Campus.ie will now offer 25 per cent discounts off home STI tests after recent research has shown that two thirds of students have never had a sexual health screening.
The test kits will be provided by Lloyds Online Doctor in collaboration with the Irish Family Planning Association, and offer a useful alternative to students unable to pay high doctors costs or who are uncomfortable discussing their sexual health.
Basic STI tests which test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea will retail at €50 and the enhanced STI test kit which also includes testing for HIV will set you back €70.
“The tests are as accurate as any test from a clinic and your results are completely confidential,” said Dr Tom Brett of Lloyds Online Doctor.
The survey carried out by UCC magazine Motley, also found that over half of students do not use protection during every sexual encounter, and that almost 1 in 10 students had never used contraception.
Recent research by The College View also revealed that over three-quarters of DCU students surveyed have never been tested for a sexually transmitted infection.
Incoming Welfare Officer, Eve Kerton says students are often uncomfortable discussing their sexual health. “I want to remove the stigma about talking about sexual problems” she explained.
“I want to encourage regular prostate and smear tests as it is best to get in the habit of checking regularly. Early detection is the best form of protection”
Emma Duffy
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