The Irish student population has a disproportionately high rate of sexually transmitted infections in Ireland. Comment Editor Andrea Beyer-Fraile sheds light on the often-taboo subject of STIs among young adults and emphasises the importance of open conversations about sexual health and safe sex practices.
After my years at UCD, I can confirm that the girls' bathroom has taught me more about sex education than any awkward conversation with my beloved parents could ever offer; I am sorry, Mom and Dad. I had my first STI test when I was in 6th year of school, in a sweaty and cold GP's office. I remember receiving my negative results a week later, which felt like gibberish.
STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, are caused by different types of bacteria, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis and viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). These infections can lead to uncomfortable symptoms in the genital area, affect your sexual pleasure, and pose risks to reproductive health. The best way to protect yourself and others from STIs is by using barrier methods such as external and internal condoms.
For most students, receiving a collection of condoms in freshers’ goodie bags is a shared experience; an appropriate welcome to “the best years of your life.” Yet despite the efforts carried out by Students’ Unions across the country to advocate for safe sex, studies revealed that 47% of Irish students reported inconsistent condom use, and 40% of all reported STIs in Ireland are individuals under the age of 25.
A survey with 93 responses carried out by the University Observer revealed that 61% of surveyed students were not aware that only 11% to 33% of those infected with an STI would show symptoms, with one student sharing that they were diagnosed with an STI during a blood donation appointment, which came as a complete shock to them as they had been completely asymptomatic.
I could resonate with this as my school had failed to provide Sex Education for my year, and while my family had been open, conversations on STIs were mentioned but never appropriately addressed.
In an interview with the University Observer, Christopher (He/Him), a recent graduate from UCD, opened up about his personal experience contracting gonorrhoea during his time at university.
“When I got gonorrhoea, my throat had become so unbearably painful that I couldn't eat, drink or speak. I was insanely ill for a week before I went to my university doctor, who tested me and then sent me straight to the ER.”
Christopher emphasised that although he had been symptomatic prior to his GP appointment, he had never considered that he was unwell because of a potential STI, “not all of us come from backgrounds where this education was taught.” I could resonate with this as my school had failed to provide Sex Education for my year, and while my family had been open, conversations on STIs were mentioned but never appropriately addressed.
The stigma STIs carry have resulted in widespread misinformation. Many individuals without access to reliable sexual education or protection might misinterpret symptoms or shy away from testing, mistakenly viewing regular testing as a practice that is exclusive to the queer community.
This misunderstanding hinders proper health management and promotes further transmission of STIs. A sentiment that Chris echoed when he remarked, “There’s definitely too much stigma, which has a direct effect on people’s perception of getting tested. Often, when STIs are mentioned in [the] media, it’s used as a life-altering plot point.”
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre, in March of 2024, released its report on STI Surveillance, which established that the STI notification rate in 2023 increased by 30.7% in Ireland. Gonorrhoea notification rates in males aged 15-24 years increased by 58%, while Gonorrhoea notification rates in females aged 15-24 years increased by 152%. The findings of the report, although alarming, did not come as a surprise to me.
I often encounter cisgender men who react negatively when I ask for their last STI test results. I am often faced with comments such as, “I don't need a test; I have a clean bill of health," or "I would have symptoms if I had an STI." Additionally, they express frustration with my wish to use condoms alongside my birth control, arguing that “skin-to-skin” is more enjoyable.
It's not really a question of should you get tested but more when are you getting tested.
It is only if and when I agree to have condom-less sex that they seem open to testing, yet these interactions can feel diminishing. Society conditions women to cater to the male gaze, reinforcing that a straight woman must prioritise her partner’s satisfaction over her own sexual health. An indifference to women’s health is an underlying issue when it comes to STIs. Bacterial infections like chlamydia can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics, but if left untreated, they can cause serious damage to female reproductive organs.
I have observed that in my queer friendships, regular STI testing after new sexual partners is a common practice, often being scheduled at three-month intervals - a routine I have adopted myself recently. Chris noted, “it's not really a question of should you get tested but more when are you getting tested.”
The survey carried out by the University Observer revealed that 57.8% of the students were aware that they could order free STI test kits delivered to their homes from SH24.ie. However, only 23.6% of these students tested after engaging with a new sexual partner or adhered to a regular testing schedule.
It is crucial we foster a culture of open dialogue and responsible health practices. By prioritising education and encouraging regular testing, we can take control of our sexual health and encourage safer sex. If you have read this far, I urge you to order a free test, prick your finger and pee in the damn cup!