From early years to menopause and well beyond. Services include family planning, emergency contraception, infertility consultations and ante-natal care.
Cervical Screening:
The National Cervical Screening Programme provides free smears to anyone with a cervix aged 25 – 60 years.
- Dr Deirdre Long and Nurse Laura Forde are registered smear takers with the Screening Programme.
- To avail of your free smear test you must first check that you are eligible. Go to www.cervicalcheck.ie and follow the link for “Check Your Registration/Eligibility”. If you are not on the register you can add or update your personal details. If you have any questions you can call CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 45. You will need your PPS no in order to complete this process. CervicalCheck also sends invitation letters to women who are on the CervicalCheck register.
- Women who have already availed of a CervicalCheck smear test since the start of the programme on 1 September 2008 will be automatically re-called when their next smear test is due.
- The best time to have your smear test done is mid cycle, i.e.10-20 days after the first day of your period.
Gynaecology:
Gynaecology assessments can be arranged by appointment. Services provided include, fitting of ring pessaries, menopause, long-acting reversible contraception management and beyond, management of menstrual disorders and screening.
Family Planning:
Well-woman services are provided by appointment. We are happy to discuss and advise on all aspects of family planning.
- Dr Long offers specialist family planning services including insertion of Mirena and Copper Coil and removal of Implanon devices.
- Dr Calvin offers the specialist service of fitting and removing the Implanon device, a contraceptive device which is inserted under the skin in the upper arm.
- For further information go to http://thinkcontraception.ie
Long Acting Reversible Contraception
Contraceptive implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injections are long-acting, effective methods of contraception. They are over 99% reliable in preventing pregnancy, which means thatless than one in one hundred people with a uterus who use the implant or injection will become pregnant each year.
The implant and the injections work in the same way: by slowly releasing a hormone called progestogen into your body. They do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They can be started at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you and your doctor are reasonably sure that you are not pregnant.
An IUD is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper that fits inside the womb (uterus). It used to be called a coil or a loop.
There are different types and sizes of IUD to suit different women. IUDs need to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse at your GP surgery or local family planning clinic.
They can stay in the womb for five to 10 years depending on the type. If you are 40 or over when you have an IUD fitted, it can be left in until you reach the menopause or until you no longer need contraception. It can also be used after menopause if needed as part of hormone replacement therapy.
Most people with a uterus can have an IUD fitted, including women who have never been pregnant or who are HIV positive. An IUD is usually fitted during your menstrual period. From the moment the IUD is fitted until the time it is taken out, you are protected against pregnancy.
Implants, injections and IUDs are not barrier methods. This means that an IUD, implant or injection cannot stop you getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are four Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) that may be suitable for you.
http://www.jaydess.com/compare-your-options
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/C/Contraceptive-implants-and-injections/