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Testing and safety

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Out of another topic, this has made me curious on a number of things.

Are you aware of what STIs are the most common? (I think I need to better educate myself hence this post - yes I’m doing other research)

How aware do you think other people are of commons STIs? (I think lots aren’t very aware and could t name them and how they get them or how they’re treated - particularly around oral sex. Myself included)

How often do you get tested? (Usually every 6 months but this year has been slow so once annually)

How often do you think people should get tested? (I’m not sure I have an opinion except at least twice a year if you have had at least a few different partners)

Do you think we all are a little bit complacent in terms of how safe we presume other people are? (I think I am and particularly in terms of oral sex - in my case providing it I possibly naively assume the receiver is clean like me)

I’d be interested in hearing other opinions and ideas and opening the discussion up to a wider talk on safety etc as long as it doesn’t get judgey or turn into a mess or a pointless topic that loses track. I’d like it kept serious too and nom frivolous.

Thanks all

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By *og-ManMan
over a year ago

somewhere

Is the six months set in stone

Just imagine this was a normal year and people were having meets every week ( not sure if this is normal )

Would monthy be better for testing

Is six months too long a gap

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Recently in the North of Ireland a free home testing kit was launched which means you could be testing for sti's quite regularly. Unfortunately not available down south yet.

I know from chatting to friends on here that some get tested after every meet. I have availed of the gum clinic and have to say they are lovely and I don't get the big deal going to get tested.

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By *ustBoWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in Co. Down

I get tested regularly usually every 3 months or if I have a new meet when life is normal that is.

Like DD said it is easier up here with the home test but I also have no issue going to the gum clinic. The staff in there are really nice and it's not at all embarrassing.

Last time I was in there they said gonorrhoea is now one of the most common STIs they are seeing. And no I didn't have it or any other one thank goodness.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We get tested regularly, don't give much thought to what others we meet are doing, because we have no control over that and wouldn't believe what we were told anyway. I (C) get tested at my GP clinic, my GP used to work in the Limerick hospital clinic. She has commented to me that she thinks Irish people are pretty poor at taking responsibility for their sexual health. My older kids both attend UL and have used the student clinic there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Getting tested regularly should be like going to the dentist. It's nothing to be ashamed about. I play safe but I still make it a habit to get checked. The doctors and midwives are so professional and pleasant to deal with. I attend the HSE clinic in Portlaoise every six months. The team of midwives who run it are amazing. But they always say they wish people were more like me and made it a regular habit rather than waiting for symptoms to develop. The last time I attended the nurse said I was only person that day not presenting with symptoms. The wait time to attend pre Covid was three weeks and two weeks for results. It's a totally free service which is brilliant.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Contact details for clinics

Carlow

STI Clinic, Carlow District Hospital, Athy Road. Tel: 051 842 646

Clare

STI Clinic, University Hospital Ennis. Tel: 061 482 382

Cork

STI Clinic, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road. Tel: 021 496 6844

STI Clinic, Youth Health Service, Penrose House, Penrose Quay, Cork City. Tel: 076 108 4150

Donegal

GUM/ STI Clinic, Letterkenny General Hospital, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 912 3715

Dublin

GUIDE Clinic, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 416 2315/6

STI Clinic, Mater Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 803 2063

Gay Men’s Health Service, Meath Primary Care Centre, Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 921 2730

Galway

STI Clinic, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Tel: 090 964 8372 (ext 676)

University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road. Tel: 091 525 200

Kerry

STI Clinic, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee. Tel: 021 496 6844

Laois

STI Clinic, Out patients Dept., Midland Regional Hospital, Block Rd., Portlaoise. Tel: 086 859 1273

Limerick

STI Clinic, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle. Tel: 061 482 382

Louth

GUM Clinic, Louth County Hospital, Dublin Road, Dundalk. Tel: 086 824 1847

STI Clinic, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. Tel: 086 824 1847

Mayo

STI Clinic, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar. Tel: 094 902 1733 (ext 3501)

