The Republic of Ireland’s home Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing service has been extended to counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.
People over the age of 17 with an address in these counties can now order an STI test through the online platform. Those who require follow-up or treatment will be directed to participating STI clinics.
Online sexual health services can allow people to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) easily from home.
The free online kit allows users to complete the samples, return them by free post and have results quickly and discretely returned to them by text message or phone call.
Online services can help lower some of the barriers which people may face accessing sexual health services, including:
- Travelling to a clinic
- Taking time off work to attend an appointment
- Concerns about discretion (such as recognising/or being recognised in a waiting room)
- Anxiety waiting for results (online services can return results within 3 days)
This service is for individuals who do not have symptoms of an STI.
Information on the STI testing pilot and how to order a test is available here. Those who need help with an existing order or wish to discuss their results can get in touch with the clinical team by replying to any text message from SH:24
They can also visit sh:24.ie for further support and information.
The Sexual Health clinics that are available in the North West are located in Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals. They provide a full range of free services for STIs.
This includes screening, vaccination, diagnosis, treatment, advice, advice to women who are pregnant and have an STI, vaccinations for men who have sex with men (MSM), pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PEP).
New patients are currently being seen by appointment only on Thursday evenings in Letterkenny and on Tuesday evenings in Sligo. Covid-19 precautions are in place. Those without symptoms are encouraged to first use the www.sh24.ie service.
To contact the clinics to enquire about an appointment you can telephone Letterkenny at (074) 91 23715 and Sligo at (071) 917 0473. Clinics are also available at other locations. Find more information here.
Information about symptoms of an STI are available here. Anyone with symptoms or who need urgent support should contact their local sexual health service or GP.
For more information on sexual health and wellbeing click here.
