According to Sheelagh Caygill, one of the founders of the website, almost 500 people have already signed up to become members of the service, www. datepositive. net, which was officially launched in mid-September.

"A lot of those people are from England and Scotland, but we do have a number of people from Ireland as well, " said Caygill. "And that's particularly good because we haven't really advertised the website in Ireland yet, so not many people will be aware of it.

We do plan to distribute information leaflets in Irish clinics very soon, and we will also be getting in contact with the Irish health authorities."

Caygill, who does not suffer from an STD herself, said she came up with the website after her friend learned she had acquired an incurable sexually transmitted disease.

"She went to counselling, and she went through a really hard time, " said Caygill. "It was only then that I realised the stigma and discomfort that people with STDs suffer, especially if they want to start a romantic relationship with someone new."

Datepositive. net aims to help dispel this discomfort by taking away the fear of rejection and worry, said Caygill.

"It's exactly like a normal dating website, where you fill out a profile of yourself, " she said. 'The only difference is that there is an extra dropdown menu where you can list what STD you have. It also allows you to indicate what STD you are prepared to live with in another person."

Caygill decided to launch the website when she realised that the only existing dating sites for people with STDs were in North America. She talked to doctors and clinics, all of whom were very supportive of the concept.

One consultant in genitourinary medicine at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, UK, said STD sufferers often spoke to him of their troubles in forming new romantic relationships.

"I think it is a great idea, " said Dr Abayomi Opaneye.

"STDs caused by viruses can lead to difficulties, including psychological problems. A few of my patients with genital warts have said they have problems dating."

The site was launched just days before a report published earlier this month revealed a "staggering" increase in STDs in Ireland, up 174% between 1994 and 2003.