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

Uriel. · 30-06-2010 9:57pm

Not the smartest thing alright but very few if any people can say they've never did something silly.

You need to go back and get throat swabs or possibly a another dose of meds depending on what the doc feels.

Either way don't just leave it, other wise you'll end up pinging it back and forth to each others and u may suffer long term consequences. And in future follow doctors orders.

Is this a new relationship? If you haven't already done so both of you should get full panel sti testing

Uriel. · 30-06-2010 10:47pm

Duplicate sorry

Stabshauptmann · 01-07-2010 11:55pm

Its been 7 years since the opening post, perhaps a small update on the details.

I tried ringing the baggot st. clinic but couldnt get through all day. Perhaps the contact info is out of date.

I personally dont want to go to St. James. I've never been there, but I know the area and it has free needle clinics and looks seedy to me. More practically, I'd prefer not to take time off work.

I'm not in any rush, Im not seeing any one at the moment and have no reason to be worried, I just think its something everyone should get from time to time as a matter of good health.

I went into the Suffolk St. clinic the other day, €140 for a test. I couldnt even get a student discount.

Can someone suggest something inbetween. I'm happy to pay for the test if it means I can do it at a time and place that suits me, but does it really cost that much?

I can see why sexual health is so bad in Ireland if it costs that much for a test.

IzzyWizzy · 02-07-2010 1:13am

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

Its been 7 years since the opening post, perhaps a small update on the details.

I tried ringing the baggot st. clinic but couldnt get through all day. Perhaps the contact info is out of date.

I personally dont want to go to St. James. I've never been there, but I know the area and it has free needle clinics and looks seedy to me. More practically, I'd prefer not to take time off work.

I'm not in any rush, Im not seeing any one at the moment and have no reason to be worried, I just think its something everyone should get from time to time as a matter of good health.

I went into the Suffolk St. clinic the other day, €140 for a test. I couldnt even get a student discount.

Can someone suggest something inbetween. I'm happy to pay for the test if it means I can do it at a time and place that suits me, but does it really cost that much?

I can see why sexual health is so bad in Ireland if it costs that much for a test.

You said you're a student, many universities offer very, very cheap sexual health screening. I think in Trinity it's something like 10 or 20 euro. Not sure if other colleges have a similar thing, but surely some do.

I agree that sexual health care in Ireland is appalling. It really does put most people off getting tested - it's unpleasant enough anyway and then forking out 140-200 quid on it? I'm really paranoid about my health and I'd think twice before paying that much money, especially if it was just to make sure I had nothing, and I had no symptoms. Here in the UK, it's practically thrown at you, and they make it so easy (and it's free!). I really can't fault this aspect of the NHS, it's something they do really well. They really encourage anyone who thinks there's even a small chance of having something to get tested. If you go to the doctor with gynae issues, chlamydia and gonorrhea swabs are done as standard. I wish it was the same in Ireland.

LegacyUser · 02-07-2010 10:22am

Looking for some advice here. I had a risky sexual encounter a while ago and got the std test at st james GUM clinic after 28 days. I recently got tested again (5 months since exposure) and am twisted with worry. I've checked the hospital website and now see that they use the HIV Duo test which tests for the HIV antigen as well as antibody.

http://search.stjames.ie/sjhservlet/Record.jsp?li=2&rf=as

An internet search indicates that this test should be 98% accurate after 28 days and almost conclusive after 5 months. Am I right in my thinking here?

Uriel. · 02-07-2010 7:06pm

hivtestadvice wrote: »

Looking for some advice here. I had a risky sexual encounter a while ago and got the std test at st james GUM clinic after 28 days. I recently got tested again (5 months since exposure) and am twisted with worry. I've checked the hospital website and now see that they use the HIV Duo test which tests for the HIV antigen as well as antibody.

http://search.stjames.ie/sjhservlet/Record.jsp?li=2&rf=as

An internet search indicates that this test should be 98% accurate after 28 days and almost conclusive after 5 months. Am I right in my thinking here?

