When should you consider having an STI screen?​

• If you have had unprotected sex with a new sexual partner

• If you have any genitourinary symptoms or signs

• If a past or current sexual partner is diagnosed with an STI

• If you are starting a new sexual relationship

• For peace of mind.

 

Some STIs do not cause any symptoms in some people, therefore regular STI testing is the best way to limit the spread of infection, and reduce the risk of long-term health consequences of untreated disease. For accurate test results, the timing of an STI test is important, especially if you have no symptoms. The following are the recommended “wait-times” or “window periods” between
sexual contact and STI testing, if you have no symptoms: (If you have symptoms, you should arrange a test as soon as possible.)

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: 14 days

• HIV: 12 days minimum, 42 days (6 weeks) to definitively exclude infection

• Syphilis: 3-6 weeks minimum, 3 months to definitively exclude infection

• Hepatitis B or C: 3 months to definitively exclude infection

What samples are taken during an STI screen?
Dr. Byrne will take a blood sample to test for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. You DO NOT need to fast before this test, and please ensure you have consumed plenty of water prior to the test.

For male patients, a urine sample is required to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. For accurate results, please do not urinate for at least ONE HOUR prior to your appointment.
For men who have sex with men, we also test a throat swab and rectal swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if indicated based on history.
For female patients, chlamydia and gonorrhoea are tested for on a vaginal swab, which you can take yourself in Leeson Clinic, or Dr. Byrne can take the swab for you. If you are attending during your menstrual period, a urine sample can be tested instead of a swab, but this may be a less accurate test in asymptomatic women. Dr. Byrne may also take a swab to test for candida or bacterial vaginosis, depending on your symptoms and findings during your clinical examination. And as mentioned above, genital warts, genital herpes, and pubic lice are usually diagnosed during a clinical examination.

How long do results take?​

It usually takes 5 working-days for results of an STI screen to come back from the lab, and Dr. Byrne will relay your results to you as soon as she has them. You will be advised during your STI consultation how and when your results will be communicated to you. At Leeson Clinic, there is no charge for phone calls regarding results, and prescriptions can be issued by secure Healthmail directly to your pharmacy of choice.

Rapid STI Tests:
At Leeson Clinic, we understand that sometimes patients do not want to wait 5 working-days for their test results. Dr. Sheila Byrne can do Rapid tests for the following STIs:

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• Rapid HIV Test (HIV antigen and antibody)

• Rapid Chlamydia Test

• Rapid Gonorrhoea Test

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Results are available in 15-20 minutes. Dr. Byrne will show you the result, and discuss management options for positive results. Same-day appointments for rapid tests are available, please contact us at reception@leesonclinic.ie, or book online.

STI Treatment:
At Leeson Clinic, we offer treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, candida (thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. We can also offer options to assist in the management of genital warts, and genital herpes. Treatment is guided by evidence-based recommendations, and may include oral antibiotics, antibiotic injections, creams, antiviral medication, or cryotherapy. In addition, you will be advised about partner notification, and follow-up testing (if indicated.) Referral to specialist hospital clinics can also be done, when needed.

If you have had an STI test done elsewhere and have received a positive result, you are welcome to attend Leeson Clinic for treatment. Please contact us at reception@leesonclinic.ie, or book online.

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