Monaghan

GUM Clinic, Monaghan General Hospital, Monaghan. Tel: 086 824 1847

Sligo

GUM Clinic, Sligo General Hospital, The Mall. Tel: 071 917 0473

Tipperary

STI Clinic, South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel. Tel: 051 842 646

STI Clinic, University Hospital Nenagh. Tel: 061 482 382

Waterford

STI Clinic, University Hospital Waterford Dunmore Road. Tel: 051 842 646

Westmeath

STI Clinic, Midland Regional Hospital, Longford Road, Mullingar. Tel: 086 416 9830

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By *og-ManMan
over a year ago

somewhere

I got tested privately after my first meet and it cost €150.00

I went to pay by card and the receptionist said " you'd easily know you're new..everybody pays cash "

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Is the six months set in stone

Just imagine this was a normal year and people were having meets every week ( not sure if this is normal )

Would monthy be better for testing

Is six months too long a gap "

No it’s not set in stone at all. Only joined fab last year and had my first meet from it a couple of months back.

Had quite a sheltered sexual history till a couple of years ago and then started going every 6 months.

In my case monthly would be an extreme that wouldn’t be needed and would have me in felt haha

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I get tested regularly usually every 3 months or if I have a new meet when life is normal that is.

Like DD said it is easier up here with the home test but I also have no issue going to the gum clinic. The staff in there are really nice and it's not at all embarrassing.

Last time I was in there they said gonorrhoea is now one of the most common STIs they are seeing. And no I didn't have it or any other one thank goodness.

"

Interesting re gonorrhoea thanks. Wonder what the implications are for getting it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Contact details for clinics

Carlow

STI Clinic, Carlow District Hospital, Athy Road. Tel: 051 842 646

Clare

STI Clinic, University Hospital Ennis. Tel: 061 482 382

Cork

STI Clinic, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road. Tel: 021 496 6844

STI Clinic, Youth Health Service, Penrose House, Penrose Quay, Cork City. Tel: 076 108 4150

Donegal

GUM/ STI Clinic, Letterkenny General Hospital, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 912 3715

Dublin

GUIDE Clinic, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 416 2315/6

STI Clinic, Mater Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 803 2063

Gay Men’s Health Service, Meath Primary Care Centre, Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 921 2730

Galway

STI Clinic, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Tel: 090 964 8372 (ext 676)

University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road. Tel: 091 525 200

Kerry

STI Clinic, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee. Tel: 021 496 6844

Laois

STI Clinic, Out patients Dept., Midland Regional Hospital, Block Rd., Portlaoise. Tel: 086 859 1273

Limerick

STI Clinic, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle. Tel: 061 482 382

Louth

GUM Clinic, Louth County Hospital, Dublin Road, Dundalk. Tel: 086 824 1847

STI Clinic, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. Tel: 086 824 1847

Mayo

STI Clinic, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar. Tel: 094 902 1733 (ext 3501)

Monaghan

GUM Clinic, Monaghan General Hospital, Monaghan. Tel: 086 824 1847

Sligo

GUM Clinic, Sligo General Hospital, The Mall. Tel: 071 917 0473

Tipperary

STI Clinic, South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel. Tel: 051 842 646

STI Clinic, University Hospital Nenagh. Tel: 061 482 382

Waterford

STI Clinic, University Hospital Waterford Dunmore Road. Tel: 051 842 646

Westmeath

STI Clinic, Midland Regional Hospital, Longford Road, Mullingar. Tel: 086 416 9830

"

Thanks for this! So it’s free to get it done in these places? I’ve always gone private before

Oh and I agree that getting tested should carry no shame - quite the opposite

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Is the six months set in stone

Just imagine this was a normal year and people were having meets every week ( not sure if this is normal )

Would monthy be better for testing

Is six months too long a gap

No it’s not set in stone at all. Only joined fab last year and had my first meet from it a couple of months back.

Had quite a sheltered sexual history till a couple of years ago and then started going every 6 months.

