Men in Ireland test for STIs less often than women do — by quite a margin. Some of that is because women have routine reasons to see a GP for sexual health (contraception, smears, pregnancy planning); some of it is plain old reluctance. The result is that men are more likely to have an undiagnosed STI for longer, and more likely to pass it on without realising. The good news: testing is free, takes 20 minutes, and almost everything they find is straightforward to treat.
Why this page exists
Most STI content online is written with a default-female lens — the symptoms described are typically the female versions, the imagery is female. Men reading it often conclude "well that doesn't apply to me" and skip the test. It does apply. The presentation is just different.
The honest numbers
Men account for the majority of new HIV diagnoses in Ireland each year. Syphilis rates have risen sharply in men. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea cases in men are notified at meaningful volumes, and probably under-tested compared to the true rate. The HSE's HPSC publishes the full statistics; we link to them on the resources page.
What symptoms actually look like in men
Important caveat first: most STIs in men, like in women, have no symptoms at all. Do not wait for symptoms before testing. But if symptoms do appear, here's what they tend to look like.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Most common bacterial STIs. When symptoms appear:
- Discharge from the tip of the penis — clear, white, yellow, or green.
- Burning or stinging when peeing.
- Pain or tenderness in the testicles.
- Pain or discharge in the rectum (for anyone who has receptive anal sex).
Both are easily treated with a single course of antibiotics. Full chlamydia guide · Full gonorrhoea guide.
Syphilis
Rising again in Ireland, particularly in men. The classic first sign is a single painless sore (called a chancre) on the penis, anus, mouth, or wherever the bacteria entered. Because it's painless and often heals on its own in a few weeks, many men assume it was nothing. The infection is still there and will progress if untreated. Full syphilis guide.
HIV
Early HIV can produce a flu-like illness 2–4 weeks after exposure — fever, body aches, swollen glands, sore throat, sometimes a rash. Then it goes quiet for years. Modern treatment is excellent: people on treatment live normal lifespans and cannot pass HIV on. Worth testing now. Full HIV guide.
Herpes
Painful blisters on the penis, anus, or surrounding skin. First outbreak is usually the worst — can feel like the flu. Subsequent ones are milder. Common, manageable, no cure but very treatable. Full herpes guide.
Genital warts
Small painless bumps or "cauliflower"-shaped growths on the penis or around the anus. Caused by certain HPV strains. Visible, treatable. Full genital warts guide.
The "I have no symptoms" case
This is the situation that catches most men out. You feel fine. There is no obvious reason to do anything. So you do nothing. Meanwhile, an STI you don't know about is being passed on. Two things to know:
- If you've had unprotected sex with a new partner, test even with no symptoms. Wait 2–4 weeks after exposure (the window period) so the test is reliable, then go.
- If you have multiple partners, an annual full screen is the baseline. The HSE explicitly recommends this. It is not a "you must be doing something wrong" recommendation — it is simply what's smart given the silent nature of these infections.
If you're MSM (men who have sex with men)
The HSE recommends more frequent testing for MSM — typically every 3 months if you have multiple partners. This is because syphilis, gonorrhoea (including rectal and pharyngeal), and HIV all appear at higher rates in this population. The Gay Men's Health Service in Dublin is a dedicated, free, judgment-free HSE clinic. Outside Dublin, the regular free HSE sexual health clinics are equally welcoming — call ahead if you'd prefer to confirm.
Two more things worth knowing if you're MSM:
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily or on-demand tablet that's highly effective at preventing HIV. Free through the HSE since 2019 for those eligible. Ask any HSE sexual health clinic.
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment that can prevent HIV after a possible exposure — but it must start within 72 hours. Available free via HSE clinics and most A&E departments. If you think you need it, go now, not tomorrow.
Where to go — for men, specifically
You have the same three options as everyone else, and there are no men-specific clinics outside of the dedicated GMHS in Dublin:
- Free HSE sexual health clinic in your county — every county has one. Find yours →
- Free home test kit from sh24.ie — anyone 17+. Includes a urine sample and a finger-prick blood spot. No clinic visit needed.
- Your GP — a "full STI screen" is a routine request, costs €50–€70 (or free with a medical card).
If you're in Dublin and want the dedicated service: Gay Men's Health Service (GMHS) at Baggot Street is the HSE service for MSM. Listed on the Dublin page.
The five-minute version
- If you've had unprotected sex with a new partner in the last 3 months, test.
- If you have any unusual discharge, burning, sores, or testicle pain, test.
- If you've had multiple partners in the last year, test annually as baseline.
- If you're MSM with multiple partners, test every 3 months and ask about PrEP.
- If you've had a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, ask about PEP today.
Where to go from here
Important: Nothing on STI.ie is medical advice. HSE Sexual Health Line: 1800 700 700.