I'm looking for a free (or very cheap) place that does STI screenings w. quick result

dogonegreat

Basically as the title says.
I'm looking for somewhere I can get tested with little to no fee.
And I'm also looking for somewhere without a giant gap of time between when I go and the results delivery.
Anyone know? Thanks.

Annasopra

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Sexualhealth/Gay_Men's_Health_Service/

http://www.stjames.ie/Departments/DepartmentsA-Z/G/GenitoUrinaryMedicineandInfectiousDiseases/DepartmentOverview/

dogonegreat

Do you happen to know how long it takes for results to come back?
I'd love it if I found somewhere that gave results back in the same day.

Bobby42

Nowhere can do same day results. Most STI screenings will take at least a week. Viral tests could take longer, up to two weeks, due to the nature of the testing process, and that there is only one viral testing lab in the country.

Usually doctors will decide, based on your case, whether you need urgent or routine testing.

All the best.

Annasopra

No.

They generally take a few days at minimum

dogonegreat

Hmmm. Do you know any places that have short "wait times" between results?
Ie. A week or less.
I'm leaving for holiday on the 16th.

Annasopra

Ring Gmhs or St James what they can do

You should of course be aware that while a test for HIV may come back negative that there is a window period in which HIV antibodies might show and it is reccomended to test again 3 months later

http://www.dublinaidsalliance.ie/index.php?page=testing-2


http://www.man2man.ie/intheknow.html

dogonegreat

Yes, I know that. I haven't had any sexual relations since about July. So, I'm set. Now, I just have to find a damn clinic.
I wish there was one who gave results back in like 2 days as opposed to an entire week of waiting in fright lol.

L1011

Most GP surgeries can do results in slightly under a week (using bloods couriered to a UK lab, e.g. TDL in Manchester) but this is neither free nor very cheap. GMHS was two weeks until quite recently, as it happens; but now that its 1 week there isn't really much point in paying for private ones.

The quicker the testing, the dearer the process and in many cases, the lower the accuracy too.

If you're going away on the 16th you have plenty of time to use any of the options available in Ireland anyway.

ninty9er

How is it that in Mozambique, a programme funded by Irish Aid gan give a HIV result in less than 10 minutes, yet with the HSE you have to wait 10 working days.

L1011

ninty9er wrote: »

How is it that in Mozambique, a programme funded by Irish Aid gan give a HIV result in less than 10 minutes, yet with the HSE you have to wait 10 working days.

Those instant tests are neither particularly reliable, nor do they test for other STIs which are still far more prevalent in Ireland than HIV.

If you want to get an instant result HIV test, they are available in Ireland, but the HSE does not see the point in providing them due to the risk of false positives/negatives and the assumption that a clean test on it = clean test for everything - and I agree with the reasoning.

dogonegreat

So, the GMHS is one week. Has anyone done it there? What's it like. The lines, the people, the wait for the results.

Lingua Franca

dogonegreat wrote: »

Hmmm. Do you know any places that have short "wait times" between results?
Ie. A week or less.
I'm leaving for holiday on the 16th.

The Rainbow Project in Belfast or Derry. Free and instant.

Daith

dogonegreat wrote: »

So, the GMHS is one week. Has anyone done it there? What's it like. The lines, the people, the wait for the results.

The last time I was there I was waiting a long time for everything but it was really busy that night. It's fine and the staff are great. You get the results back in a week which is always scary.

Recommend it. Just get there early.

stephen_n

(A) why in particular are you suddenly worried after 5 months
(B) is it the virus your worried about or STI's in General
(C) What differnce will knowing before you go on holidays, it would be assumed that if your concerned enough to get tested, you wouldn't be silly enough to engage in unprotected sex, straight after finding out?

Jezek

I would recommend the GUIDE clinic, some of the most lovely people work there, not very long queues, http://guideclinic.ie/

foggy_lad

stephen_n wrote: »

(A) why in particular are you suddenly worried after 5 months
(B) is it the virus your worried about or STI's in General
(C) What differnce will knowing before you go on holidays, it would be assumed that if your concerned enough to get tested, you wouldn't be silly enough to engage in unprotected sex, straight after finding out?

dogonegreat wrote: »

Hmmm. Do you know any places that have short "wait times" between results?
Ie. A week or less.
I'm leaving for holiday on the 16th.

The OP could be going to a country where HIV negative status is mandatory for foreign visitors and tourists?

stephen_n

foggy_lad wrote: »

The OP could be going to a country where HIV tests are mandatory for foreign visitors and tourists?

That's a new one on me, I wasn't aware that any countries had that policy. Considering most holidays would be nearly over before the results came back, I doubt it though.

The urgency seems strange but if its a general check and not a HIV check, then results would be quicker!

Jezek

stephen_n wrote: »

That's a new one on me, I wasn't aware that any countries had that policy. Considering most holidays would be nearly over before the results came back, I doubt it though.

The urgency seems strange but if its a general check and not a HIV check, then results would be quicker!

