Contraception - Make the right choice for you

Information and guidance available on all forms of contraception.

When it comes to your sexual health, it is important that you choose contraception that fits your situation and lifestyle.

Make an appointment with the doctor or nurse to discuss the most suitable type of contraception to suit you.

Top Tips
  • The age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17 years.
  • Think contraception before you think about having sex.
  • Different contraceptives suit different people. Discuss your choices with your GP or Practice Nurse. You may need to try a few different types of contraception before you find the one that best suits you.
  • Using Dual Protection (Condoms & another form of contraception) will help you to have safer sex.
  • Be prepared- discuss contraception with your partner before you get intimate.
  • Protect yourself, be safe and look after your sexual health.
Contraceptive Options Available
  • Condoms
  • Combined Oral Contraceptive pill
  • Progesterone- only pill
  • The Contraceptive Patch
  • The Vaginal Contraceptive ring
  • Injectable Contraception e.g. Depo Provera
  • Intrauterine system or Coil e.g. Mirena Coil, Jaydess Coil
  • The Implant e.g. Implanon
  • Emergency Contraception
Make the right choice for you
  • It is your right to decide when, with whom, how and where you want to have sex.
  • It is your right to make your own choices.
  • It is your right to protect yourself from pregnancy and disease.
  • It is your right to enjoy yourself.

http://www.thinkcontraception.ie/

Book your confidential appointment to discuss your contraceptive options with your GP or Practice Nurse. Tel: 045528088

Intrauterine System (IUS) e.g. Mirena Coil

How does it work

The IUS is a small plastic device that is put into the womb and releases the hormone progesterone. It works in several different ways by stopping sperm from meeting the egg, by delaying the egg getting to the womb or by preventing the egg from implanting in the womb.

How effective is it?

It is a highly effective method of contraception, more than 99% effective.

Things to know before choosing this method of contraception
  • Works as soon as it is inserted and can stay in place for 5 years.
  • Can only be inserted by a specially trained doctor.
  • May cause irregular bleeding for the first few months.
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Phone the surgery to book an appointment to discuss your long term contraceptive options. Tel: 045528088

The Contraceptive Implant: Implanon

How does it work?

The implant is a small flexible rod that contains the hormone progestogen. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm.

It works mainly by stopping the woman from producing an egg. It also thickens the fluid at the neck of the womb and thins the lining of the womb.

How effective is it?

It is a highly effective method of contraception, more than 99% effective.

Things to know before choosing this method
  • Lasts for up to three years.
  • Can only be inserted and removed by a specially trained doctor.
  • May cause irregular bleeding or stop periods altogether.
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

www.thinkcontraception.ie

Phone the surgery to book an appointment to discuss your long term contraceptive options. Tel: 045528088

Emergency Contraception

  • Emergency contraception can be used if you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy after you have had sex without using contraception or if contraception has failed (e.g. the condom slipped or you missed a pill).
  • Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex.
  • Emergency contraception does not provide any protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Book an appointment with the doctor or nurse if you need to discuss emergency contraception. Tel: 045528088

Pre Pregnancy Care

Thinking of becoming pregnant?

It is vitally important to be in good health before trying to conceive or becoming pregnant. Book an appointment with the doctor or nurse to fully assess your health status.

This consultation will include:

  • A full physical exam i.e. Cardiovascular and Respiratory examination
  • Height, weight and BMI
  • Stop smoking advice and counselling. Quitting smoking is the best thing you and your partner can do for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Check cervical smear status
  • Urine Analysis:
    • Check for blood, protein and glucose
  • Blood Tests:
    • Full Blood Count and Immune System Bloods
    • Kidney Function Test
    • Liver Function Test
    • Blood Glucose / Diabetes Test
    • Thyroid Blood Tests
    • Check Rubella and Chickenpox Immunity

We will give you advice on maximizing your health before you become pregnant in order to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.