Sexual Health
Maintaining sexual health is a crucial part of overall well-being, yet many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral infections can remain undetected because they often do not cause obvious symptoms. Left untreated, these infections can result in serious long-term health complications, including infertility, chronic pain, liver damage, and weakened immune function. Regular sexual health screening is therefore essential, not only for personal health but also for protecting sexual partners and reducing the risk of transmission.
Your doctor may recommend sexual health screening as part of routine health care, following potential exposure to a risk factor, or when you experience concerning symptoms. By undertaking regular testing, you gain critical insights into your sexual health, enabling the early detection of STIs, viral infections, or other underlying conditions that may otherwise remain hidden. This proactive approach allows for informed decisions regarding treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing monitoring, supporting better health outcomes.
Why a Sexual Health test matters
Looking after your sexual health is a normal, responsible part of looking after yourself — and getting tested is straightforward and nothing to feel anxious about. This screen checks for key blood-borne viral infections, including HIV and hepatitis, so anything that needs attention can be picked up early, when it's most treatable.
It's carried out with discretion and care, and every result is reviewed and explained by a GP who can advise on next steps and any further testing.
What's included in your Sexual Health test
A blood screen for key blood-borne viral infections.
Tests included
- HIV Antibodies — detects infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, for early intervention and treatment planning.
- Hepatitis A Antibodies — identifies previous or current Hepatitis A infection.
- Hepatitis B Antibodies — screens for exposure or immunity to the Hepatitis B virus.
- Other viral infection markers — evaluated as clinically indicated, to assess potential risks to your immune function and overall health.
This is a blood-borne virus screen. Some sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea) are checked with a swab or urine sample rather than a blood test — ask us if you'd like fuller screening.
What this screen covers
How it works
Is this test right for you?
It's a sensible, discreet choice if you:
Why choose Solasta
What to know before your appointment
Recent high-risk exposure?
If you've had a possible high-risk exposure within the last 72 hours, please seek urgent medical advice straight away — emergency preventative treatment (PEP) may be available and is time-sensitive. Call 111, your GP, or attend a sexual health clinic or A&E rather than waiting for a routine test.
Window periods
After exposure, it takes time for antibodies to become detectable. If a possible exposure was recent, a single test may not be conclusive and a repeat test may be advised — your GP will guide you on timing.
Discreet & confidential
Your appointment and results are handled with discretion and care, and reviewed by a GP. There's nothing to feel awkward about — testing is a normal part of looking after your health.
No special preparation
There's no need to fast — you can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
Sexual Health FAQs
What does this test check for?
Does it cover all STIs?
What is a window period?
I've had a recent risky exposure — what should I do?
Is it confidential?
How long do results take?
How is the sample taken?
Related checks & services
Book your Sexual Health test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.