STD/STI test

LegacyUser

I'm male.
I hadn't had sex in over a year until I met up with a girl last weekend.
I brought condoms with me but we got a bit carried away.

I`ve already researched and from what I've read I will need to wait a minimum of 28 days before doing any test.

Can someone tell me what the story is with Gum clinics? Are they walk in services? How much do they cost? Typically how long do you wait in the waiting room? and for results?

I`m also considering a home kit test but to do a full 12 (STI/STD) test it costs E240.
Would a GUM clinic do as thorough a test and be cheaper?

The reason I want the full test is because I've been sexually active for a few years now and I've never had a test. I`ve never experienced any symptoms but I`d still like to be responsible and get tested.

Emme

Is there any chance the girl could be pregnant?

Merkin

Google is your friend.

St. James' GUM clinic is a free walk in service.

Here's the link:

http://www.guideclinic.ie/sti-clinic

zoobizoo

Depends on the time you have available - the St. James clinic, from memory, is a long waiting process (unless you're there very early) although it is free

There's a good doctor in Ranelagh, Dr. Derek Freedman who is very nice, friendly and cheaper than your online kit.

amtc

I have accompanied a friend to Dr Freedman some years *almost 20* ago. He was lovely.

LegacyUser

You don't need to wait. Book in as soon as you can. I got an appointment within a week with mid Louth hospital about 3 years ago

When I went for my test I was actively having sex at the time.

They will test you there and send bloods off to be further tested. The 28 days is the time in which they have to get back to you; they work on a policy of "no news is good news"

Best of luck

Do a Google search for GUM clinics in your vicinity. A lot of them offer free drop in clinics.

fizzypish

Go get checked out but do not stress over it. Make the appointment and get your clean bill of health. Don't do the home test thing. Just face the doctor.

The important thing to stress is that when you go get an STI/STD test, be open and totally honest about your sexual activities with the staff there when they question it. They'll ask numerous questions about your sexual history.