STI Tests - Dublin

LegacyUser

Going unreg for this, apologies!

While I practice safe sex, no symptoms etc I'd like to get an STI test just for peace of mind!

I know of all the free places in Dublin, but the hours are not really possible for me, with work and I can't really wait around for hours. I'd love a place where I can just walk in for a time/date, get the test(s) and then the results asap, obviously I don't mind paying! Where would be the best, in the city center? I have a GP but hes on the other side of the country and don't have time to trek back there!

Also, could someone provide a step - by - step process of the STI tests, what do *they* actually do, what examinations etc.

Thanks

L1011

Pretty much any GP surgery offers the service, most will do it for non-patients as they understand why people might want to go to a different GP. Any of the GP surgeries on the quays, Talbot Street, O'Connell Street, Grafton Street etc will do them and will be very used to patients they'll only see once.

What tests are done vary, they can range from a blood test only to a blood test with swabs (usually urethra, anus and mouth). The reason for variance is that some surgeries use the NVRL in UCD for testing, and some use private contractors; all of which offer different tests. Private contractors are usually quicker and dearer.

You'll usually be asked a fairly standard set of questions on sexual history etc, these are set on the form for the lab and not the GP being nosy!

How soon you get your results varies on where the tests were done, and how you're informed varies from surgery to surgery - some will text if its all clear, some will require you to discuss it with the GP regardless of what the results are. Ask in advance rather than getting freaked out by a voicemail asking you to contact the surgery to discuss results.

qweerty

MYOB wrote: »

Pretty much any GP surgery offers the service, most will do it for non-patients as they understand why people might want to go to a different GP. Any of the GP surgeries on the quays, Talbot Street, O'Connell Street, Grafton Street etc will do them and will be very used to patients they'll only see once.

What tests are done vary, they can range from a blood test only to a blood test with swabs (usually urethra, anus and mouth). The reason for variance is that some surgeries use the NVRL in UCD for testing, and some use private contractors; all of which offer different tests. Private contractors are usually quicker and dearer.

You'll usually be asked a fairly standard set of questions on sexual history etc, these are set on the form for the lab and not the GP being nosy!

How soon you get your results varies on where the tests were done, and how you're informed varies from surgery to surgery - some will text if its all clear, some will require you to discuss it with the GP regardless of what the results are. Ask in advance rather than getting freaked out by a voicemail asking you to contact the surgery to discuss results.

That's a really generous response, man. (:

LegacyUser

It is better not to have a GP do it as there will be a medical file with your name on it which will have implications if you ever want a mortgage, your life insurance will have higher premiums as you may be deemed as a high risk. Might be to go to the Gay Men’s Health Project at Baggot Street hospital (Tuesday and Wednesday evenings) which is free and confidential. You need only give your initials and date of birth which is just to assign to your test paperwork. Traditionally they would just call out the initials you gave, or the initials of the name you gave, in the waiting area where everyone queues. Lately however, in an effort to supposedly reduce stigma around HIV/Aids they are starting to address people by name (if previously given) in the waiting area which I completely disagree with. Whatever about the rationale it removes choice from people; it takes away the patient’s sense of autonomy over their anonymity. So if you are a first timer give initials only and withhold your name (they still have to provide you with the service) if having your name called out would make you feel uncomfortable. One week to wait for blood results.

mnlad

im going to make an appointment with marie stopes for same reason just want a date and time to arrive for

http://www.reproductivechoices.ie/Men%27s_services/Sexually_transmitted_infection_screening.aspx

L1011

Guest unreg wrote: »

It is better not to have a GP do it as there will be a medical file with your name on it which will have implications if you ever want a mortgage, your life insurance will have higher premiums as you may be deemed as a high risk. Might be to go to the Gay Men’s Health Project at Baggot Street hospital (Tuesday and Wednesday evenings) which is free and confidential. You need only give your initials and date of birth which is just to assign to your test paperwork. Traditionally they would just call out the initials you gave, or the initials of the name you gave, in the waiting area where everyone queues. Lately however, in an effort to supposedly reduce stigma around HIV/Aids they are starting to address people by name (if previously given) in the waiting area which I completely disagree with. Whatever about the rationale it removes choice from people; it takes away the patient’s sense of autonomy over their anonymity. So if you are a first timer give initials only and withhold your name (they still have to provide you with the service) if having your name called out would make you feel uncomfortable. One week to wait for blood results.

Insurance firms contact your own GP - not every GP in the country. There is no unified health record; and even if there was the first things going on to it would be HSE records, not private GP records.

Nothing prevents you giving a fake name to a GP if you're going to give one to the GMHP anyway.

To add to that, the days of insurers asking if someone has had an STI test and assuming they're high risk as a result regardless of outcome are long, long gone. I got a mortgage without any questions about STI tests even being on the PMA questionaire in the first place - New Ireland Assurance.

sitstill

mnlad wrote: »

im going to make an appointment with marie stopes for same reason just want a date and time to arrive for

http://www.reproductivechoices.ie/Men%27s_services/Sexually_transmitted_infection_screening.aspx

I've used this clinic a few times now. Its expensive but discreet and handy as you just have to turn up for your appointment.

LegacyUser

Hi there,

I was planning on going to the GMHS Baggot St Hospital clinic soon to get tested. I've checked the website but I'm still a bit anxious as to what happens when you arrive at the clinic. Has anyone ever gone and can you share the experiences? First time getting screened!!

They also talk about some tests done. I'm assuming one of them is a blood test but the other ones? I just want to get it all set in my mind (as much as can be) because it seems so daunting!

Thanks all!

Annasopra

GettingChecked wrote: »

Hi there,

I was planning on going to the GMHS Baggot St Hospital clinic soon to get tested. I've checked the website but I'm still a bit anxious as to what happens when you arrive at the clinic. Has anyone ever gone and can you share the experiences? First time getting screened!!

They also talk about some tests done. I'm assuming one of them is a blood test but the other ones? I just want to get it all set in my mind (as much as can be) because it seems so daunting!

Thanks all!

This might help - I know when you first attend you might find it daunting but I find that the staff there are great and friendly

http://hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/sexhealth/gmhs/research/firstvisitgmhsclinic.pdf

LegacyUser

I've only had sex with one guy (around 3 months ago).

I'd still like to get the test just for peace of mind and closure. Will the clinic laugh me out of the place for going for this reason?

L1011

GuestCheck wrote: »

I've only had sex with one guy (around 3 months ago).

I'd still like to get the test just for peace of mind and closure. Will the clinic laugh me out of the place for going for this reason?

No. Particularly if you've ever had sex with women either - its good practice for everyone to get checked. But even if its one person ever, no, they won't laugh.

ninty9er

If you're not in a monogamous relationship and are sexually active even irregularly, then it is good practice to be tested every 3-6 months.