Long waiting times for tests for sexual transmitted infections (STI) in public hospitals are discouraging high-risk individuals from getting tested, according to the Well Woman Centre.
In its 2004 annual report, published today, the Well Woman Centre points out that waiting times for STI testing in public hospitals can be up to eight weeks.
"Such long waiting periods can discourage a person from getting tested," said the centre's chief executive, Alison Begas. "Even if they do make an appointment, the long lead-in time can increase the risk of STI transfer to other sexual partners."
During 2004 the Well Woman introduced a men's STI screening pilot in response to demand from the partners of its clients. Many men said they were reluctant to go to a hospital for STI testing due to the delays in getting an appointment and fear of being recognised by peers.
Ms Begas has called on the Minister for Health to make STI screening a priority in any reform of the provision of health services.
Demand for emergency contraception continued to rise in 2004, with almost 3,500 women, the majority in the 20-30 age bracket, attending for such services.
The centre has also begun a study into the prevalence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) among Irish women, which is the cause of over 99 per cent of cervical cell changes noted on cervical smear tests but is not tested for in Ireland.
HPV testing allows for the early identification of women likely to develop cervical cancer that can be treated in its pre-malignant stage. Currently, 70 women a year die from the cancer.
The centre also saw a 40 per cent drop in the number of women seeking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) since 2002. This has coincided with the publication of international studies linking HRT to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.