A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that is passed on through sexual contact with someone who has an infection.
If you think you may have an STI, it is important to be tested. Some STIs can cause serious health problems if left untreated. You should visit your GP, pharmacist or a sexual health clinic for professional advice.
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 passing urine, pain or discharge from the back passage (anus), or pain and swelling in the 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, pain in the abdomen (tummy) or pain or discharge from the back passage (anus).
Some viruses may cause flu-like symptoms, fever, feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea. Many people have no symptoms for many years.
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(s).
The only way to really know if you have an STI, is to be tested. Your partner(s) should also be tested.
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 more than one sexual partner
What does the test involve
The type of test will depend on your 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.
For women, a swab is taken from the vagina. A swab is like a cotton bud. This can be done by the doctor or nurse and sometimes by yourself.
For some women and men, swabs will also be taken from your throat or back passage (anus). Everyone will also have blood tests to check for viral or bacterial infections.
Sometimes swabs will also be taken from your throat or anus (back passage).
A swab is like a cotton bud.
Where can I get an STI test
Free home STI testing is available through the HSE, click here to access home STI testing.
You can also attend a public sexual health clinic. All STI testing and treatment in public sexual health clinics is provided free of charge. Find your nearest sexual health clinic. STI testing is also available through many GPs, NGOs or student health services for a fee.
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(s) if I have an STI
You should tell your partner(s) if you have an STI, so they can be offered testing and treatment.
It is important that all of the people you have recently been in sexual contact with are given the option to be tested and treated. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you.
When can I have sex again
You will have to wait until you have completed the treatment before having sex again. Your doctor or nurse will explain this to you.
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.
How to prevent STIs
Most STIs are passed between sexual partners through condomless oral, anal or vaginal sex. Some STIs are passed by skin-to-skin contact.
Using condoms correctly and every time you have sex will reduce your risk of getting an STI.
If you or your partner has any sign of an infection, cuts or sores in the genital area, do not have any form of sex, including oral sex, until you have been tested and treated.
Have an STI test
If you have a new partner, it is a good idea for both of you to have an STI test before having any sex without a condom.
You may not have any symptoms, or know you have an STI. Even when you don't notice any symptoms, you can still pass an STI to a sexual partner, so it is important to be tested. Your partner should also be tested.
If you do test positive for an STI, it is really important that you don’t have sex with your partner before they are tested and treated as you could become infected again.
Use a condom
Condoms offer protection against most sexually transmitted infections and HIV if used correctly.
A male condom covers the penis and can be used for oral (mouth to penis), vaginal and anal sex.
A female condom lines the vagina and can be used for vaginal sex.
Condoms are available for free through public sexual health services, some community organisations and venues, including national postal services. Visit here to find out more.
Use a dental dam
A dental dam is a square of latex which is placed over the vagina or anus during oral sex (mouth to vagina or mouth to anus). You can also make a dental dam by cutting up a condom.
Do not share sex toys
You can reduce the risk of an infection being passed on by not sharing sex toys.
If you choose to share sex toys, you can reduce the risk of an infection being passed on by:
- washing the sex toy properly between each persons' use
- applying a new condom for each use.
Get vaccinated
Vaccinations are available for some infections that can be contracted through sexual transmission. In particular, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) should be vaccinated against hepatitis A, B, HPV and mpox. Vaccines are available free of charge in a Public Sexual Health clinic.
HIV Prevention
More information is available on HIV prevention, including HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Gay, Bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM)
MSM are more at risk for some viral and enteric infections. For more specific information for gbMSM on preventing STIs, visit Man2man website for more information.