STI testing

Window Period

After sex or skin-to-skin contact, if an STI has been transmitted, it will not show up in an STI test for several weeks.

To ensure an accurate test result, when you test for:

• chlamydia - wait 2 weeks after the potential transmission before getting tested

• gonorrhoea - wait 2 weeks

• HIV - wait 7 weeks

• hepatitis B - wait 12 weeks

• hepatitis C - wait 12 weeks

• syphilis - wait 12 weeks

Free testing options in Ireland

Cork city:

• You can get tested for free at South Infirmary Victoria University (SIVUH). The SIVUH has a ‘GUM Clinic’ = Genito-Urinary Medicine. The team are friendly, professional and discreet but very busy, so make sure to ring up beforehand! Contact details are here.

• If you’re under 23 years old, you can also get free testing at the Youth Health Service (YHS).

• Free rapid HIV testing is available at the Sexual Health Centre by appointment.

Republic of Ireland

• Other public STI services across the country can be contacted here.

• Free, at-home STI testing is available in Ireland at sh24.ie.

Treatment

Public STI clinics can advise you about treatment if you receive a positive test result.

If you have a recurring STI, and are aware of your symptoms and previous treatments, you can order treatment online for delivery to your home or pharmacy