What is an STI and how do you get treatment?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through unprotected genital-to-genital contact, exchange of bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact.

There are at least 25 different types of STIs. All of them are serious, but most are completely treatable. They can, however, cause long-term problems if they aren’t diagnosed and treated properly.

If you are having sex you should have regular check-ups for STIs. The most common STIs in Ireland are chlamydia and genital warts.

What is an STI?

Most STIs are infections that pass from person to person through sexual activity without protection.

An STI can be:

• A bacterial infection (such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Shigella, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
• A viral infection (such as Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis B, HIV, or Molluscum Contagiosum (MC))
• Parasites (such as Pubic Lice, Scabies, or Trichomoniasis)

How do you get an STI?

Having unprotected sex even once can put you at risk of getting an STI. You can get an STI through:

• Unprotected vaginal sex 
• Unprotected oral sex
• Unprotected anal sex
• Close genital to genital contact
• Sharing sex toys
• Mutual masturbation
• Close or intimate contact

What are the symptoms of STIs?

Many people will experience no symptoms at all, so it’s important to get checked if you have had unprotected sex.

Some symptoms that you could experience include:

• An unusual discharge/ liquid or smell from your vagina, penis or bum
• Blisters, boils, lumps, swelling or itching in or around your vagina, penis or bum
• Burning or painful feeling when you pee
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding in between periods or bleeding following sex

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit an STI clinic to get tested.

How to prevent getting an STI

There are many great options to help protect your sexual health, but none of them are 100% effective. Even if you use condoms every time you have penetrative sex, you are still at risk of getting genital warts and herpes, as these can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. Going for an STI check or taking a home STI testing kit with a partner before having sex, can be a great way of protecting yourself and those you have sex with against STIs and HIV. However, not all STI checks check for all STIs, so it is important to speak to your healthcare provider and ask them what is being tested for as part of your screening.

Discussing with your sexual partners the type of contraception or protection options available to you, and agreeing on a type that works for everyone involved can help to reduce the risk of pregnancy, STIs and HIV. Looking out for sores or symptoms on a partner’s genitals before having sex with them, can help to identify STIs that they may not be aware of. If you do see any signs that someone may have an STI, do not have sex with them until you know for certain it is safe to do so. Asking someone about their sexual health history is the responsible thing to do before having sex, and it should not be taken as an insult if someone asks you about yours. 

What should I do if I had unprotected sex?

If you’ve had unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral) go for a check-up immediately. Getting tested is quick, easy and painless. 

Getting tested for an STI

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. 

• There are clinics all over Ireland where you can get tested for free
• Your GP may offer a testing service for a fee
• There are also private sexual health services where you can get tested for a fee
• Home testing kits are also available

Read about what happens when you get an STI test here.

When should I get an STI test?

Consider getting tested if:

• You have any symptoms of an STI
• Your partner has an STI
• You have had unprotected sex
• You have a new partner
• You have more than one sexual partner

Getting tested when you’re in a relationship

Even if you are in a committed relationship, one of you could have an STI from the past and pass it on without realising it. This is because STIs can be dormant (non-active) in your body for a long time before the symptoms appear. If you have an STI, it’s important that you tell your partner and previous partners so that they can also get a check-up.

It may feel difficult to bring up the idea of getting an STI test with your partner, but it’s the best way to make sure neither of you gets an infection. Explain why you want to get tested, and you can go together for your tests.

What happens if you don’t get treated?

It’s important to get treated if you have an STI. If you don’t get treated, it could lead to further health complications, and some conditions, such as HIV or syphilis, can lead to serious complications. 

Click here for a list of free STI clinics.

Looking after your mental health after an STI diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with an STI, you might feel a mixture of emotions. Unfortunately, there is still stigma in our society surrounding STIs that can cause some people to feel shame about having one. However, like any other healthcare diagnosis, you are not to blame for your STI and have not done anything “wrong”. Being diagnosed with an STI can have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing and if you don’t feel comfortable telling friends or family about it, you might feel isolated and alone. If you have found out you have an STI and you’re finding it difficult to cope, there are things you can do to support your mental health. 

• Remember that STIs are common and lots of people have one at some point in their life, even though they aren’t talked about a lot 
• Take time out to do something you enjoy and practice self-care
• Reach out for mental health support if you need it. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member, our 24/7 anonymous text service, 50808, can help
• Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel your emotions. It’s ok to be upset when you find out you need healthcare treatment. It’s important to take the time you need to adjust

Remember: The age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17. If you’re over 16, you can consent to medical treatment including any treatment or tests needed.

Illustrations by Marina Marinina.

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• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
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