Unless you have an underlying serious illness or have recently been through chemotherapy you are conclusively negative. Modern HIV tests are extremely good and a duo test at 5 months is proof that you are not infected with HIV.

No need to worry any longer. Some people take a very long time to shake off a fear of infection after they've engaged in risky behaviour, particularly if the behaviour is out of character for the person.

Try to relax your fear gradually over the next number of months and if you feel you cannot move on from it, then perhaps seek professional help. When it comes to HIV infection irrational fear can sometimes feed towards various milestones - the first 14 days analysing potential symptoms of acute infection, 6 weeks - coming towards the time of highly accurate testing, 12/13 weeks - coming towards the time of conclusive testing, 6 months - reaching the point of the very old outdated window period, 12 months - the latest "theoretical" case of seroconversion recorded etc...

You're fine. Time to put it behind you and learn from your mistakes.

All the best

LegacyUser · 09-07-2010 4:46am

I got tested in the Guide clinic in James Street a couple of weeks ago and was just wondering if someone could tell me what happens with regards to them following up.

Do they contact you to let you know your results if everything is ok?

And if so, how? By phone, post?

Thanks.

Uriel. · 09-07-2010 9:46am

Wondering 1 wrote: »

I got tested in the Guide clinic in James Street a couple of weeks ago and was just wondering if someone could tell me what happens with regards to them following up.

Do they contact you to let you know your results if everything is ok?

And if so, how? By phone, post?

Thanks.

They will ring you if there is something wrong. You will hear nothing if you have the all clear. Usually 14 - 21 days. Unfortunately, that's one of the disadvantages of "going public" rather than using a private facility.

There is no harm in ringing the Guide clinic after 14 days and asking for your results. They will tell you over the phone. Might be an ease of mind. Some people will always speculate if they lost your contact details, or just forgot to call etc... It is highly highly highly unlikely that that would happen. However, peace of mind is a phone call away and I'd recommend that course of action.

Best of luck.

Novella · 09-07-2010 3:58pm

Wondering 1 wrote: »

I got tested in the Guide clinic in James Street a couple of weeks ago and was just wondering if someone could tell me what happens with regards to them following up.

Do they contact you to let you know your results if everything is ok?

And if so, how? By phone, post?

Thanks.

Were you not handed a piece of paper which you were told to give at reception? Then an appointment would have been made for you in 2 weeks, 3 weeks etc., depending on what test results you were waiting for.

You should ring them and make an appointment to get your results.

Uriel. · 09-07-2010 8:17pm

Novella wrote: »

Were you not handed a piece of paper which you were told to give at reception? Then an appointment would have been made for you in 2 weeks, 3 weeks etc., depending on what test results you were waiting for.

You should ring them and make an appointment to get your results.

This doesn't happen in the guide clinic. As a public clinic providing free testing and treatment, while handling large volumes of customers, they do not make appointments for results. They ring if you test positive for something and arrange follow up for treatment. They do not ring if you are clear. Follow up appointments are not handled on the day. The urine and swab tests have almost instant results and you will be told some of those there and then

Novella · 11-07-2010 3:21pm

Uriel. wrote: »

This doesn't happen in the guide clinic. As a public clinic providing free testing and treatment, while handling large volumes of customers, they do not make appointments for results. They ring if you test positive for something and arrange follow up for treatment. They do not ring if you are clear. Follow up appointments are not handled on the day. The urine and swab tests have almost instant results and you will be told some of those there and then

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.

Uriel. · 12-07-2010 11:20am

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.

IzzyWizzy · 12-07-2010 11:30am

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.

I thought the same but didn't want to cause worry, as there could be another explanation. I go to a GUM clinic fairly often because of chronic gynae issues, and I was offered a results appointment earlier in the year because of a suspected pelvic infection, they thought it very likely I had a bacterial STI (I didn't but they didn't know that). The general practice is to get the results phoned or texted. I've never been to James' clinic, but I know people who have and they were all told 'if you don't hear from us, assume it's fine'. Perhaps it depends on how big they think the risk is, personal symptoms, etc.

Novella · 12-07-2010 6:06pm

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.

