The HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP ), Health and Wellbeing, has launched a free national online service which provides people living in Ireland aged 17 and older, the option to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs ) at home.
People aged 17 and older can order a free STI test kit on the online platform, which is delivered to their home by post. Users complete the tests at home and post the samples to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided. Individuals receive their results by text or phone, and those who require further testing and treatment are referred to participating public STI clinics, ensuring a seamless individual experience.
This new service is generally most suitable for individuals who do not have symptoms of an STI. Anyone who has symptoms of an STI is advised to attend an STI clinic or their GP for assessment.
“I am delighted that a free online STI testing service is now available across Ireland. It is an important step towards increasing STI testing access and capacity. It offers greater choice to individuals, promotes self-care and overcomes many barriers to STI testing. Integrating the service with public STI clinics ensures that where necessary individuals have a seamless pathway to additional care,” Professor Fiona Lyons, Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, stated.
“This initiative brings us one step closer to achieving the aims of the national strategy, which sets out to improve sexual health and wellbeing and reduce negative sexual health outcomes. Not only will the new free home STI testing service help to identify and treat undiagnosed infection in our communities, the HSE-led campaign and promotional activity will help to raise awareness of the importance of accessing free STI testing for those who need it; and will help to normalise STI testing as being an important step in self-managing our overall health and wellbeing,” Maeve O’Brien, Interim Programme Lead for the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme, commented.
The HSE is supporting the launch with a digital, social and outdoor campaign to promote the availability of the new service.
More information about the service is available at: www.sexualwellbeing.ie
