STI Clinics in Ireland (list in first post updated 10/08/2010)

Novella wrote: »

It does happen in the clinic actually. I was there last Tuesday, and was given an appointment for Tuesday week to get results. Yes, you do get some results on the day, preliminary. However, blood tests for syphillis and HIV do take on average of two weeks.

Maybe some people don't get follow up appointments, but I definitely did and I'm sure I'm not an exception.

This is not the norm. Are you a returning patient? or something? (this is just for thought, don't expect you to answer same her on the board). Perhaps, Triage identified something of urgency/sensitivity.

Don't want to frighten you or anyone {mods can delete this part of post if it is felt necessary} but usually you're only asked to collect your results personally if it is felt that there is a significant risk - i.e. homosexual intercourse (unprotected). The reason for this is so they can provide access to counselling services and/or immediate treatment. Maybe you tested positive on preliminary test for one of the curable infections.

There might be some other reasons, like case history, occupation etc...

Edit - could also be the case that there has been a recent change in policy - which I would find hard to believe due to resource cuts.

Uriel. wrote: »

This is not the norm. Are you a returning patient? or something? (this is just for thought, don't expect you to answer same her on the board). Perhaps, Triage identified something of urgency/sensitivity.

Don't want to frighten you or anyone {mods can delete this part of post if it is felt necessary} but usually you're only asked to collect your results personally if it is felt that there is a significant risk - i.e. homosexual intercourse (unprotected). The reason for this is so they can provide access to counselling services and/or immediate treatment. Maybe you tested positive on preliminary test for one of the curable infections.

There might be some other reasons, like case history, occupation etc...

Edit - could also be the case that there has been a recent change in policy - which I would find hard to believe due to resource cuts.

Nope, not a returning patient, and no, no significant risk. I also didn't test positive for anything. And no, nothing to do with case history. I have had two STI tests before, once when pregnant and once just for my own piece of mind, and both times was all clear.

There was definitely no need for them to give me a return appointment, if it's not the norm with everyone else because I was/am symptomless, not in a high risk category etc. I just wanted to make 100% sure so as to not have to use condoms.

am getting checked out soon.It may clash with my period.
Would this affect results or anything? Probably a silly question

I'm a 35 year old female who was diagnosed with genital warts in April of this year. Had them treated in local sti clinic, 3 bouts of cryo and 2 weeks of Warticon. The warts went away fairly quickly and was given the all clear by the clinic, although I knew they could come back.

Literally less than a week later they were back. Another 2 weeks of warticon and they cleared again. Once again, approx. 1 week later they were back. This time went to my gp who prescribed Aldara cream in the hope that would keep them at bay a bit longer than previous treatments.

After 3 applications of Aldara developed extremely painful sores so stopped using it. Back on warticon now.

Not looking for medical advice here, just wondering about other people's experiences with recurrent warts. I'm particularily concerned by the fact that they return so quickly after treatment. Has anybody experienced this before? I'm worried that this indicates that I'll have a lot of trouble clearing them for good and they'll keep returning in the future.

I'm doing all the things that I've been told to by clinic to help my body deal with the virus but it doesn't seem to be working. I don't smoke, take regular exercise, take high doses of vit c daily and multivits. To be honest I'm starting to dispair and I'm terrified that they'll never clear for good.
Also any experiences with Aldara? Is it worth the side effects?

Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading.

Thanks Uriel, was starting to worry that recurrences this frequent were something to be concerned about. I guess it's just a case of my immune system getting things under control. It's very disheartening to see them reappear time after time.

The doctor in the sti clinic is also very reassuring that they'll eventually be a distant memory but it's difficult to imagine that now as i've had them come back every time and the fact they don't stay away for lengthening periods over time. Each time, they come back almost instantly.

Guess it's a waiting game.

Thanks.

Just don't tell them your gay.? Yea they do all the same tests but will also do an anal swab.

DCBA wrote: »

Is it free? Im due a check myself & dont have the money this time around either.

Is it also a walk in or is it by appointment only?

