140 Euro for an STI test?

gsand

Well,

I'm getting a bit older now (21) and I'm with my second long term girlfriend (as in more than a year) so things are a little serious. Well more serious than before. I have had a couple of possibly risky sexual encounters in the past (drunk,college, etc, you all know the deal) and I have now decided to get a test just to make sure I'm clean(disease wise, I do shower everyday) so as not to endanger the current or any future women.

So, I looked at the link at the top of and started ringing a few places. 3-4 of them quoted me at 140euro and a 2 month waiting list...

Now Ive been told by my gf, who has contacts and the only free places she knows of apparently are erm where prostitutes get tested (probably politically incorrect there, apologies), and she is understandably not keen for me to go there, although I wonder what difference pretending to be into that would make for the sake of 140euro. Anyway, In addition I hear these things are free in gay health clinics? I'm not gay and don't want to be taking advantage of the system but I have a friend who wants to test as well and I mean improv wud not be beyond us...

I'm a student and 140euro is a lot of money between my 10k loan for a masters and books, bills etc etc. It's not that I'm stingy, if there are no other options I will definetly pay it for peace of mind for my gf and I but really, truelly is the Irish system in such a state that there are not obvious, cheap provisions for people who want to get a test?(the first person to say condoms gets a slap)

Not sure if this is a personal issue but well, seems damn close.

Going Demented

I dunno where in the country you are. I know there is a place in Waterford that is free.

Sleepy

Try the College doctor, I know in UCG they'll do STI tests free of charge in the Health Unit.

b3t4

gsand wrote:

the only free places she knows of apparently are erm where prostitutes get tested

So you state how expensive such a service is and then you take on the idea, given to you by your girlfriend, that the only people who would try to avail of a "FREE" service i.e. not the e140 are only prostitues. Now in all fairness the logic to that just does not and could never fall soundly with me.

Anyone and everyone can avail of the free STI tests in local GUM clinics in hospitals. Everyone that goes to these free clinics or otherwise are there for the same reason and every single one of them should be patted on the back for being there, many more people should follow their lead.

If there is a waiting list for a private service and a waiting list for the free service I know which one I'd be choosing.

I have paid the e140 and availed of the free service and both were of an equally high standard and equally relaxed and equally private.

A.

qwertyphobia

there are free sti clinics around the country check out http://www.hivireland.ie for your local clinic.

If your in Dublin there is james GUIDE clinic

That is of course unless you live in the North Eastern or Midlands Health Board because they haven't provided any service for the people they cover

gsand

Its not a question of pregidous(how do u spell that) or anything as such

I'm not an expert on this and did not for a second claim to be hence me questioning the logic of the information I had here so no need for the 'you assumed so and so goes here and there' stuff

Your info is much appreciated. I myself had assumed there would be numerous free locations but had found it to be the opposite in my research to date.

Scruff

did you not read this sticky at the top of every page in PI:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=152605

if not do, it should give you more info.

simu

Prostitutes are people too and your girlfriend's spiel sounds like an urban myth anyway.

Don't waste your E140 - the free services are just as good.

gsand

Thanks for the help everyone

I did not mean to be condescending in any way

I was just explaining what I had been told and questioning it as best I could

Yes i did read the sticky but had some queries I cudnt find the answer to

Cheers all.

quarryman

since it hasn't been said.

good luck.

LegacyUser

Any GP can screen for STI's also

Pet

Anyway, In addition I hear these things are free in gay health clinics? I'm not gay and don't want to be taking advantage of the system but I have a friend who wants to test as well and I mean improv wud not be beyond us...

My best mate recently went to the gay men's health project on Haddington Road (http://www.activelink.ie/irish/organisation.php?id=355). I was going to go there as well for a hepatitis vaccine, but he told me that they do ask questions before you go for the test, about what kind of intercouse you've had and how many partners and such. So I guess if you feel comfortable lying to get a free std test, then go for it..I didn't, but I wouldn't blame you if you did, I think they should be free too.

Victor

Unreg One wrote:

Any GP can screen for STI's also

I'm not sure about this. I think the STI clinic will be much better set up for this, have more experienced staff and will poke and prod you in ways that a GP may not be comfortable with.

Pet

Victor wrote:

I'm not sure about this. I think the STI clinic will be much better set up for this, have more experienced staff and will poke and prod you in ways that a GP may not be comfortable with.

Yes. Be prepared for a LOT of poking, prodding and examining, and leave your self-consciousness at the door.

JP Mulvano

As said before check with the Medical centre in your college as it should be free with them.

Bri

I believe the poking and proding is actually really bad. Does it hurt (as a guy)?

moridin

Sounds like another urban myth. I guess it depends on the person who does it tbh, I mean, I've had blood tests done by one nurse and my arm hurt like hell for days afterwards because she was crap, and I've had tests done where there was no pain whatsoever.

STI screening is prettymuch the same. Speaking from personal experience, it didn't hurt

JP Mulvano

The blood tests are fine it just a needle its the smear tests or whatever they call them that hurt, and ohhhhhhhh jesus did it hurt. But only for a minute or two, then it just feels like you need to take a piss all day long.

somechick

gsand wrote:

Thanks for the help everyone

I did not mean to be condescending in any way

I was just explaining what I had been told and questioning it as best I could

Yes i did read the sticky but had some queries I cudnt find the answer to

Cheers all.

Go to the the Mater STI Clinic, it's free and they're actually pretty sound to deal with, both guy's n' gals go there and it's no hassle. For HIV/Hep tests etc..expect to waiting about 3weeks.

My ex-boyfriend got the "umbrealla test" done, it's not too painful it's the tip of a cotton bud..down your "eye" for 2seconds and not even all the way down (that's just be too much of a fun-thought for chicks) it's only a couple of millimetres down...and it's over before you know it...

Best of luck...

Bri

somechick wrote:

My ex-boyfriend got the "umbrealla test" done, it's not too painful it's the tip of a cotton bud..down your "eye" for 2seconds and not even all the way down (that's just be too much of a fun-thought for chicks) it's only a couple of millimetres down...and it's over before you know it...Best of luck...

Ok so basically that's the part I was thinking of. Call me a coward but the thought of having that done to you for even a millisecond makes me wince. :eek:
Maybe he was playing up the pain element.

I've had many a blood test for other reasons and I just hope the skill of the individual doing the smear test doesn't determine the pain!

LegacyUser

as allreadyhas been said but people done seam to have been listening there are around 10 sti/GUM clinics around the country which provide free testing and treatment for STI. The biggest is in St James hospitial in Dublin

follow the link all ready put up in this tread to wwwhivireland.ie and you will find them listed under lenister, munster etc.