Fifty-five per cent of 18 to 30-year-olds in Ireland have never tested for an STI, according to a survey by the HSE, which was prompted by a rise in STIs among young people.
There were more than 20,576 STI infections in Ireland last year.
People aged 20 to 29 accounted for over half (51%) of these notifications.
Chlamydia was the most common STI notification in this age group, making up almost two-thirds (65%) of notifications in this age range.
Gonorrhea is the second most common infection, making up nearly a quarter (23%) of all notifications in people aged 20 to 29.
The survey of more than 1,100 people, between the ages of 18 to 30, was carried out online by IPSOS B&A.
People have been encouraged to use the HSE's free home STI testing service.
Some 363,752 home-testing kits have been ordered since 2022 with 25,380 positive results.
'’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," said Professor Fiona Lyons, National Clinical Lead, HSE Sexual Health Programme.
"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."
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Professor Lyons said people have been engaging with the free testing service and the number of people using it has increased year on year.
"Over the time since the service was initiated, the return rate has increased. So 75% of people will return their kit now. So I think there is definitely more testing."
Professor Lyons said that all the signs are that the number of STIs are 'going in the right direction' and the free home testing has contributed to this.
"So I think there is definitely more testing. There are multiple potential reasons why there's been a drop, and a very welcome drop in chlamydia and gonorrhea .... and I think increased access to testing is one of them."
Among the findings of the survey are:
- 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 are intrusive and painful.
- Seven in ten (70%) agreed that testing is stressful when you think about the possible consequences of knowing you have an STI.
- Three in four (76%) agreed it was hard to tell a new partner if you have 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 are clear of STIs.
Sexual health experts said that STIs are treatable, however, if left untreated, some can cause serious health complications, including infertility.
Doctors said that ordering a free home STI test kit is free and easy. The kit arrives in plain, letterbox-friendly packaging.
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.
"Home testing offers privacy and convenience; clinics offer support and any follow-up care, if needed. Whether you use a free home kit or a free clinic appointment, the key is to test regularly, not just when you’re worried," said HSE Clinical Nurse Specialist and Sexual Health Advisor David Field.
"Many STIs have no symptoms, and if something is found, rest assured, free treatment is available and effective."
Information about STI testing locations, the HSE free home STI testing service, and how to access free condoms, is available at sexualwellbeing.ie.