In my case monthly would be an extreme that wouldn’t be needed and would have me in felt haha "

*debt

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By *og-ManMan
over a year ago

somewhere

Shame my arse I walked into the clinic like Billy big balls

All these young folks there hiding their embarrassment and not making eye contact

Me sitting there and in my head.... I HAD SEX

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Contact details for clinics

Carlow

STI Clinic, Carlow District Hospital, Athy Road. Tel: 051 842 646

Clare

STI Clinic, University Hospital Ennis. Tel: 061 482 382

Cork

STI Clinic, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road. Tel: 021 496 6844

STI Clinic, Youth Health Service, Penrose House, Penrose Quay, Cork City. Tel: 076 108 4150

Donegal

GUM/ STI Clinic, Letterkenny General Hospital, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 912 3715

Dublin

GUIDE Clinic, St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 416 2315/6

STI Clinic, Mater Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 803 2063

Gay Men’s Health Service, Meath Primary Care Centre, Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 921 2730

Galway

STI Clinic, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Tel: 090 964 8372 (ext 676)

University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road. Tel: 091 525 200

Kerry

STI Clinic, University Hospital Kerry, Tralee. Tel: 021 496 6844

Laois

STI Clinic, Out patients Dept., Midland Regional Hospital, Block Rd., Portlaoise. Tel: 086 859 1273

Limerick

STI Clinic, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle. Tel: 061 482 382

Louth

GUM Clinic, Louth County Hospital, Dublin Road, Dundalk. Tel: 086 824 1847

STI Clinic, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. Tel: 086 824 1847

Mayo

STI Clinic, Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar. Tel: 094 902 1733 (ext 3501)

Monaghan

GUM Clinic, Monaghan General Hospital, Monaghan. Tel: 086 824 1847

Sligo

GUM Clinic, Sligo General Hospital, The Mall. Tel: 071 917 0473

Tipperary

STI Clinic, South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel. Tel: 051 842 646

STI Clinic, University Hospital Nenagh. Tel: 061 482 382

Waterford

STI Clinic, University Hospital Waterford Dunmore Road. Tel: 051 842 646

Westmeath

STI Clinic, Midland Regional Hospital, Longford Road, Mullingar. Tel: 086 416 9830

Thanks for this! So it’s free to get it done in these places? I’ve always gone private before

Oh and I agree that getting tested should carry no shame - quite the opposite "

It's a completely free service. They text to give you the all clear. If there is a issue they will call to discuss results and issue prescriptions if needed. My results have always come back clear but it's a great reassurance to have such a great free service if needed. The one in Portlaoise is run out of the outpatients dept so there's no need to be embarrassed you could be there for any reason. I'm sure the rest of the clinics are run in the same manner. It's crazy as a swinger site that safe sex and getting tested regularly isn't openly discussed here much.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"

It's a completely free service. They text to give you the all clear. If there is a issue they will call to discuss results and issue prescriptions if needed. My results have always come back clear but it's a great reassurance to have such a great free service if needed. The one in Portlaoise is run out of the outpatients dept so there's no need to be embarrassed you could be there for any reason. I'm sure the rest of the clinics are run in the same manner. It's crazy as a swinger site that safe sex and getting tested regularly isn't openly discussed here much. "

That’s great. I’ll look into my local one then so.

Yea I find it funny here how little is discussed about safety or anyone looking for advice on stuff. But maybe it happens privately a lot - I hope! For all our sakes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

It's a completely free service. They text to give you the all clear. If there is a issue they will call to discuss results and issue prescriptions if needed. My results have always come back clear but it's a great reassurance to have such a great free service if needed. The one in Portlaoise is run out of the outpatients dept so there's no need to be embarrassed you could be there for any reason. I'm sure the rest of the clinics are run in the same manner. It's crazy as a swinger site that safe sex and getting tested regularly isn't openly discussed here much.

That’s great. I’ll look into my local one then so.

