There are now 2 types of sexual health check-up appointments.
Please read the following to determine which is the most appropriate for you.
Do you have any of the following signs and symptoms?
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Discomfort/Pain/stinging when passing urine
- Unusual sores/blisters or a rash in the genital or back passage
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Pain during sex
- Any lumps or bumps in the genital area including genital warts
- Do you have bleeding between your period cycle
- Do you have vaginal bleeding during or following penetrative sex
- Have you been notified that a previous partner has tested positive for an STI for example chlamydia or gonorrhoea
If you answer Yes to any of the above please make an appointment for a Sexual Health check-up with a doctor in Aungier Street Health Centre.
If you answer No to all of the above please make an appointment for a Sexual Health check-up with a nurse in Aungier Street or Grangegorman Health Centre.
During the check-up, you may feel you are being asked personal questions but there are medical reasons for such questions:
Sexuality
The reason we ask if women have had sex with other women is relevant if the student needs to have a vaginal speculum inserted in our Doctors clinic. The reason that we ask if men have sex with men is that they have some extra samples taken, they need to have tiny swabs taken (similar to a cotton bud) from the throat and back passage. This can be done by the student themselves in the clinic if no symptoms present. Anyone who has /had a bisexual partner is at a slightly increased risk of having some STI’s and we would like to discuss this with them.
Number of Partners
This is relevant if an STI is detected, as it will be necessary to contact all of your previous partners for the past 6 months. We can help you do this if you prefer rather than contacting them yourself.
Antibiotics
We ask this because antibiotics can interfere with blood tests. If you are currently taking antibiotics ideally you should delay the test for at least 3 weeks after completing the course as the antibiotics interfere with the tests. However, if you have been taking long-term antibiotics e.g. for acne, they will not interfere with your check-up if you have been taking them for 21 days or longer. If in any doubt please make an appointment with the nurse to discuss further. Most other medications, including any of the oral contraceptive pills, do not interfere with the tests. However, if you have any problems that you are concerned about please speak to a nurse as an earlier appointment may be appropriate.
Alcohol/Drug Use/Smoking
We often find students put themselves at risk of picking up an STI if they are under the influence of alcohol/other drugs as they may not use condoms at all or they might not use them properly. We ask about smoking as females are more likely to develop cervical cancer if they smoke (as well as other diseases). Intravenous drug use increases your chance of developing HEP B/HIV you may need a Hepatitis C blood test which isn’t routinely taken in the clinic.
Jaundice
If you have a history of jaundice or have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B this is relevant to the specific blood sample that we take for Hepatitis.
Needlestick Injury
We ask if somebody deliberately stabbed you with a needle/you accidentally injured yourself with a needle/had body piercing/tattooing as these are all possible methods of virus transmission including Hepatitis and HIV.