When should I have an STI test?
You should be tested if:
• you have any symptoms which suggest an STI
• your partner has an STI
• you change your sexual partner
• you have multiple sexual partners
What does the test involve?
The type of test will depend on your what kind of sexual contact you had and if you have symptoms.
For men, you will be asked to give a urine sample into a small bottle. Men should not urinate (pee) for two hours before giving a urine sample. Sometimes a swab is used to take a sample from inside the top of the penis. This will depend on what your symptoms are and will be explained to you by the doctor or nurse seeing you.
A swab is like a cotton bud.
For women, a swab is taken from the vagina. This can be done by your healthcare provider and sometimes by yourself.
Women and men will also have blood tests to check for viral or bacterial infections. Sometimes swabs will also be taken from your throat or rectum (back passage).
Further information is available in the patient information leaflet Your Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Where can I get an STI test?
Free home STI testing is available through the HSE, click here for more information.
You can attend a public STI or GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic. All STI testing and treatment in public sexual health or GUM clinics is provided free of charge. Click here for a list of public STI clinics.
STI testing is also available through many GPs, or private services for a fee. Some NGOs or student health services may provide STI testing for free or at a reduced rate.
