We are delighted to provide the following specialist services

• Contraception
• Emergency Contraception
• Fertility Advice
• Menopause Management
• Breast Checks
• Cervical Screening

Contraception

Contraceptive options have never been greater for women and men and here at the clinic we offer a wide variety of contraceptive methods.

Choices available include numerous formulations of the hormonal contraceptive pill.

Two main types of hormonal pill exist:

• Oestrogen containing combined oral contraceptive pill – a pill which must be taken daily for either 21 days with a 7 day break  or continuously for 28 days.
• Progesterone only pill (minipill) -a pill which is taken continuously without a seven day break.

For those who prefer not to take a pill, the options include:

Mirena Coil

A small y shaped plastic device which is inserted into the uterus and which releases a small amount of hormone daily directly into the uterus. Provides reliable contraceptive cover for up to 5 years.

 

Jaydess Coil

A small plastic device which like Mirena is inserted into the uterus and provides reliable contraception for up to 3 years.

 

Implanon

A small matchstick sized rod which is inserted under the skin in the inner aspect of the upper arm. Releases hormone daily over a 3 year period providing reliable contraception.

 

Depo Provera

A regular 3 monthly injection which provides hormonal contraception for 12 weeks.

 

Vaginal Ring

Contains similar hormones to the pill but is inserted into the upper vagina for 21 days followed by a 7 day break.

 

Contraceptive Patch

A patch is applied to the skin for 21 days followed by a 7 day break. The patch releases both oestrogen and progesterone which are absorbed across the skin.

 

Diaphragm

A plastic sheath which covers the cervix and is best used with a spermicidal cream for maximum efficiency.

 

Barrier methods

Permanent solutions such as vasectomy and tubal ligation.

For further information regarding how each method works, its effectiveness and any potential side effects please click on the link to IFPA Contraception Factsheets.

Emergency Contraception

At the clinic we offer two types of emergency contraceptive pill. Both of these methods act by preventing or delaying ovulation and thereby preventing fertilisation.

The progesterone “morning after pill” can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but is more effective the sooner it is taken.

The Ullipristal “morning after pill” can be used up to 120 hours after unprotected sex but again should be taken as soon as possible for greatest effectiveness.

 

For more information on contraceptive options please click on the link www.mycontraception.ie

Fertility Advice

Difficulties or delays in conceiving may affect more than one in ten couples.

At our clinic we are pleased to offer a comprehensive fertility service which can include the following as required.

• Medical history and examination
• Full blood profile. (helps to diagnose anaemia,thyroid disorders,and other potential underlying disorders)
• Specific hormone analysis. (helps diagnose specific hormonal problems such as polycystic ovaries,premature menopause raised prolactin levels etc)
• Day 21 Progesterone( helps confirm that ovulation has occurred on that particular cycle)
• Anti Mullarian Hormone (AMH) (helps to estimate ovarian reserve and helps decide how urgent your referral is)
• We can also facilitate the arrangement of a semen analysis on the male partner through a private laboratory.

If a referral to a specialist fertility clinic is required, we can facilitate this, including with your referral, all of the above required baseline investigations.

Please refer to our fees page for charges relating to this service.

Menopause Check Up

Menopause is a significant life event for many women but every person’s experience  will be different. Here at the clinic we offer the option of a comprehensive menopause check up.

For women experiencing distressing menopausal symptoms, we can provide practical advice and medical management (HRT) if required.

Our health check assesses risk for developing diseases (such as heart disease,breast cancer and osteoporosis) and helps us develop a personal health plan for you for the menopause and beyond.

Our menopause check up includes:

• Medical history and examination
• BMI
• Full blood profile (full blood count, liver and kidney function, blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid levels)
• Hormone analysis if indicated
• Vitamin D, B12 and Folate levels if indicated.
• Breast check
• Cervical smear if indicated.
• Osteoporosis risk assessment and DEXA referral if indicated.
• HRT assessment and prescription if required.

Please refer to our fees page for charges relating to this service

Breast Check

The doctors at the clinic understand how worrying breast concerns can be.

Whether you are worried about a change in your breast or simply want a breast examination for peace of mind the doctors at the clinic are very happy to conduct a thorough breast examination.

If necessary referral onwards for further investigation can be arranged.

We would encourage all women to become breast aware and follow a few simple guidelines when examining their own breasts.

Firstly women should familiarise themselves with the appearance and texture of their breasts and examine themselves regularly so that they might detect any changes.

Important changes to look out for include the following:

• Changes in the shape of the breast or nipple.
• Changes in the skin including rashes, colour changes, puckering or dimpling.
• A lump of any size in the breast or armpit.
• Breast pain that does not vary with your period.

For further information on the free mammogram screening service please click on this link: breastcheck.ie

Cervical Screening

We are delighted to offer free cervical smear screening to  eligible patients via the CervicalCheck programme. This screening service is free to all women between the ages of 25 and 60.

Our practice nurse Michelle Dooley manages our cervical screening programme.

Appointments may be booked directly with Michelle  at a time that is convenient to you. Smears are generally best carried out in the middle of your cycle.

If you have never availed of a smear through CervicalCheck you can do so in one of the following two ways.

• Register online at www.cervicalcheck.ie and take note of your ID number.
• Telephone 1800 454 555 and obtain your ID number

Once you have have registered you will receive further invitations for repeat smears at subsequent intervals. Results are sent directly to you by post within about one month.

In the unlikely event that your smear results show abnormalities, the nurse will advise you to return for another test in six months or will make a referral to a specialist clinic for further investigation.

All recommended follow-up tests are also provided free of charge.

For further information on the CervicalCheck screening programme please click on the link.

Private or urgent smears can be carried out if necessary. This requires the services of a private laboratory and fees apply to this service. Results of private smears are usually available within about 1 week.