Uriel. · 12-07-2010 8:51pm

Strange one that. Definitely isn't the norm. I'm sure ur not the exception by any means but you'd certainly be in the minority. Doesn't make an awful lot of sense. Anyway, best of luck with the results

LegacyUser · 27-07-2010 1:11pm

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

Novella · 27-07-2010 2:36pm

question7 wrote: »

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

Nope, you can get tested on your period.

LegacyUser · 28-07-2010 2:34am

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.

Uriel. · 28-07-2010 10:01am

worriedaboutwarts wrote: »

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.

Hi,
You will find that everyone's experience with GW can differ. Your story is not abnormal. Unfortuantely, GW can take time to clear and they will reappear like your's have.

Generally, the rule of thumb is that if you are clear for 6 months straight then you are unlikely to get a recurrence. Having said that, it is possible that at times of high stress or strain on the body they can reappear. However, over time, the vast majority of people will never have another GW.

You are doing everything right in terms of helping your body fight the virus. If Aldara or any other cream/treatment is causing major side effects then, no, the benefits do not outweigh the negatives and you should stop using it and go back to your STI specialist.

I highly recommend that you have all treatment / consultation conducted through STI specialists rather than a GP. In my opinion, GPs (in general) are not geared up to effectively handle STI management. Some GPs have trained up and are really good at this but GPs are, by their nature General Practioners and not specialists.

Some further cyro treatment might be a good start, but you need to discuss your specific case with your specialist / sti clinic.

Don't get too down over this, in no time at all you will be clear of them and it'll be a distant memory. In the meantime, abstain from sex while warts are present, and ensure your partner uses condoms at all other times for the next 6 - 12 months.

Best of luck.
Uriel.

LegacyUser · 28-07-2010 9:19pm

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.

LegacyUser · 28-07-2010 9:45pm

Hi all,

Just wondering,

...is it still free to get a full sti check in St.james?

Do i just have to ring up & book it?

How far in advance would i have to make an appointment?

I've never had one before, it's just the GF is away at the moment & asked me to get checked before she came home as she had her iud fitted & we'll be doing away with condoms soon enough.

We both just want to be sure, she got checked so it's my turn now.

Hank_Jones · 28-07-2010 10:31pm

111222333 wrote: »

Hi all,

Just wondering,

...is it still free to get a full sti check in St.james?

Do i just have to ring up & book it?

How far in advance would i have to make an appointment?

It's still free, but they generally just have a walk in clinic.
The walk in clinics are on Monday (9am-1pm), Tuesday (1pm-5pm) and Thursday (1pm-5pm).

Those times are just when they start seeing people, you have to queue for a number very early in order to be seen.

http://www.guide2guide.ie/

LegacyUser · 30-07-2010 5:48pm

Does anyone know what the Baggot St Gay Men's Health Services clinic's position is on straight men? The James's clinic is a pain to get to and would require at least a half day off work, probably more, and I can't really afford €140 for the IFPA. The GMHS would suit a lot better. Presumably they test for the exact same diseases? It's purely a check-up, I would be in a very, very low-risk category

Uriel. · 31-07-2010 10:34am

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

LegacyUser · 03-08-2010 6:55pm

GMHSQuestion wrote: »

Does anyone know what the Baggot St Gay Men's Health Services clinic's position is on straight men? The James's clinic is a pain to get to and would require at least a half day off work, probably more, and I can't really afford €140 for the IFPA. The GMHS would suit a lot better. Presumably they test for the exact same diseases? It's purely a check-up, I would be in a very, very low-risk category

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

LegacyUser · 03-08-2010 10:10pm

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/

LegacyUser · 04-08-2010 12:59pm

worriedaboutwarts wrote: »

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.

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.

I think a good idea would be to cut your pubic hair as short as possible but don't shave which will avoid irritating the skin. Before you see the doctor get a lamp close to the area and circle every wart with a biro. That way the doctor won't miss any.

Uriel. · 05-08-2010 11:04am

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.

LegacyUser · 05-08-2010 4:58pm

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.

LegacyUser · 05-08-2010 8:59pm

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.

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

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