Sexual Health
Your sexual health is an important part of your overall health as it can impact your emotional and social wellbeing as well as your physical and mental health.
Sexual health concerns much more than just sexual behavior and the prevention of disease, it is about family planning, fertility and healthy relationships.
It involves having access to sexual health information, education and care, and being able to talk about sexual health with others such as your sexual partners and healthcare providers.
So, it is important to be well informed on all aspects of your sexual health and to be aware of what can interfere with having a satisfying and healthy sex life.
Mens Sexual Health and Wellbeing
You may have concerns about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI) or want to learn more about erectile dysfunction and other men’s sexual health problems.
Maybe you want to better understand the common changes that takes place in men’s sexual health as you get older, and how to maintain and enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
Whatever your sexual health concerns, we are here to help.
Men’s sexual health check-ups may include:
- Fertility and family planning education and advice
- Assessment and management of erectile dysfunction
- STI screening,
- Testicular checks – link to this section in men’s health
- Prostate screening. – link to this section in men’s health
Women’s Sexual Health and Wellbeing
You may have concerns about preventing pregnancy and STIs or want to learn more about low libido and other women’s sexual health problems.
Maybe you want to understand the common changes that takes place in women’s sexual health as you get older, and how to maintain and enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
Whatever your sexual health concerns, we are here to help.
Women’s sexual health check-ups may include:
- Fertility and family planning education and advice,
- STI screening, including tests for common infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Pelvic examination and investigation of any sexual difficulty such as discomfort during sex
- Cervical smear tests
- Breast awareness and advice.
Young Peoples Sexual Health & Wellbeing
You may want to learn about preventing pregnancy and STIs, how to know when you are ready for sex, or have other sexual health concerns.
Maybe you want to understand more about the common changes that take place with your sexual health as you go through puberty, and how this can affect your overall health and wellbeing.
Whatever your sexual health concerns, we are here to help.
Young people’s sexual health check-ups may include:
- Contraception education and advice
- STI screening and prevention
- Education and advice for girls on common changes in their body during puberty
- Puberty
- Sex
- Vaginal discharge
- Pregnancy
- Education and advice for boys on common changes in their body during puberty
- Puberty
- Sex
- Penis size
- Unexpected erections
Sexual Health Checkups
We recommend regular sexual health check-ups to ensure you carry on enjoying a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Whether you are currently sexually active or not, it is still important to look after your sexual health.
Don’t be embarrassed, we are professionals and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening
STI screening is free of charge and confidential at any of the following locations:
- Galway University Hospital, Galway City, 091 525 200
- Walk in clinics on Wednesday and Friday mornings 9-12 am
- Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 9648 372 (extension 676)
STI screening is also available through at:
- Galway Family Planning Centre, Lismoyle House, Augustine Street, Galway.
- 091 562 992,
Plan your Visit
Developing an ongoing relationship with a general practitioner (GP) who you trust and are comfortable with is an effective way of managing health and wellbeing.
A basic plan can help you make the most of your appointment whether you it is your first visit or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years.
Make a list of what you want to discuss.
If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first.
Don’t put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment — bring them up right away!