Yea I find it funny here how little is discussed about safety or anyone looking for advice on stuff. But maybe it happens privately a lot - I hope! For all our sakes "

I think there is an attitude that someone talking about screening "must have something", the idea of responsibility and regular testing is alien. People also seem to think think that if you've no symptoms, you're grand, sure.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Shame my arse I walked into the clinic like Billy big balls

All these young folks there hiding their embarrassment and not making eye contact

Me sitting there and in my head.... I HAD SEX "

Lol the last time I was at the clinic there was a young couple in, don't know which of them was more embarrassed. Done in outpatients and guys go one area ladies the other side.

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By *adylaceWoman
over a year ago

Waterford City


"

I think there is an attitude that someone talking about screening "must have something", the idea of responsibility and regular testing is alien. People also seem to think think that if you've no symptoms, you're grand, sure."

Completely agree. I've been sent abusive messages in the past saying that I must be riddled because I get tested regularly. Some people don't seem to get the concept of playing safe but getting tested too to confirm everything is still ok. All of my tests have come back clear by the way.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

I think there is an attitude that someone talking about screening "must have something", the idea of responsibility and regular testing is alien. People also seem to think think that if you've no symptoms, you're grand, sure.

Completely agree. I've been sent abusive messages in the past saying that I must be riddled because I get tested regularly. Some people don't seem to get the concept of playing safe but getting tested too to confirm everything is still ok. All of my tests have come back clear by the way. "

Yes I've had this before the last time this topic was discussed. I got private messages saying I must be riddled with everything going. Ah quite the opposite in fact as I look after my sexual health.

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By *ed_AliceWoman
over a year ago

Belfast

Testing should be part of routine healthcare / wellbeing checks for people who are sexually active with multiple partners.

I usually go for every 6 months with the home test kit.

Also stigmatising people who do contract something is an idea that needs to die in a fire.

Precautions aren't 100% & having an STI doesn't necessarily mean someone was foolhardy or reckless or promiscuous.

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By *oo32Man
over a year ago

tipperary

Each year...go to the doc...normally get a call from the clinic a few days later

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"

I think there is an attitude that someone talking about screening "must have something", the idea of responsibility and regular testing is alien. People also seem to think think that if you've no symptoms, you're grand, sure."

Yes I think Irish people still get embarrassed very easily about this stuff. I’d rather not wait till I’ve a problem and just think I’m grand in general with this stuff...too important really

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By *adylaceWoman
over a year ago

Waterford City


"

I think there is an attitude that someone talking about screening "must have something", the idea of responsibility and regular testing is alien. People also seem to think think that if you've no symptoms, you're grand, sure.

Completely agree. I've been sent abusive messages in the past saying that I must be riddled because I get tested regularly. Some people don't seem to get the concept of playing safe but getting tested too to confirm everything is still ok. All of my tests have come back clear by the way.

Yes I've had this before the last time this topic was discussed. I got private messages saying I must be riddled with everything going. Ah quite the opposite in fact as I look after my sexual health. "

I wonder was it the same person that messaged me. Lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Belfast Trust

There is an appointment-only clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital. To pre-book an appointment, contact the appointment line:

telephone 028 9063 4050 Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 10.15am

Your appointment will be with a doctor or a specialist nurse.

There are male and female clinics open Monday to Friday, with separate entrances and waiting areas. The clinics are closed on bank and public holidays.

On Tuesday afternoon,  there is a mixed clinic which is accessed through the male reception.

An HIV Prevention Clinic/Risk Reduction clinic runs several times per week in the GUM clinic. It has been set up to provide testing for STIs, behavioural interventions aimed at reducing risk and access to the HIV prevention drug PrEP (currently a two-year pilot)

To access this clinic you must first be assessed in any GUM clinic in Northern Ireland. If the healthcare professional feels you meet the criteria then you will be referred into the Risk Reduction clinic and suitable services provided.