Thanks

Free, walk-in. Although I haven't been yet, don't know what the queues will be like

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Sexualhealth/Gay_Men%27s_Health_Service/STI_Clinics/

timetable123456789 wrote: »

Are they external warts and are you shaving using a raw blade?

When I went to a gp he told me to shave the area before I can in so the warts were easily seen. Kept reoccuring. When I went to a specialist (Dr Derek Freedman) he told me shaving can cause irritation which can cause reoccurance.

This is one one of the reasons why I advise you to consult with a specialist regarding STIs rather than a GP.

Shocking!!!.

Trim your pubic hair if you have to so that all warts are visible but never shave with a blade.

Anonymous Irish Male wrote: »

When I went for a thorough STD test a few months ago, I got the all-clear - except they didn't test for herpes. Which, ironically, is one of the only STDs I'm really afraid of.

As far as I can see, there is nowhere in Ireland which tests for herpes. Apparently, the blood tests cannot differentiate between Type 1 (coldsore) and Type 2 (genital). So, if you've ever had a coldsore (which the majority of the population has) you'll test positive. Currently I have two small red pimples on my penis, which look like harmless zits, but I'm still worried. One of the pimples has been there over 12 days.

I have been safe, sexually - I always use a condom. But condoms do not offer full protection against herpes, and I've been with women of...loose morals.

Can genital herpes (whether hsv-1 or 2) show up as tiny little pimples? Usually I figured it was almost certainly just an ingrown hair or a normal zit or something like that. I'm unfortunately prone to occasional outbreaks of acne. And I'm pretty sure that when I was still a virgin, I would get the occasional pimple down there.

What I wouldn't give to have peace of mind about this.

I think the reason that they do not test for herpes here is the same reason that they do not test for Genital warts - due to the cost involved through blood testing for what is a cold sore ''down there'' at the end of the day.

For most people afflicted with g herpes and g warts they are relatively benign infections with mild and transient symptoms that may not even surface for several years, though of course there are always exceptions and an unlucky few will be badly affected physically.

Though it isn't nice to have cold sores on your mouth or ''down there'', or warts on ones hands , feet or ''down there'' - it's hardly the end of the world either and for most the hardest parts of these infections is the negative social stigmas and over-hyped scare stories that are attached to them.

In the USA if you test privately you can get a type specific herpes test which tells you the type one is infected with(to my knowledge the tests are manufactured here funnily enough) and the result there is that around 25 per cent of the population have g herpes infections that in most cases the individuals in question weren't even aware of.

So it's a common ailment in the sexually active population but it is not HIV either so it is not something that one needs to get overly worked up worrying about.

Anonymous Irish Male wrote: »

When I went for a thorough STD test a few months ago, I got the all-clear - except they didn't test for herpes. Which, ironically, is one of the only STDs I'm really afraid of.

As far as I can see, there is nowhere in Ireland which tests for herpes. Apparently, the blood tests cannot differentiate between Type 1 (coldsore) and Type 2 (genital). So, if you've ever had a coldsore (which the majority of the population has) you'll test positive. Currently I have two small red pimples on my penis, which look like harmless zits, but I'm still worried. One of the pimples has been there over 12 days.

I have been safe, sexually - I always use a condom. But condoms do not offer full protection against herpes, and I've been with women of...loose morals.

Can genital herpes (whether hsv-1 or 2) show up as tiny little pimples? Usually I figured it was almost certainly just an ingrown hair or a normal zit or something like that. I'm unfortunately prone to occasional outbreaks of acne. And I'm pretty sure that when I was still a virgin, I would get the occasional pimple down there.

What I wouldn't give to have peace of mind about this.

Hey.

Unfortuantely as you say there are no blood tests in Ireland for HSV diagnosis. It is possible to travel to clinics in London, if you were so inclined. In Ireland, tests can only be performed by swabbing open sores etc... Although, this is not always reliable.

