A recent survey* commissioned by the HSE found that 55% of 18–30 year olds in Ireland had never tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The research was undertaken to better understand the factors contributing to a rise in STIs in young people. STIs are more common in people under the age of 29, particularly women aged 20-24**.
It has been more than three years since the HSE launched the free home STI testing service (in October 2022). Since then, 363,752 home-testing kits have been ordered, and of that, there have been 25,380 positive or reactive results***.
The survey explored attitudes towards STI testing by asking respondents to agree or disagree with a range of statements:
- Over half (56%) agreed that if they ordered a home STI test a parent, housemate or someone they lived with would find it in the post
- Almost half (46%) agreed that some STI testing procedures were intrusive and painful
- 7 in 10 (70%) agreed that testing was stressful when you thought about the possible consequences of knowing you had an STI
- Three in four (76%) agreed it was hard to tell a new partner if you had an STI because of how they might react
- Over one in four (28%) agreed that if neither partner raised the issue, it was OK to assume both were clear of STIs.
Speaking about the findings, Professor Fiona Lyons, National Clinical Lead, HSE Sexual Health Programme, said, “So many people that we surveyed found STI testing stressful and more than a half had never tested for an STI. We would like them to know that the more you build STI testing into your self-care routine, the less stressful it will be. Normalising STI testing helps us all take better care of our sexual health. Taking care of our sexual health is something we should all do, just like taking care of our dental health. Not all STIs have symptoms, so the only way to know is to do a test.
“STIs are treatable. Untreated, some STIs can cause serious health complications, including infertility. I encourage those who haven’t tested before to visit sexualwellbeing.ie to learn more about when and how to test, and about available free testing services.”
