Need to Talk to Someone Now?
If you're anxious after a risky encounter, struggling with an STI diagnosis, or just need to talk through your options — these helplines are here for you.
Sexual Health Line (HSE)
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm. Free, confidential advice on sexual health, STIs, and testing.
Samaritans
24/7. Free. For emotional support when you're struggling with any aspect of life.
Text About It
24/7 free text support from a trained volunteer. Good if you'd rather text than talk.
RAPE Crisis Centre
24/7. Free. For anyone affected by sexual violence or assault in Ireland.
HSE Sexual Health Services
HSE Sexual Wellbeing
The main HSE portal for sexual health information in Ireland. Clinic finder, STI information, contraception, and screening guides.
HSE Clinic Finder
Find your nearest free sexual health clinic by county. Updated regularly with current contact details and opening hours.
Free At-Home STI Tests
The HSE offers free postal STI testing kits in some regions. Test at home, post your sample, get results online. Available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
National Screening Service
Cervical screening (CervicalCheck), breast screening, and bowel screening programmes — all relevant to sexual and reproductive health.
HIV Information & Support
HIV Ireland
National HIV information, advocacy, and support organisation. Resources on testing, treatment, living with HIV, and stigma reduction.
📞 01 873 3799
MPOWER / HSE HIV Services
HSE-funded HIV testing and treatment services at hospitals nationwide. Your GP can also arrange an HIV test.
PrEP in Ireland
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is available free in Ireland through the HSE for people at high risk of HIV. Ask about PrEP at the GUIDE Clinic or your sexual health clinic.
Act Foundation Ireland
Support services for people living with HIV in Ireland. Peer support, counselling, and advocacy.
LGBTQ+ Sexual Health
Man2Man.ie
Sexual health resources specifically for gay and bisexual men and MSM in Ireland. Information on testing, PrEP, HIV, and healthy sex.
LGBTQ+ Ireland
Support and resources for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland, including mental health support and referrals to LGBTQ+-friendly health services.
📞 1800 929 539 (Freephone)
BeLonG To
National organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. Youth groups, support services, and resources on sexual health and wellbeing.
Outhouse
Dublin's LGBTQ+ community resource centre. Drop-in support, groups, and signposting to health services.
📞 01 873 4932
Young People's Sexual Health
Brook Ireland
Free, confidential sexual health services for people aged 16–25 in Dublin. Testing, contraception, counselling, and general sexual health advice. No appointment usually needed.
📞 01 709 0254
Spunout.ie
Ireland's youth information platform. Includes articles on sexual health, relationships, consent, and mental health aimed at young Irish people.
Teen-Turn / Youth Work Ireland
Youth organisations across Ireland that provide signposting to health and sexual health services for young people.
Women's Sexual Health
Well Woman Centre
Private women's health clinics in Dublin with STI testing, contraception, cervical smears, and reproductive health services.
📞 01 661 0083
Rape Crisis Network Ireland
Support for survivors of sexual violence. RCNI coordinates a network of Rape Crisis Centres across Ireland providing counselling and support.
📞 1800 77 8888
CervicalCheck
Ireland's free cervical screening programme. Eligible women aged 25–65 can get a free smear test every 3–5 years. Essential for HPV and cervical cancer prevention.
📞 1800 45 45 55
Contraception
Free Contraception Scheme (HSE)
Since 2022, free contraception is available to people aged 17–35 in Ireland through GPs and pharmacies. This includes the pill, IUD, implant, patch, and more.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception ("morning after pill") is available over the counter at pharmacies in Ireland without a prescription. Effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Available at any pharmacy, no prescription needed.
IFPA (Irish Family Planning Association)
Sexual and reproductive health services, contraception advice, and information. Clinics in Dublin. Also operates a national information line.
📞 01 607 9100
Common Questions
Will my GP tell my parents if I get an STI test?
No. GP consultations are confidential regardless of your age. If you're 16 or over, your GP cannot share your medical information with your parents without your consent. Sexual health clinics are similarly bound by confidentiality rules.
What if I can't afford to see a GP?
HSE sexual health clinics are completely free. Brook Ireland is free for under-25s in Dublin. You can also apply for a GP Visit Card through the HSE which covers GP visit costs — it's worth checking if you're eligible.
How often should I get tested?
If you're sexually active with new or multiple partners, a full STI screen once a year is recommended. If you have higher-risk exposure (e.g. multiple partners, no condom use, MSM) testing every 3–6 months is advised. If you've had a specific risky encounter, book a test as soon as appropriate — some infections have a window period before they show in tests.
Can I get tested anonymously?
Some clinics allow anonymous testing — particularly for HIV. Ask when you book. HSE sexual health clinics generally do not require you to register with your real name for walk-in services in all locations. Postal testing kits offer a high degree of privacy.
I tested positive — what do I do?
Don't panic. Most STIs are entirely treatable and all are manageable. Your clinic will guide you through treatment, partner notification, and any follow-up tests. You're not the first person to be in this situation and you won't be the last.
What is the window period?
The window period is the time between exposure to an infection and when a test can reliably detect it. For example, HIV tests need 4–12 weeks after potential exposure for accurate results (depending on the test type). Your clinic can advise on the right timing for each test.
Ready to Get Tested?
Finding a clinic is the first step. Testing is free at HSE clinics, completely confidential, and far less scary than you might think. You deserve to know your status.
Find a Clinic Near You