Usually, the first outbreak of Genital Herpes is very overt,very painful and very very noticable. It doesn't sounds like you have herpes to be honest. You should keep an eye on it all the same. The skin on a penis is no different to any other skin, it gets blemishes, pimples, spots etc... I don't think you should be worrying about this, seriously.

Your condom usage is really important and although as you say condoms, even when used correctly, don't offer full protection against HSV, they are still very effective.

It is also not unusal for pimples/spots etc... to last over 12 days. Seriously, just don't worry and try not to play with the spots, excessively clean/scrub them or focus too much on the area as you will only prolong them.

Best of luck and don't be worrying so much.

Can you just go to your GP and get tested?
Also when you make the appointment, do you have to tell the receptionist on the phone what its for?

Ok so my first port of call relating to STI screening was the internet and i found this thread both very helpful but also fed into the dauntingness that is going to get screened. Something that would have given me nightmares about as you hear the horror stories of how screening is carried out, for the male that is.

Im late 20s male and discovered a wart and had decided to visit James Guide Clinic. I'll keep this short as possible but just for information to those who are reading this looking to find out about the whole procedure and what is involved.

I attended the Monday walk in clinic.

I chose to drive in as i am not familiar with this end of town, the hospital car park has a daily charge of 12 euro that you will end up paying, it is a long morning.
Walk to Hospital 5 which is down opposite the IBTS building and there is a queue as the ticket system / walk in clinic is based on first come first served. I turned up between 630 and 7am and was 4th in the que. but i think i was mighty early because of what i had read on here. Try get there as early as possible to guarantee your place in the que.

You are given a number as you walk in the door and you fill out a form with your basic information and take a seat in the numbered seated reception. On the morning i was there they didnt give out enough numbers so people just walked in and took a seat, its easy to do. Where possible if you do arrive and there is no numbers there go through and ask someone for a number. A couple walked in and sat straight down and 20 minutes later a couple of lads came in and took a number, you get the picture, if you are attending the walk in clinic and are there early and one of the first 25 people there make sure you get a number.

Bring an mp3 player or book or magazine. It is a long wait, some people do not like waiting in silence and will try be chatty, but some people just dont want to talk. Its a stressful time for people, respect that not everyone wants to chat.

Once the numbers are called and you go through reception you are told to wait. Dont be wondering about the people 'jumping the que', these are people who have return appointments.


I waited until 1130 before i was called in. You are called in by the Dr into a room similar to a GPs office, it was only through reading here that i knew my doctor was Dr. Freedman. We went through my sexual history, of the last few partners over the past few years and will also how many sexual partners you have had etc. Have the information in your head as it can be hard when put on the spot and be honest, no one is there to judge you.

It may have been that i was highly stressed but i found Dr Freedman not 'odd' but a form of it, for a doctor. He started out very formally, professional and serious but then would break it when asking questions such as 'did you just bang her or..' , this slightly threw me, again just to make you aware. Maybe i was just stressed but the smallest things will throw you if its out of sorts.

The test / screening is effortless. I can not stress this enough. I was so worried about the actual screening but looking back it was just unnecessary pressure.
He will examing your testicles, uncomfortable but in no way painful. You get on the bedand he will carry out the swab test on your penis. This was the thing i had been dreading but let me tell you its not worth the hyperventilating. He will squeeze your penis, i just crossed my arms over my face and started talking to myself. All it is is uncomfortable for a number of seconds, a mild scratching on the inside of your penis. It feels un natural, yes but not painful at all. Do not worry about it. I cant tell you lads it seriously isnt worth worrying over.

Up with the trousers and then its a urine sample and blood sample. I was more relaxed at this stage and the Dr will talk about your job and such , or answer any of your concerns about anything you have on your mind or based upon the information you have given he might ask you a question or two, remember its not to judge you.

You are pretty much done at this stage, a little more waiting and you are called back. My urine showed a non specific infection so i was given 4 antibiotic tablets and was asked to return and a return appointment was made a couple weeks later.