I know that the U.S.A. doesn't allow any HIV+ visitors...

foggy_lad

stephen_n wrote: »

That's a new one on me, I wasn't aware that any countries had that policy. Considering most holidays would be nearly over before the results came back, I doubt it though.

The urgency seems strange but if its a general check and not a HIV check, then results would be quicker!

Should have put "HIV negative status is mandatory for tourists and visitors"

It is a requirement for some countries. http://www.livestrong.com/article/28141-list-countries-dont-allow-hiv/

Total Ban

The United States, Yemen, China, Oman, Brunei Darussalam, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Sudan all have had a total ban against travelers who are HIV positive.

Stay Limits

In several places, including the British territory Turks and Caicos, Egypt, Tunisia, Singapore and Iraq, travelers must show proof they are HIV-negative if they intend to stay in the country for longer than a certain period of time, ranging from 10 to 90 days.


Deportation

Twenty-nine nations will deport foreigners found to be HIV-positive. These include Uzbekistan, United States, North Korea, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Hungary, Bulgaria, South Korea, Tajikistan and Jordan.

Dingle_berry

No where in Ireland can do better than a sexual health clinic or GP for turnaround time and confidence in the result. Most places use the HSE labs apart from a few private clinics.

The rapid HIV tests that take ten minutes are only screening tests to detect high levels of antibodies. You can't put much confidence in them, any result would need to be confirmed by more traditional tests.
Why would anyone think that if there was a reliable test for HIV that gave a result in 10 minutes Irish labs wouldn't offer it?

L1011

Jezek wrote: »

I know that the U.S.A. doesn't allow any HIV+ visitors...

Lifted at some point since Obama came to office.

Jezek

MYOB wrote: »

Lifted at some point since Obama came to office.

couple of months back I was in a reproductive health conference where it was mentioned by a speaker. Don't know if it was lifted, good job if it was.

edit: clearly lifted, info here. Thanks for the heads up MYOB

jill_valentine

stephen_n wrote: »

(A) why in particular are you suddenly worried after 5 months

I'd guess a) Would like to put mind at rest before travelling, or b) Has only recently been informed by previous partner that they may want to get checked out.

stephen_n

foggy_lad wrote: »

Should have put "HIV negative status is mandatory for tourists and visitors"

It is a requirement for some countries. http://www.livestrong.com/article/28141-list-countries-dont-allow-hiv/

Jesus I wasn't aware of that, that's awful!

jill_valentine wrote: »

I'd guess a) Would like to put mind at rest before travelling, or b) Has only recently been informed by previous partner that they may want to get checked out.

Doesn't explain a) the rush b) if its the virus or just sti's in general

Jezek

stephen_n wrote: »

Jesus I wasn't aware of that, that's awful!



Doesn't explain a) the rush b) if its the virus or just sti's in general

maybe he doesn't want to mention if its HIV or a different STI. Also people don't always act rationally and they don't have to - an STI scare can be very worrying, and wanting to have your mind set at ease as soon as possible is very reasonable.

stephen_n

Jezek wrote: »

maybe he doesn't want to mention if its HIV or a different STI. Also people don't always act rationally and they don't have to - an STI scare can be very worrying, and wanting to have your mind set at ease as soon as possible is very reasonable.

Exactly as soon as possible, which wasnt the case. The OP already stated that he wants this before going on holidays, that is the urgency, if its not in particular a HIV check, then he might be able to get quicker results, simple.

LegacyUser

I recently met up with a guy and for some reason I am really paranoid that I caught something. We just had oral sex, but I'm still worried. I feel fine but I guess I'm a bit of a hypocondriac.

I've heard about "The Gay Men’s Health Service" and I was going to get checked there.

Does anyone know how confidential it is? I have this image in my head of a waiting room full of gay guys wanting to get an STD check but I am in the closet so don't want anyone to see me there.

Can anyone tell me exactly what goes on there? Thanks

Annasopra

Its extremely confidential. They only take initials. Yes there is waiting room but everyone else is in the same position so there is nothing to worry about.

www.gaymenshealthservice.ie

LegacyUser

Is there any way to avoid the waiting room? I really dont want anyone to know 1. that I'm gay and 2. that I'm getting an STI test.

I know they're in the same position but I'm really uncomfortable with people knowing that about me

Oracle

Yeah you just give them your totally traceable DOB instead. So be ready with a fake one. Beware they push the HIV test, PEP and the HepB vaccine. None are a good idea.

wonderfulname

Do you have anything to back up that claim?

Oracle

wonderfulname wrote: »

Do you have anything to back up that claim?

The claim that they push the HIV test, PEP and the HepB vaccine? Just take a look at their web site and promotional materials: http://www.man2man.ie/

floggg

Oracle wrote: »

Yeah you just give them your totally traceable DOB instead. So be ready with a fake one. Beware they push the HIV test, PEP and the HepB vaccine. None are a good idea.

Traceable D.O.B.?

I imagine it would be pretty darn hard to trace somebody from their D.O.B. alone.

As for pushing the HIV test, it's a testing service. That's why most people go.

I really doubt they push PEP except in cases of HIV exposure, in which case PEP is in your best interest.