For more information on PrEP visit the Sexual Health NI website(external link opens in a new window / tab)Genitourinary Medicine

Level 3 Outpatients Department

Royal Victoria Hospital

Grosvenor Road

Belfast

BT12 6BAtelephone: 028 9063 4050GUM clinic - (Belfast Health and Social Care Trust website)(external link opens in a new window / tab)Northern Trust

There is a walk-in clinic at the Causeway Hospital:

on Tuesday from 5.00pmon Friday from 1.30pm

If the clinic is oversubscribed, you may be offered an alternative appointment.

There is also a nurse-led appointment only clinic:

Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pmGenitourinary Medicine

Outpatients Department 2

Causeway Hospital

4 Newbridge Road

Coleraine

BT52 1HStelephone: 028 7034 6028 or 028 7034 7872GUM services (Northern Health and Social Care Trust website)(external link opens in a new window / tab)

There is a nurse-led appointment only clinic in Braid Valley Hospital:

on Monday from 9.30am until 12.30pm and 1.30pm until 4.00pmon Friday from 9.30am until 12.30pmGround Floor South

Braid Valley Hospital

Cushendall Road

Ballymena

BT43 6HLtelephone: 028 7034 6028Clinics for contraception and STI testing

You can make an appointment to get contraception or tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at an integrated clinic.  The clinics are nurse-led, appointment only and open:

Thursday from 9.30am to 4.00pm in Braid Valley HospitalWednesday from 9.30am to 12.00pm in Mid Ulster Hospital

To make an appointment at an integrated clinic:

telephone 028 7034 6028 or 028 2826 6163South Eastern Trust

There are specialist sexual health clinics in Downpatrick, Bangor and Lisburn providing routine and emergency appointments.  The appointment line for all clinics is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm:

telephone: 028 4483 8133

The receptionist will give you an appointment or arrange for you to speak to a nurse, who will prioritise your case.

Appointments are available at the Downe Hospital on:

Monday morningWednesday morning and Wednesday eveningSexual Health Clinic

Outpatients Department

Downe Hospital

2 Struell Wells Road

Downpatrick

BT30 6RL

Appointments are available at the Bangor Community Hospital on Friday morning.

Bangor Community Hospital

Castle Street

Bangor

BT20 4TA

Appointments are available at Lisburn Health Centre on:

Monday morningThursday morningLisburn Health Centre

Linenhall Street

Lisburn

BT28 1LU

A youth health advice service is also available at Lisburn South Eastern Regional College on Monday mornings.

GPs and practice nurses in Bangor and Holywood provide sexual health checkups. If you live in these area and would like a check up, ask your GP about this service.

This will involve a blood test for HIV and syphilis and a urine sample or self-taken swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Southern Trust

There is an appointments-based clinic in Newry on:

Monday from 1.30pm to 4.30pmWednesday from 9.00am to 12.30pmFriday from 9.00am to 12.30pmGenitourinary Medicine

John Mitchell Place

Hill Street

Newry

BT34 2BUtelephone: 028 3756 2080

There is a clinic at Portadown Health and Care Centre on:

Tuesday from 9.00am to 4.00pmThursday from 9.00am to 4.00pmClinical Zone

Ground Floor

Portadown Health and Care Centre

Tavanagh Avenue

Portadown

BT62 3BEWestern Trust

There is an appointment only clinic in Omagh on:

Wednesday from 9.30am to 3.30pmSexual Health Clinic

New Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex

Donaghanie Road

Omagh

BT79 0NRtelephone: 028 7161 1269 

There is a walk-in clinic on:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.45am

The walk in clinics have limited spaces.

There are appointment-only clinics on :

Monday from 2.00pm to 3.30pm and 4.15pm to 6.00pm (express clinic)Tuesday from 9.00am to 11.30am and 2.00pm to 3.30pmWednesday from 2.00pm to 3.30pmThursday from 9.00am to 11.30amGenitourinary Medicine, Anderson House

Glenshane Road

Londonderry

County Londonderry

BT47 1SBtelephone: 028 7161 1269

For Northern Irish Swingers

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