Our Services

The surgery provides a range of contraceptive options. Please make an appointment with a GP to discuss what would be most suitable for you.

Methods of contraception available include:

• Short-acting contraception – these are types of contraception that need to be taken or changed regularly and depend on the user. The GP will be able to discuss these options.
• The combined oral contraceptive pill, also known as ‘the pill’. These tablets contain progesterone and oestrogen and prevent pregnancy.
• The progesterone-only pill is ‘the mini pill’. These tablets contain progesterone only and are taken every day. This may be an option if the combined pill isn’t suitable.
• The NuvaRing – a flexible ring containing similar hormones to the combined pill which is self-administered in the vagina and releases hormones for three weeks.
• The hormonal patch is also known as the ‘Evra’. This is a thin plastic square that contains hormones and can be self-administered every week.
• Long-acting contraception – these types of contraception are the most effective at preventing pregnancy as they do not depend on the individual taking it. The following methods are provided in the surgery.
• Depo Provera injection – a hormonal injection given every 12-13 weeks by a doctor or nurse.
• Implanon ‘the bar’ – a silicon rod containing hormones that is inserted by a doctor under the skin of the upper arm and lasts three years.
• Mirena/Kyleena/Jaydess IUS (Intrauterine system – hormonal coil). This is a hormonal T-shaped coil which lasts three to five years (depending on the IUS) and is placed into the womb by the doctor
• The copper coil IUD (Intrauterine Device). This is a T-shaped coil that contains copper, lasting five to ten years and is placed into the womb by the doctor.
• Emergency contraception. For example, the morning after pill – Levonogestrel or Ella One. These are methods of contraception that prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or if there has been a failed method of contraception and has to be given before three to five days.
• Sterilisation or vasectomy – please make an appointment with the GP to discuss for onward referral.

If you are looking for a long-acting form of contraception an appointment will be made to counsel you prior to fitting. It may be necessary to have some tests done before and you will be advised if this is the case.

There will be a charge for some of the longer-acting methods. If you are a medical cardholder, please note there may be a small additional charge for the longer-acting options.

Please note that for contraception renewal, patients need to attend a contraceptive check annually with either the nurse or GP. This is to ensure that you continue to be on the correct method of contraception and that there are no medical changes.

Useful websites for further information:

• www.mycontraception.ie
• www.sexualwellbeing.ie/sexual-health/contraception
• www.knowyourcontraceptives.ie