CASHEL Medical Centre offers a confidential Sexual Health Screening Service. This services aims to detect Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and our staff are trained to provide confidential, discrete sexual health advice, screening and treatment in a secure and non judgmental environment, ensuring our patients needs and concerns are addressed appropriately.
We can screen for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, Herpes Simplex 2, Genital warts. If you would like further information please discuss with your GP or nurse at your next review.
Always remember to use Barrier protection i.e condoms to prevent the spread of STI's.

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• What is an STI and how do we check for them?
• What it involves:

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An STI is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed on during sexual contact. Some STIs have no symptoms, so you may not be aware if you or your partner is infected. Therefore, if you are sexually active or have recently changed partner, it is very important to have regular check-ups. Some STIs can cause long- term problems if they are not treated, such as infertility, complications in pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.

You will need to make an appointment for this service. Allow approximately twenty minutes for your appointment. On arrival, the receptionist will give you a questionnaire to fill out and will also ask you to provide a urine sample. Once the doctor/nurse has reviewed your questionnaire, they will perform the necessary blood tests and swabs. The results of your screening will be available within two weeks and you can contact the surgery to receive these results.

Cost:

The cost of the screening is €100 (discounts will be given to couples). There may be additional charges if follow up appointments are required.

SEXUAL TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS TESTED

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Chlamydia – this is a bacterial infection that can be passed between sexual partners and can have no symptoms if left untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and affect a woman's fertility.
Genital Warts – these are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be spread between partners through sexual contact.
Genital Herpes – this is caused by herpes simplex type two (HSV-2). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores or lesions in the mouth or on the lips and face. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that produces painful blisters on the genitals of both men and women.
Gonorrhoea – this is a bacterial infection. Symptoms include a vaginal discharge in women and a discharge from the penis in men.
Hepatitis B & C – these primarily attack the liver. Hepatitis B vaccines are available from the surgery.
HIV – this is virus caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and there are usually no obvious symptoms in the early years. If you are in an at risk group it is advised to be screened for this condition as effective treatments are available to suppress the virus and prevent the development of AIDs
Syphilis – If it is not treated, it can spread in the bloodstream from the genital region to cause various symptoms and problems over many years.
Trichomonas Vaginalis – this is a parasitic infection that may cause problems in pregnancy and low birth weight.

GENITAL INFECTIONS TESTED

Molluscum Contagiosum – is a common skin rash that is caused by a germ (virus). It is passed on by skin-to-skin contact.
Thrush – also known as Candida, this is a yeast infection that is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on through sexual contact.
​Bacterial Vaginosis – this is a condition caused by the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria, there are no symptoms in most cases though can present as a malodour. This is not an STI but can be easily picked up by testing and treated.