The return appointment , for 9am, you just walk straight through to the reception, by-passing the numbered reception area. Present your appointment card and go to the waiting room. I was seen within 20 minutes. One of the nurses called me in to give me the results of the tests, all negative which was a great relief. She knew i was stressed etc but completely put me at ease as i explained exactly why i had attended and was very understanding and non judgemental. The conversation is frank but completely put my mind at rest in relation to the non-specific infection. Where i think the Dr had worried me in the fact he didnt explain it as clearly as i would have liked the nurse explained and dispelled any worries i had about it. I asked could i see the Dr about suspect return of the G warts, she organised it straight away and i saw another Dr but before she just talked to me about the fact that i was no different than anyone and really put my mind at ease. Again my advice is do not stress yourself.

I saw the Dr who examined me and it turns out what i thought was a wart was infact just a blemish. Your mind is your own worst enemy when it comes to these matters. You just constantly look at it and it builds up in your head as the worst case scenario. Your penis is just skin like the rest of your body and where you might just ignore a blemish on the back of your hand can can get a blemish on the penis as quick.

Thats it as far as i can recall. My advice is just not to stress over it. It isn't half as bad as people make out, seriously. You will be your own worst enemy if you just sit and stress about it. REading other posts of people describing whats wrong with them and looking for somoene on the internet to tell them, my advice, go get it checked out. St James is free but even if its throwing your GP a few quid to take a look , do it for peace of mind.

I couldnt reccomend St James Guide clinic enough. Its free, and run and operated by kind understanding non judgemental people who are over worked and underpaid in my opinion. This is long winded and probably all pointless but i wanted to make a point of writing about my experience becuase people just jump to the last post sometimes and work backwards.

Guys, dont stress it.


The staff can provide you with a cert for work that is just a generic St James Hosp one. Don't be afraid to say thank you to the nurses or doctors or clerical workers. They provide a great service and are very well mannered and smiling and provide a very relaxed atmosphere.

quick_question wrote: »

Hi guys, was just wondering if anyone knew of a private std screening/treatment service in cork?

Thanks in advance

there's an STD clinic in the South Infirmary, Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork. Appointments necessary and you can be waiting a while, was a month myself. its free and confidential, you're given a number when you check in at reception on your appt day and are referred to by the number from then on whenever you're being called. Takes about 2 and a half hours.
Tel: 021 496 6844, Mon, Tue, Thur 9:30 - 11:45am and Wed 2:30 - 4:30pm

Hi,

I know there is a vaccination for HPV(genital wart virus) and I am fairly sure there is also one for genital herpes(a doctor mentioned it to me before). I'm just wondering if the following is common practice, or would be a wise course of action:

-man knows he has both or is highly likely to have both despite lack of symptoms
-man starts new relationship with girl who definitely has neither
-man suggests girl gets vaccinated for both to be on the safe side, and the risk of transmission is eliminated

I could be in this situation soon and would really not want to pass anything on to a new partner, do ye think this would be the best way to approach the issue?

..also they didnt take a swab, is that normal?

justaguyfromdublin wrote: »

Hi,
I went to the walk in clinic last monday, was called out, the doc asked me questions, I had to take my pants down and he checked my penis and testicles. He didnt say much then just said now I had to pee in a tube and give blood.
Also i didnt get a result instantly. He told me if nothing was wrong they wont contact me and if something is wrong they will. Is that normal? And how long till they contact me if something his wrong? This was of working is very stressful.

Sounds like you went to the Guide Clinic. Usually they'll be in contact with you within 2 weeks. Leave it till about 4 before you stop "worrying". Tests for Chlamydia/Gonoroeah etc... would have instantaneous results. If you had one of those, they would have given you Meds on the day.

You could always wait 3 weeks and then ring them for results in case you can't shake the worry.

It is a normal approach, it's definitely not ideal but it is a free public health clinic and with resource restraints, they have to minimise resource expenditure

Uriel. wrote: »

Sounds like you went to the Guide Clinic. Usually they'll be in contact with you within 2 weeks. Leave it till about 4 before you stop "worrying". Tests for Chlamydia/Gonoroeah etc... would have instantaneous results. If you had one of those, they would have given you Meds on the day.

