Contraception

Since September 2022, all women and people with a uterus aged between 17 and 35 can avail of free contraception in Ireland
The services covered are:

• GP appointments to discuss contraception
• Prescriptions for contraception
• Purchase of contraception medication and most contraception devices from pharmacy
• Fitting and Removal of implants and coils
• Follow up care, as needed
• Emergency contraception

We offer advice about the wide range of contraceptive options available.
These include:

• Contraceptive pills
• Injections
• Implants (Implanon)
• Intra-uterine devices (Mirena, copper coils)
• Long-term devices (patch, vaginal ring)
• Implanon

It is a small plastic device containing a low dose of hormone, which is released slowly over three years. It is inserted into the upper arm and should be removed or replaced after three years. It can be removed sooner if necessary.

Mirena and copper coils

Mirena is an intra-uterine system containing a low dose of hormone which is released gradually over five years. After this it should be removed or replaced.

Copper coil (intra-uterine device) can also be fitted here, these are similar but contain no hormones.

Emergency contraception

We offer advice regarding options for emergency contraception. The post-coital pill, commonly known as the ‘morning after pill’, can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected intercourse, but is most effective if taken within 24 hours. The emergency coil can be fitted up to 5 days later.

NuvaRing

It is a small plastic ring which is inserted into the vagina and remains there for 3 weeks per month with a 1 week break after. A new ring is inserted every month.

Evra Patch

This consists of 3 weekly patches per month with a 1-week break after.