askadoc.ie

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Is this normal, and who do I see?

Pick what’s going on. We point you to the right place in Ireland, free and cheap routes first.

Where do I go?

Pick a topic

Clinical review: Review pending. A named, Irish Medical Council-registered GP will review these answers. They are signposting, not medical advice. Life at risk? Call 112 or 999.

It burns when I pee

Nothing to be embarrassed about: pharmacists and GPs deal with this every day.

1 · Pharmacy first

If you are a woman aged 16 to 64, a pharmacist can assess uncomplicated cystitis and prescribe treatment under the HSE Common Conditions Service. There is a consultation fee at the pharmacy.

2 · Then a GP

If you are a man, outside that age range, it keeps coming back, or you feel unwell with a temperature or back pain, see a GP.

Compare online GP prices

Source: HSE: Common Conditions Service, read 29 October 2026

Itching or a thick, white discharge down there

Nothing to be embarrassed about: it may be thrush, which a pharmacist can now treat.

1 · Pharmacy first

If you are aged 16 to 60, a pharmacist can assess vaginal thrush and prescribe treatment under the HSE Common Conditions Service.

2 · Then a GP

If it keeps coming back, you are outside the age range, or it doesn't settle, see a GP.

Compare online GP prices

Source: HSE: Common Conditions Service, read 29 October 2026

A cold sore on my lip

Nothing to hide away for: a pharmacist can help.

1 · Pharmacy first

A pharmacist can assess cold sores and prescribe treatment if needed, under the HSE Common Conditions Service.

2 · Then a GP

If it is spreading, near your eye, or not healing, see a GP.

Source: HSE: Common Conditions Service, read 29 October 2026

A red, sticky or itchy eye

A pharmacist can look at it for you, often the same day.

1 · Pharmacy first

A pharmacist can assess conjunctivitis and allergic eye symptoms under the HSE Common Conditions Service.

2 · Then a GP

If your eye is painful, your sight changes, or it doesn't get better, see a GP.

Source: HSE: Common Conditions Service, read 29 October 2026

I need a sick cert for work or college

Statutory Sick Pay needs a medical cert from the first day you are off.

1 · Online GP

An online GP can give you a cert after a short consult; some do it from a form or a recorded video. You pay a fee.

Sick cert prices compared

2 · Or your own GP

Your own GP can certify you too, and is needed if you are off for more than 6 weeks on Illness Benefit.

Source: gov.ie: Illness Benefit, read 29 October 2026

I've run out of my regular medicine

Happens to everyone. Prescriptions can now last up to 12 months.

1 · Pharmacy first

If your prescription was for 6 months, a pharmacist can extend it to 12 months in total. Ask at the pharmacy you use.

2 · Then an online GP

If it has run out completely, an online GP can usually renew a regular medicine after checking what you take.

Prescription renewal prices

Source: Citizens Information: prescriptions, read 29 October 2026

I'm really struggling and need to talk

Lots of people feel like this, and talking helps. You don't need a reason to reach out.

1 · Talk now, free

Samaritans answer any time, day or night, on 116 123. It is free from any phone, including pay-as-you-go with no credit.

Call 116 123

2 · Then a GP

A GP can talk it through and help you find ongoing support. If you or someone else is in danger right now, call 112 or 999.

Source: Samaritans Ireland: contact us, read 29 October 2026

I need a doctor tonight and my GP is closed

Your area has a GP out-of-hours service for exactly this.

1 · HSE out-of-hours

Phone your local GP out-of-hours service. It is free with a medical card or GP visit card; otherwise there is a fee.

Find yours on nightdoc.ie

2 · Life at risk?

Call 112 or 999.

Source: HSE: GP out of hours, read 29 October 2026

Ask anonymously

Your question, answered by a GP.

Soon you’ll be able to ask anything, anonymously, and a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council will answer the most common questions here. We’re opening it once our GP is on board, and not before.

Until then, please don’t send us health questions: we can’t answer them safely yet.