OVER HALF OF young adults aged between 18 and 30 have never tested for a sexually transmitted infection, a survey by the HSE has concluded.

The survey, which was commissioned by the HSE and carried out by Ipsos B&A, found that 55% of respondents aged between 18 and 30 have never tested for an STI, despite being the age group most likely to have multiple sexual partners and the including the age range (20-29) that accounted for 51% of STI notifications in Ireland last year.

The HSE is encouraging people to test for an STI with its free home testing service. The service has now been in place for three years, and in that time, over 360,000 home testing kits have been ordered.

The HSE has identified positive or reactive results in 25,380 of these tests.

Speaking about the findings, the National Clinical Lead of HSE Sexual Health Programme, Professor Fiona Lyons, said many people surveyed find testing stressful. 

“We would like them to know that the more you build STI testing into your self-care routine, the less stressful it will be,” she said, and added that not all STIs have symptoms.

“The only way to know is to do a test. STIs are treatable. Untreated, some STIs can cause serious health complications, including infertility.” She urged people to read up online about the testing process and sexual health.

Test results are provided by text or a phone call from a member of the SH:24 clinical team, usually within 72 hours. The home STI testing service tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. Some users are offered hepatitis B and C testing.

If you have strong symptoms of an STI or need urgent support, you should always contact your local STI clinic or your GP.