You could always wait 3 weeks and then ring them for results in case you can't shake the worry.

It is a normal approach, it's definitely not ideal but it is a free public health clinic and with resource restraints, they have to minimise resource expenditure

I did go to the guide clinic. The weird thing was that after the blood sample and the urine sample they just told me to go and if anything came up they would call. So why wasnt I told I could wait for the results of the urine test?? Really this is such bad practice.

as far as I know if they(james guide clinic) feel your most recent sexual encounter was within the 2 previous weeks they make you come back for a second full screening cos they think its too soon to tell.also if you have decided to get the likes of the hepititus combined vacine you will have to return 2 or 3 times.

think you mean the family planning center.they charge 140 euro and your appointment will prob be a week after calling. they you will have to leave a deposit also to confirm your booking.results will take 2 to 3 weeks(think all bloods are sent to jmes hospital any way)

previoususername11 wrote: »

Ok I might give Freedman a call, with my work it's difficult to get out there (James' and with the wait) and I'm nearly sure this is a clear cut case of something unpleasant. Any idea on the ballpark figure?

€180.

It's over and done with quickly - and you get results fairly swiftly. Having done both on various occasions, I'm rather spend the money and get it done quickly.

dohd wrote: »

Thanks for all the help and advice on this thread.

I've had the textbook symptoms of chlamydia for a couple of days now. Went to a clinic in Dublin for a test today as I couldn't get into James'. I thought I might get the results there and then but it turns out I've to wait five working days.

This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, it'll be late next week by the time I have gotten the results and (given that I assume I have it) the antibiotics. I have a family wedding next weekend and antibiotics will cast a long shadow over it.

More importantly, though, I just don't want to go around with these symptoms for another few days - they're quite irritating! Given that I'm pretty convinced that it is chlamydia, is there anything I can do at this stage?

No there is nothing you can do and you should not self-diagnose. You need antibiotics and these can only be prescribed o n confirmation of the infection. You could try ringing the clinic after 3 days to see if results came back early.

I am surprised that a clinic (especially if it is private) cannot provide you with same day results for such a test... but then I guess each clinic has it's own set of procedures. Shocking though and I wouldn't go back to that one again.

lunapark wrote: »

Hey all,

does anyone know if it is possible to use one of those foot veruca liquid nitrogen packs for HPV warts? Obviously the amount of time you apply the frozen tampon etc. will differ, but basically does anyone think it's possible? I'm only talking about HPV warts on the outside of the penis, not within the foreskin or more sensitive parts of the penis i.e under and around the head

No, I would not recommend you do this at all. Foot Veruca liquid etc.. is made specifically for that purpose. It has a different compound make up compared to what you would need for genital HPV. Genital skin is far more sensitive than that of the sole of your foot. You may damage youself somewhat serious if you try to self medicate. Please for your own sake, just don't go there.


Genital Warts should be treated by an STI Specialist (not even a GP), different compounds and mixtures and sessions may be required for different individuals.

If it is money that is an issue, go to a Public Health Clinic such as the Guide clinic for this.

dohd wrote: »

Thanks for all the help and advice on this thread.

I've had the textbook symptoms of chlamydia for a couple of days now. Went to a clinic in Dublin for a test today as I couldn't get into James'. I thought I might get the results there and then but it turns out I've to wait five working days.

This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, it'll be late next week by the time I have gotten the results and (given that I assume I have it) the antibiotics. I have a family wedding next weekend and antibiotics will cast a long shadow over it.

More importantly, though, I just don't want to go around with these symptoms for another few days - they're quite irritating! Given that I'm pretty convinced that it is chlamydia, is there anything I can do at this stage?

Go to a GP now. They don't need a test to diagnose it and all doctors will know what to prescribe if they think it is chlamydia. Plus Chlamydia symptoms are the same as other things you don't need to an STI clinic for. You don't know its chlamydia could be a urinary tract infection or something else.

Did you tell the doctor you had symptoms or just get tested?