If you have any concerns about lumps/ bumps unusual vaginal discharges, problems with your menstrual cycle etc. Please come to discuss your concerns with one of our experienced doctors in one of our Health Centres. Both male and female doctors have a lot of experience in this area. If however you would prefer to speak to a female doctor just advise the secretary when making your appointment.
What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception is contraception that is used AFTER an episode of unprotected sex , i.e where contraception was not used or it failed e.g. condom burst.
There are 3 different types
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Over the counter medication - available from pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. It is available from a wide range of pharmacies throughout Ireland since February 2011. It costs between 20 to 45 euro. Due to health concerns there may be some cases where a GP would wish to see you in person.
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Medication requiring a prescription. Prescriptions are available from Health Centres, most G.P’s or Family Planning clinics.
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The Coil is suitable for women who are too late for the oral tablets and it may be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
When can I take it?
As soon as possible after the episode. The highest success rate occurs if taken within the first 24 hours. The oral tablets need to be taken within 72 hours after the episode. However a coil can be inserted up to 5 days following the episode.
How to use a condom correctly so it does not burst?
Sexually Transmitted Infections – How to get tested
Condoms/ abstinence are the best forms of protection against STIs and pregnancies
It is important that everyone is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for you so that if any unusual change occurs, you will recognise it. Remember that most breast changes are not cancer and are harmless. Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts from time to time.
Did you know male breast cancer accounts 1% of all breast cancer?
What should I do if I notice any changes?
Contact us or your own GP.
If you think you might be pregnant feel free to come to see one of the nurses (most of whom are midwives also) to do a pregnancy test for you. Contact us
If you already know you are pregnant and it was not a planned pregnancy feel free to come along to us here in either health centre for support. Your options
If you are pregnant and need antenatal care please come to see one of the nurses (most of whom are midwives) or doctors in either Health Centre. In combination with a maternity hospital we can provide care for you throughout your pregnancy. Maternity and Infant Scheme.
Every woman who is pregnant and ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to maternity care- Entitlements.
Click here to see a list of Public Maternity Hospitals.
Click here to see a list of Private Maternity Hospitals.
Remember all our files are completely confidential. They are not linked into the main University computer system. We will never disclose any of your medical information without prior consent from you.
This is available PRIVATELY in the Health Centres. It is NOT covered by the HSE. There is a cost for the vaccine.
It is recommended for women who have NOT YET become sexually active.
Women require three doses of vaccine with a two month interval between the 1st and 2nd dose and a four month interval between the 2nd and 3rd doses.
If you would like to discuss the vaccine please contact the Health Centre and arrange and appointment with one of the nurses / doctors free of charge.
For more information click here.
Cervical Screening
All females from the age of 25 can sign up for the cervical check programme. This is a free service and can an appointment can be made in any GP practice or Well Woman Clinic.
If a Woman has symptoms it's important to see your GP in between screens eg irregular bleeding
Who should have a screen?
Women aged 25 to 65 should have a regular smear test and continue to have regular smear tests after the menopause. It should be taken every 3 years from the age of 25-30 and every 5 years from the age of 45-65 years unless otherwise indicated.
If you are in the above age group, please make an appointment with the secretary in either health centre advising the secretary that the appointment is for a smear test (This is to allow more time for your appointment). The nurses usually perform the smear tests . Please bring along your PPS number with you.
If you are not in the above age group and have any concerns, please feel free to make appt with a nurse in either health centre to discuss the matter. For more information click here.
NOTE THIS IS NOT A TEST FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Contraception
We have many years of experience in prescribing contraception to students.
Think you might not remember to take your pill on time? Think again.
If you are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant please make an appointment to discuss your options with one of the doctors or nurses. Online resources available at sexualwellbeing.ie