Pregnancy Testing & Sexual Health Services In Cork
Your sexual health is important, just as other aspects of your health are. In addition to ensuring that you are clear of infections and disease, sexual health also covers mental well-being and can help you to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
Rising levels of sexually transmitted infections across the country is a major concern for healthcare professionals, social services, the government and the public alike. On top of the initial physical discomfort and the impact on mental health, STI’s can lead to long-term health issues including infertility, ectopic pregnancies and genital cancers. If you are concerned about any aspect of your sexual health, including STI’s, pregnancy testing and support, contraception and relationship issues, there are a range of services in Cork which can help.
In recent years there has been a big drive and lots of investment to improve access to sexual health support services, both nationally and in Cork. Support services are delivered through the healthcare system and local community services. Sexual health clinics are committed to providing confidential and non-judgemental help which is provided by fully trained staff. Sexual health services in Cork include:
STI Testing
STI screening services provide a completely confidential service, where you won’t be judged.
Who should have an STI screening?
It’s advised that everyone who is sexually active and has not had a check-up before should take STI screening. It’s particularly important that people who have any symptoms or concerns should be tested as soon as possible. You should also plan to have a check-up every 12 months.
There are several STI screening services available in Cork, including:
- Free STI screening at Victoria Hospital in Cork City – call 021 4966 844
- Free STI screening at the Youth Health Service in Cork City – call 076- 1084150
- STI screening at the Sexual Health Centre
- Rapid HIV testing at the Sexual Health Centre
- Sexual health services for students at University College Cork
Pregnancy Testing & Support
Unplanned pregnancies are a reality that can be experienced by any woman. The Sexual Health Centre in Cork provide services and support delivered by fully trained staff. Their staff are fully trained and understand this may be a worrying time for you and they are committed to doing everything they can to put you at ease in a calm and friendly environment.
Pregnancy Testing In Cork
If your period is late or you think you may be pregnant, the Sexual Health Centre are there to help by offering a free and confidential pregnancy testing service. You can drop in to the centre, on Peters Street in Cork anytime between 9-5 Monday through to Friday without an appointment.
Pregnancy Counselling
An unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling distressed and isolated. The Unplanned Pregnancy Counsellors at the Sexual Health Centre provide a non-judgemental, professional and non-directive service to women experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. Their trained staff respectfully assist women to explore all their options.
Call The Sexual Health Centre on 021 427 6676, or email them at info@sexualhealthcentre.com to find out more about their pregnancy services.
Support For Young People At The Youth Health Service In Cork
Cork’s Youth Health Service is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Known as the YHS, it’s an STI/GUM clinic and a sexual health centre providing quality free sexual health services, located in Penrose House, on Penrose Quay, in Cork City.
Following two research projects, conducted in Cork in 2003/2004, young people asked for a local health service that was confidential, free, with welcoming, non-judgemental staff, easily accessible, relaxed and free from peer and parental disapproval. The YHS was setup to fulfil these needs.
Sexual health supports and services available for young people at YHS include general advice and support in relation to sexual health, STI screening, a contraceptive clinic, youth work and drug and alcohol support and counselling.
Email the team at YHS on yhs@hse.ie or call 076 1084150 to find out more about their supports and services.