If you think you may have an STI, visit your GP, pharmacist or an STI clinic for professional advice. If you do not have any symptoms you can do a free home STI test.
Using condoms every time you have sex will reduce your risk of contracting an STI.
What symptoms might I have?
What symptoms you may have will depend on the nature of the infection or genital condition.
Many people with STIs don’t notice anything wrong or anything different. For example, half of men infected with chlamydia will have no symptoms and 7 out of 10 women infected with chlamydia will have no symptoms.
Some STIs or genital conditions may cause small spots, bumps or blisters on the skin, anywhere in the genital or anal area.
In men, some STIs may cause symptoms such as a discharge from the tip of the penis, pain or discomfort passing urine, or pain and swelling in one or both testicles.
In women, some STIs may cause symptoms such as bleeding after sex or between periods, change in the normal vaginal discharge, pain passing urine or pain in the abdomen (tummy).
Some people may have bowel symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain, mucus discharge or bleeding from the rectum (back passage).
Some viruses may cause flu-like symptoms, fever, feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea. Many people may have no symptoms for many years.
More information on STIs can be found in the patient information leaflet Your Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections.
For detailed information on individual STIs click here and for genital conditions click here.
How would I know if I had an STI?
You may not know if you have an STI, so it is important to be tested.
You may not have any symptoms, or the symptoms can be easy to miss. Even when you don't notice any symptoms, you can still pass an STI to a sexual partner.
The only way to really know if you have an STI, is to be tested. Your partner(s) may benefit from testing too.
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 have a new sexual partner
• you have multiple sexual partners
What does the test involve?
The type of test will depend on 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. You should not urinate (pass urine) 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 your symptoms and will be explained to you by the healthcare professional seeing you.
Sometimes swabs will also be taken from your throat or rectum.
A swab is like a cotton bud.
For women, a swab is taken from the vagina. This can be done by the healthcare provider and sometimes by yourself.
Everyone will be asked to do a blood test to check for HIV, syphilis and sometimes hepatitis B and C.
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 STI 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 clinics may provide STI testing for free or at a reduced rate.
What if I have an STI?
If you test positive for an STI, you will be offered treatment. The type of treatment will depend on what STI you have. If your STI is not treated, it can be passed on to your sexual partner(s).
Do I have to tell my partner if I have an STI?
It's a good idea to tell your partner(s) if you have an STI, so they can be tested and treated if necessary. Your healthcare provider can give you advice and help on how to do this.
When can I have sex again?
You should avoid sex (even oral sex or sex with a condom) with anyone until after you have finished your treatment.
Having had an STI once does not protect you from getting it again. It is important to make sure that your partner(s) have been tested and treated before having sex with them again.
