Over Half of Young Irish Adults Have Never Tested for STIs, HSE Survey Reveals

A new HSE survey has found that 55% of 18 to 30 year olds in Ireland have never been tested for a sexually transmitted infection, as the health service marks three years of its free home STI testing programme.

The research, commissioned by the HSE to understand rising STI rates among young people, reveals concerning attitudes towards sexual health testing. STIs are most common in people under 29, particularly women aged 20 to 24.

Since the HSE launched its free home STI testing service in October 2022, more than 363,752 testing kits have been ordered. Of these, 25,380 have returned positive or reactive results.

The survey explored barriers to testing by examining young people's attitudes. Over half (56%) agreed they worried about family members or housemates finding a test kit in the post. Almost half (46%) believed some STI testing procedures are intrusive and painful.

Seven in 10 respondents agreed that testing is stressful when considering the possible consequences of a positive result. Three quarters (76%) said it would be difficult to tell a new partner about an STI due to fear of their reaction.

Perhaps most concerning, over one in four (28%) agreed it was acceptable to assume both partners were clear of STIs if neither raised the issue.

Professor Fiona Lyons, National Clinical Lead for the HSE Sexual Health Programme, said:

"So many people that we surveyed find STI testing stressful and more than a half have 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."

She added: "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."

The free home testing service is designed for privacy and convenience. Kits arrive in plain, letterbox-friendly packaging with no identifying information about the contents or sender. Clear visual instructions and YouTube tutorial videos guide users through the testing process, including practical tips such as taking a hot shower before blood sample collection.

Results are typically provided within 72 hours by text or phone call from the SH:24 clinical team. The service tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, with some users also offered hepatitis B and C testing.

David Field, HSE Clinical Nurse Specialist and Sexual Health Advisor, said:

"As a sexual health advisor, I know STI testing can be daunting, especially the first time. The good news is testing has never been easier. Home testing offers privacy and convenience; clinics offer support and any follow-up care, if needed."

He continued: "Whether you use a free home kit or a free clinic appointment, the key is to test regularly, not just when you're worried. Many STIs have no symptoms, and if something is found, rest assured, free treatment is available and effective."

In 2024, Ireland recorded 20,576 STI notifications. People aged 20 to 29 accounted for over half (51%) of these cases. Chlamydia was the most common infection in this age group, representing nearly two thirds (65%) of notifications. Gonorrhoea was the second most common, accounting for nearly a quarter (23%) of cases among 20 to 29 year olds.

The free home STI testing service is available to anyone aged 17 or older living in the Republic of Ireland. Information about testing locations, home testing, and accessing free condoms is available at sexualwellbeing.ie.