dublin, Groupon have a deal at the moment for full STI screening at two clinics in Dublin (Rathmines & Churchtown) for €59.

LegacyUser

Im having a bit of a nightmare at the min with what I think is an sti. Had sex a couple of months back abroad and very quickly began displaying symptons of an sti. Funny thing was I had a condom on at the start but can't remember taking it off at the end I was that drunk.

went to local doctor. He inspected me and said there was no problem, I wore a condom and I was fine. Left 70euros down. As far as I was concerned this consultation wasnt very satisfactory so I went to another doctor who prescribed me some medication. another 70euro Took it for the rest of my holiday but came home still feeling symptons.

So I went to my Irish doctor when I came home. He took a urine test and sent it off to find out if I "had any of the common sti's chlamydia or gonorrhea.". fine. Came back a couple of weeks later, clear. In the time I was waiting for my results, he prescribed me some medication to clear up chlamydia. Which I of course took.

I went back to him and told him I had a kidney infection/urine infection previously, he reckons this should be looked into. He doesn't think its an sti and its not really worth getting a full sti test done. So he's referring me to a urologist. The public waiting list is crazy and to go private would be very expensive especially when I don't have health insurance.

I literally getting depressed over this now. I can't see how its anything other than an sti when the symptoms came on straight after sex. very red/looks irretted and difficulty urinating and small bit of diaherra, uncomfortable feeling in scrotum. I ran through my head millions of different things. Ive heard tap water is bad in the country I was in, I did drink a couple of classes of it over the week and I could hazard a very good guess some of the pints I drank were watered down. maybe this could have something to do with it, I dunno.

Funny enough, I was virgin before this. I just made a stupid mistake, one which I defiantly am regretting now. Im going for a full STI test next week. Just hope Its all going to be ok. sorry for the long post, just needed to get this all off my chest/tell someone.

LegacyUser

Went in yesterday morning. Wasn't a very nice experience to be honest. Staff were lovely bar one. something came up in the urine so they've given me some tablets for chlamydia for the time being. ringing up friday 2 weeks for full results.

Mr. Loverman

Neiiillll

The problem sounds psychological. Guilt is a terrible thing. Stop worrying, you are doing yourself no good. Trust the experts.

All the best mate.

LegacyUser

Quick Update. finishing up my medication tomorrow. Hasn't made much/if any difference whatsoever which is really worrying because it seems to be a tablet to cure most STDs/UTIs etc according to the internet.

Ringing up for my results friday, fairly worrying times. Running all possiblilties through my head all the time, at only 19, chances of having HIV and anything else that is basically incurable or massively reduces my chances of having any relationship/family with anyone for my whole life is a fairly scary thought at the minute.

Tomorrow marks 3 months since it happened and I can safely say thats been the worst 3 months of my life, not been able to go for a pee comfortably, not been even able to kiss a girl for fear of it going further to the bedroom and having to make excuses about how I can't.

Paranoid, maybe I am, but it's so hard not to. I don't know if I want friday to come fast or slow. Im scared, worried still so angry at myself for been so so stupid. All I know is time will tell all.

RUCKING FETARD

Neiiillll wrote: »

I literally getting depressed over this now. I can't see how its anything other than an sti when the symptoms came on straight after sex. very red/looks irretted and difficulty urinating and small bit of diaherra, uncomfortable feeling in scrotum.

Neiiillll wrote: »

Quick Update. finishing up my medication tomorrow. Hasn't made much/if any difference whatsoever which is really worrying because it seems to be a tablet to cure most STDs/UTIs etc according to the internet.

Sounds like Thrush. If you get it bad enough, Thrush can give you the burn sensation, not feeling right down there, cheesy puss like build up, antibiotics will make it worse most likely, you'll have sensitivity even when you think it's gone. GPs shrug it off.

Bitch to get rid of to, takes a month at least.

Talk to chemist.

LegacyUser

results came back. Negative for All the usual infections/diseases. But they've found something in the urine. They can't identify the organism at all so they've thrown a few more tablets at me which il take till tuesday. see how it goes.

Since June, I've spoken to 6 different doctors. 2 in spain, 2 at my GPs and 2 at the STI clinic. I've also taken 7 different types of medication, 3 from the doc in Spain, 1 from my GP and 3 from the STI clinic, as an attempt to cure this and to no avail. Not looking good eh.

LegacyUser

Neiiillll wrote: »

results came back. Negative for All the usual infections/diseases. But they've found something in the urine. They can't identify the organism at all so they've thrown a few more tablets at me which il take till tuesday. see how it goes.

Since June, I've spoken to 6 different doctors. 2 in spain, 2 at my GPs and 2 at the STI clinic. I've also taken 7 different types of medication, 3 from the doc in Spain, 1 from my GP and 3 from the STI clinic, as an attempt to cure this and to no avail. Not looking good eh.

I don't know why I wrote spain there, I meant england, which was where I had sex with the girl. I am wrecked tired, been at work all week.

LegacyUser

so finished up that last batch of medication, didn't make things any better at all. Going in again next week so they can have another inspection. This is so tough. Just been meeting a girl I like a lot the last while. Things are going really well but If things don't go well at the clinic this week I think il have to push her away before anything happens/ goes any further

Mr. Loverman

Neil, if you've only ever had sex once, used a condom, multiple doctors tell you there is nothing wrong, and medication isn't relieving your symptoms, you really need to start considering the problem is psychological.

LegacyUser

yeah the clinic has given me some very strong antibiotic that I have to take for a month. see how it goes I guess. if this doesnt work they said they cant really do any thing else for me and that urology is the way to go.

mr loverman, yeah I can see where your coming from, its just, if they've found an organism in the urethra and I have both physical and visual symptons in the gential area, how could it be psychological? Il admit my mental state hasn't been in great shape at all recently between this and a few other personal issues but I can see that been completely the issue.

Mr. Loverman

I'm pretty sure if they looked in my urethra they'd find some organisms too :pac:

I hope it turns out to be nothing, or at least something simple, but based on the information you've given us I'd err on the side of "glass half full" rather than "glass half empty".

LegacyUser

Has anyone here gone to the Carlow District Hospital's clinic?

I really want to get checked out as I'm in a new relationship and I want to make sure I don't have anything from my past.

I've called them, and I only got an answering machine telling me to leave my contact details. It's been nearly a week now and I've not heard anything back from them.

Should I call again? Or is there any of place locally I can go that doesn't cost a lot.

N197m4r3

Are free clinics as good as the private paid ones?

Are can some not screen the same amount of STIs?

Mr. Loverman

N197m4r3 wrote: »

Are free clinics as good as the private paid ones?

Are can some not screen the same amount of STIs?

St. James's screens for everything except HPV and Herpes as far as I know.