Sexual health is an important part of overall health. It means in the first place the absence of disease and infections but also covers well-being, the ability to control fertility and to have children and the ability to enjoy fulfilling relationships free from discrimination.

Worldwide, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common causes of disease and are an increasing cause of ill health. Apart from the initial symptoms and discomfort, they may result in long-term health problems such as infertility, ectopic pregnancies and genital cancers. In Ireland, rising STI rates have increased the level of concern in this area among health professionals, the government and the public.

Sexual health prevention and treatment services include a broad range of health care at different levels, both public and private, throughout the health care system. The main elements include prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and clinical care for those with STIs, contraception, screening for diseases such as genital chlamydia, psychosexual counselling and support, and specialised services for high-risk groups and diseases.

Services are almost exclusively based in hospitals and clinics in urban centres, with GPs also providing testing services in places.

St James's Hospital Genito-Urinary and Infectious Disease (GUIDE) services
The Genito-Urinary and Infectious Disease (GUIDE) services were combined in 1998 and now provide a range of STI, HIV, Hepatitis C/HIV co-infection and general infectious diseases clinical services. GUIDE also provides services to the Baggot Street Hospital Clinics, Trinity Court Drug Treatment Services and Cherry Orchard Hospital and supports student health services in Trinity College Dublin. A respite ward for HIV patients operates in Cherry Orchard.

Outpatient attendances at GUIDE clinics have increased significantly in recent years and currently represent approximately 7.6% of overall attendance to St James's Hospital. In 2002, 7,466 new patients presented to the clinic, compared with 7,252 in 2001. Return patients also increased from 12,040 to 14,362 in the same period. In 2003 there was a four to six-week waiting list for the STI clinics.

Mater Misericordiae Hospital
The Mater Hospital clinic sees on average 1400 new patients per year and over 2000 return patients.

Gay Men's Health Project
The Gay Men's Health Project (GMHP) promotes sexual health among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, through outreach, counselling and STI clinical services. A community-based multidisciplinary project team of medical and support staff provide a range of services including free STI clinical services two evenings a week. In 2004 there were almost 5000 attendances to this service.

Women's Health Project (women in prostitution)
The Women's Health Project was established in 1991, as part of the HIV/AIDS prevention strategy. The project, based in Baggot Street Hospital, provides an accessible drop-in service, open in the evenings and weekends. A full sexual health screening and counselling service is available including HIV and Hepatitis A, B and C testing, vaccinations, smears, counselling, contraception, pregnancy testing and advice, support, referral and education. Additional services include a methadone and needle exchange programme. All services, including drugs and condoms, are free.

Student Health STI Services
Health centres in third level institutions provide an ideal opportunity to target an at-risk population for the promotion of safe sexual practices and STI screening. Consultations are free or are subsidised by the colleges.

General Practitioners
General practitioners with their practice or specialist nurses have an important role to play in both preventative and treatment services. Prevention is facilitated through general health information, medical advice, and contraceptive advice and provision. Screening, diagnostic and treatment services may also be offered through general practitioners.

Well-Woman Clinics and Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA)
The Well-Woman clinics and the IFPA both provide STI screening for men and women.
Full STI screening is available at the Cathal Brugha Street and Tallaght branch of the IFPA. Two Well-Woman clinics also provide STI screening. As these services are not publicly funded, both organisations charge a consultation fee.