In Ireland, STI diagnoses are increasing year on year. Between 2015 and 2018, diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis increased by 16%, 84% and 80% respectively. National data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC 2019) highlights that people aged 20-24 years in Ireland are disproportionately affected by STIs, accounting for 40% of chlamydia diagnoses in 2018.

STIs are frequently asymptomatic and can lead to various complications, therefore regular testing and treatment are important strategies to reduce infections. The immediate goal of screening for STIs is to identify and treat infected persons before they develop complications and to identify, test, and treat their sexual partners to prevent transmission and reinfections.