As is the Hep B vaccine. The GUIDE clinic in James also recommend it.

As for the poster not wanting to wait in the waiting room of the GMHS, why not go to the GUIDE clinic in James. It's during the day rather than evenings so you may need to take a day off. But it's a general sexul health clinic, so while you'll still have to sit n a waiting room, people in he waiting room will have no reason to think you are gay.

LegacyUser

I'm even more paranoid now. Why is HIV testing a bad thing?

I am really uneasy about the whole thing. I was totally fine until I checked the symptoms last week. They mentioned flu like symptoms are common and I had a sore throat a couple of weeks ago. I really hope it's a coincidence. I just had oral sex with a guy, and I hear its unlikely that you can catch HIV from it, but even still - should I get a test?

The other thing that worries me is that you dont get the all clear for 3 months. So even if you test negative, you still might have HIV? What is the point in getting checked before the 3 months then? I think I will be very uneasy for the next number of weeks even if I get the test.

Also, can anyone tell me how far in advance do you need to make an appointment for the Jame's hospital clinic? Thanks.

Annasopra

Folks as per the charter we cannot give medical advice. Please confine responses on this thread to general information. I've deleted one or two posts that are discussing medical advice.

L1011

paranoidguy wrote: »

I'm even more paranoid now. Why is HIV testing a bad thing?

Its not. Someone is trying to push their (rather odd) personal agenda.

Dingle_berry

paranoidguy wrote: »

I'm even more paranoid now. Why is HIV testing a bad thing?

it's not.

paranoidguy wrote: »

I am really uneasy about the whole thing. I was totally fine until I checked the symptoms last week. They mentioned flu like symptoms are common and I had a sore throat a couple of weeks ago. I really hope it's a coincidence. I just had oral sex with a guy, and I hear its unlikely that you can catch HIV from it, but even still - should I get a test?

remember this is the time of year for the flu. And "flu like symptoms" are very general. It would not just be a sore throat it would be feeling like **** and exhausted for weeks. The chances of catching HIV depend on the situation, I.e. which bodily fluids involved. In the case of oral sex if you had recently had dental surgery, mouth ulcers, etc that would increase the risk. Anal sex is riskier because its physically more traumatic.

paranoidguy wrote: »

The other thing that worries me is that you dont get the all clear for 3 months. So even if you test negative, you still might have HIV? What is the point in getting checked before the 3 months then? I think I will be very uneasy for the next number of weeks even if I get the test.

HIV is a virus. It is very difficult to grow a virus. So the best way to test for HIV is to look for antibodies that your immune system produces to it. It takes the virus a while to grow to a high enough population to be noticed by your immune system and then it takes a while for your immune system to produce enough antibodies to be detected. Testing initially after exposure allows you to be sure that you weren't already infected. Testing 3months after exposure will hopefully confirm that you are not infected.

If its bothering you that much either go speak to a therapist (I.e. psychotherapist not a counsellor) or go get tested and wait it out. Do not let worry get you down or consume you.

stephen_n

Dingle-berry as a matter of interest on one point you made, why did you specify a psychotherapist as opposed a counsellor, for brief therapy?

Dingle_berry

stephen_n wrote: »

Dingle-berry as a matter of interest on one point you made, why did you specify a psychotherapist as opposed a counsellor, for brief therapy?

Because from my own experiences and those of family and friends with these professionals psychotherapists are more qualified and less influenced by personal bias. Some of those friends and family members have had very negative, even detrimental, experiences with counsellors and are now doing better than they had hoped for with psychotherapy alone. However I am aware that this is only my opinion, it's very likely that there are excellent counsellors out there.

Annasopra

Telling people what kind of counselling they need is straying into medical advice and this is not allowed under the charter

Jezek

As far as the advice about James's, go into GUIDE, its a special clinic they have, some days is with appointment and others its walk-in, excellent doctors, they will help put your mind at ease about any waiting periods etc, talk to them about it rather than listen to anyone on boards, they are the professionals and they will deal with it in the best way, that includes talking to you about any concerns you might have.

http://guideclinic.ie/sti-clinic/coming-to-see-us

stephen_n

Dingle_berry wrote: »

Because from my own experiences and those of family and friends with these professionals psychotherapists are more qualified and less influenced by personal bias. Some of those friends and family members have had very negative, even detrimental, experiences with counsellors and are now doing better than they had hoped for with psychotherapy alone. However I am aware that this is only my opinion, it's very likely that there are excellent counsellors out there.

At the moment with lack of regulation the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist, is what a person decides to call themselves. Someone who has done a 6 week foundation course in psychotherapy, can call themselves a psychotherapist, while someone with a 3 year diploma in counseling, might call themselves a counsellor. I have a degree in psychotherapy and would use either title. The type of therapy involved would dictate if its psychotherapy, which usually involves looking at deeper issues and causes, where as Counseling is usually shorter in duration and focused on single issues, grief, particular fears etc. which is why I was wondering, how you came to that viewpoint.

As far as I'm aware the men's health clinics have excellent counselors, who would be very experienced in this area and helpful to the OP in this situation.