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Sexual Health & Contraception

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At Navan Women’s Health Clinic, contraception choices include long acting reversible
contraception in addition to combined oral contraceptive pill/ progesterone only pill/
contraceptive patches/ vaginal ring/ depo injection.


Navan Women’s Health Clinic also offers emergency contraception (copper coil).

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We also offer sexual health advice including STI screening and support.

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Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options.

Long Acting Reversible Contraception

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Intrauterine devices/ “coils:”

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Mirena is an intrauterine system (IUS), which is placed into the womb.
It is a soft plastic T-shaped frame containing the hormone levonorgestrel, a type of progestogen.
This is slowly released into the womb.

Mirena can be used as a contraceptive for up to 8 years. It is also an effective treatment for heavy periods whilst also providing effective contraception protection. Mirena can also be used as the progestogen component of hormone replacement therapy for up to 5 years.
Additional information can be found here


Kyleena is a similar device to Mirena but with less progestogen (19.5mg levonorgestrel). It provides contraceptive cover for 5 years. Kyleena is suitable for eligible women of all ages in need of contraception.

 


Jaydess is an intrauterine system (IUS), designed to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Jaydess works without daily, weekly or monthly administration.1 Jaydess, the smallest IUS available, contains a low dose of hormone called levonorgestrel. It is placed it in your uterus (womb), where it prevents pregnancy by slowly releasing a low dose of the hormone into the uterus.​​​​

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A “copper coil”/ intrauterine device is a small plastic T- shaped device containing copper that is fitted into the womb (uterus). There are no hormones.
Failure rate is less than 1%.
Periods may become heavier and more painful if you have the copper coil fitted.


More information can be found here


Implanon is an implant/ small plastic rod, generally fitted in your non-dominant arm, under local anaesthetic. It lasts for 3 years and contains a progestogen called etonogestrel. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.​​​​

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Advice following coil fit

What to expect after the procedure

Women’s experiences of pain vary greatly following coil insertion. Some women have no pain, others have strong period-like cramps which may continue for a day or two. Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to control the pain.

 

If you experience a severe attack ofpain or any continuous lower abdominal pain, you should consult a doctor. You may experience some prolonged bleeding following insertion and initially you may have some bleeding between your periods. You may want to use a sanitary pad until your next period or in the first 3 weeks after fitting.


If you think you have an infection, please contact the clinic or seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms may include: persistent or worsening lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, feeling unwell or shivering, pain during sexual intercourse

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When will the coil start working?

If you have had a copper coil fitted (IUD) you will be protected immediately against pregnancy. If you have had an IUS (Jaydess, Kyleena or Mirena) fitted on the 1st day of your period you will be protected immediately against pregnancy. If it is fitted at any other time, you will need to use an extra contraceptive method for the first seven days.

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Will I experience changes to my periods?

If you have had a copper coil (IUD) fitted you may notice that your period increases in flow and length. If you have had Jaydess, Kyleena or Mirena fitted, it is not unusual during the first 3-6 months to have irregular and unpredictable bleeding. This is rarely heavy and settles with time then you may have light, infrequent periods or no bleeding at all.

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Hormonal side-effects

Hormonal side-effects are uncommon. If side-effects do occur, they tend to develop in the first few months, and are temporary. Examples of possible side-effects include:

  • Mood swings.

  • Reduced sex drive (libido).

  • Fluid retention.

  • Increase in acne.

  • Breast discomfort: A slight increase in breast size

 

There is no evidence that women with an IUS put on weight.
The IUS does not protect you against any sexually transmitted infections

National Free Contraception Service

Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 35 can get contraception for free. You do not need a medical card to access this service. 

 

Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-35, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get.

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What costs are covered?

The costs covered include:

  • GP appointments - to talk about contraception options and for repeat prescriptions when needed

  • any prescriptions given by your doctor - these will be given free of charge at participating pharmacies

  • your choice of contraception - from the types covered below

  • fittings and removals of implants and IUDs or IUSs (coils) 

  • any check-ups or other follow up care needed, relating to your implant or coil

  • emergency contraception (morning after pill)

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Types of contraception covered?

There are many types of contraception covered by this service. You may need to experiment to find what works best for you. Emergency contraception is also covered. You can choose from a range of contraception listed below. These include short-acting contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). 

 
Short-acting contraceptives

Short-acting contraceptives are are types of contraception that depend on you remembering to take or use them regularly or each time you have sex. These include the:

 
LARCs

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are types of contraception that you do not have to remember to take everyday. These include the:

 
How to get free contraception?

Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-35, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get. You do not need a medical card to access this service.

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To access free contraception you need to be:

  • a woman or person with a uterus  

  • aged between 17 to 35

  • living in Ireland

 
Your information

You will need to give us your PPS number, name, date of birth and address. We need this to make sure that you are in the 17 to 35 age group covered by the free contraception service. You will also need to present your PPSN in the pharmacy when you collect your prescription.

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Emergency contraception from pharmacies

Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraception fails. For example, a condom slipped/broke or you missed a pill. If you need the emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill), this can be given over-the-counter at participating pharmacies for free. You will need to give your PPS number, name and address at the pharmacy. They need this information to make sure that you are in the 17 to 35 age group covered by the free contraception service.

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Useful Links & Resources

This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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