Sexual Health Stuff

ash777

Hey,

I was watching a programme on TV recently, based in a sexual health clinic, and when they were doing swabs for STI/STDs, etc, they took swabs from 3 areas - mouth/throat, and down below in the front and back.

I've never been offered those by my doctor, I've only ever given blood and urine, and been swabbed in my lady parts. The last time I went in, I said to the nurse could I get the mouth/throat swabs done too, and she said that basically if I come back and make an appt with the doctor, that I could talk to her about what they do. The way she was talking, it was like she'd never heard of this being done.

So, has anyone had experience of the South Infirmary's STI testing clinic in Cork? It's anonymous and free, so if I go there, will they check everywhere? Or can anyone recommend somewhere thorough?

I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to put this query.

Thank you.

Faith

It's been a long time since I was there, but I don't recall a throat swab. I've only ever had blood and lady bits checked.

Dial Hard

Throat and anal swabs are far more likely to be done on gay men. It's possible the girl on the programme gave some answers on her sexual history that flagged the need for them but generally they wouldn't be standard for straight women as part of a "normal" STI check.

woodchuck

I've gone for a standard check up too and they only did blood and urine. They asked me if I had any symptoms I'd like them to look at, but I didn't, so they never did a visual exam, never mind swabs. They also took my sexual history, and there was nothing alarming.

I wouldn't worry. I assume the samples they decide to take are based on the information you give them, which is always going to be on a case-by-case basis.

Milly33

It is something i find odd in Ireland how they dont really have proper gynie care.. I remember being out in Dubai and the place i went to were great they would check for everything.. here it is all a little blasse.. Id say if you ask maybe they would do the test but then you have that feeling of well, the wrong word to say but shame almost.. But there should be no shame you are just looking after yourself..

Even the smear test feck it seems to be impossible to book one lately... I tried ages ago after getting the letter and they were all booked out... Going to go to the walk in clinic me thinks and get it done there... And maybe like this ask for one of those tests too..After recent scares and what not i want to get the whole cancer tests done too, and the mamogram.. Does anyone know are mamograms free or do you need to book them privately?

ash777

Milly33 wrote: »

It is something i find odd in Ireland how they dont really have proper gynie care.. I remember being out in Dubai and the place i went to were great they would check for everything.. here it is all a little blasse.. Id say if you ask maybe they would do the test but then you have that feeling of well, the wrong word to say but shame almost.. But there should be no shame you are just looking after yourself..

Even the smear test feck it seems to be impossible to book one lately... I tried ages ago after getting the letter and they were all booked out... Going to go to the walk in clinic me thinks and get it done there... And maybe like this ask for one of those tests too..After recent scares and what not i want to get the whole cancer tests done too, and the mamogram.. Does anyone know are mamograms free or do you need to book them privately?

It's a bit of a joke. Two separate programmes on TV recently have done STI/STD tests on women and men, and done all the 3 areas. It should be offered.

You can go to your GP with just your PPS number/the letter for the smear test.

I'm no doctor, or expert, but if you would like to get something done, ask for it.

Breast checks are free after a certain age on a national scheme, I don't know the specific details, but maybe someone here knows more.

Best of luck, and mind yourself.

Milly33

Thanks Ash, yeah was asking a few people at the weekend and the same again just ask... Yeah I have the letter for the smear but it was trying to book one, the min I said it was for this it was like sorry no we are booked this day and that day...

Going to go now get it all done and ask the questions.. Ill ask too about the sti/d test too see is there some kinda of overall one that can be done....Ill be back....Going get super tested

Lia_lia

They do STI tests in the medical centre in our workplace. For women anyway it's swabs and a urine test. Can't remember if there was a throat swab or not. Never got a blood test but I'm sure you can request it.

sullivlo

Lia_lia wrote: »

They do STI tests in the medical centre in our workplace. For women anyway it's swabs and a urine test. Can't remember if there was a throat swab or not. Never got a blood test but I'm sure you can request it.

They don't tend to do a blood test unless a blood borne infection is suspected. Such as HIV or hepatitis. However other symptoms usually present themselves with those.

Other STDs can be detected by physical examination (in the case of herpes) and urine tests, as there's usually enough bacteria in the urine to be detected on the fancy lab machines (they use PCR to amplify the specific bugs!).

I'm often tempted to do my own testing for various things. Like if I think I've a UTI to do a ph test to see if it's normal, and if it's not to grow a culture and see what it is :pac: