Family Planning & Free Contraception Service

At Cashel Medical Centre we are pleased to offer our patients a comprehensive range of family planning services and contraceptive advice, tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Our doctors and nurses offer confidential advice to ensure our patients make informed decisions on all aspects of family planning. 

We also offer advice and tests in relation to fertility and conception. We can also advise regarding crisis pregnancy options.

Our practice offers the new universal contraceptive service for all women aged 17-30 (inclusive) which is now FREE to all patients with a Medical Card AND Private Patients. 

Contraception options include:

Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) and Progesterone Only Pill (POP)

Learn more

This is a small pill that is taken by mouth every day to ensure protection from pregnancy. The pill is more than 99% effective if taken correctly as advised. There are two types of oral contraceptive pill – the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) and the mini pill or progestogen-only pill (POP). Combined pills contain a combination of two hormones – oestrogen and a progestogen. The mini-pill contains one hormone – a progestogen. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

Contraceptive injection 

Learn more

The injection contains the female hormone progesterone. The hormone progestogen is released very slowly into the body to prevent ovulation (an egg being released). It is given by the doctor or nurse approximately every 12 weeks. Depo-Provera is the only type of injectable contraception available in Ireland at the moment. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Barrier methods 

Learn more

A male condom is a barrier method that a man can use to help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The female condom is a thin polyurethane sheath, with two rings. It lines the vagina and the area outside and prevents sperm from entering the woman’s vagina during sex. The diaphragm is barrier method that the woman fits inside her vagina to cover the cervix to prevent sperm reaching the egg. Spermicide is used with this method to destroy sperm.

Implants or the "Bar" (Implanon) 

Learn more

Implanon insertion and removal is now available on the GMS Scheme (medical card). This form of contraception is a small flexible plastic rod which is placed under the skin in the upper arm. It slowly releases the progesterone hormone and give contraceptive protection for 3 years. It can be felt under the skin but cannot be seen. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
We are trained and competent in both insertion and removal of the Implanon (contraceptive bar) device. This device is easily inserted under the skin of the arm (under local anaesthetic).

Intra-uterine devices (IUCD) Coils and Non hormonal Copper Coils

Learn more

 These are small contraceptive devices which are placed into the woman’s uterus (womb). They are made of flexible plastic with a coating of thin copper wire with soft threads on the end.  There are both hormonal options IUCD e.g Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess and non hormonal options such as the Copper Coil available. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

The IUCD is a small, flexible, plastic device which sits inside the womb (uterus). There are two threads attached to it which pass out through the neck of the womb (cervix) and lie in your vagina (see diagram below). These allow you to check it is still there. They also mean it can be removed easily. They do not hang outside the body and your partner should not be able to feel them during sex (intercourse). If you would like to discuss the IUCD further please make an appointment to go through this long acting contraceptive option with your doctor.
The IUS looks like an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) - also known as the "contraceptive coil" or copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) there are non hormonal. Again please feel free to contact the surgery to discuss them further.

Permanent solutions (male or female sterilisation).

Learn more

Male and female sterilisation require a surgical procedure. We do not carry out permanent solutions in the practice but can organise a referral onwards to a specialist.

Emergency contraception 

Learn more

Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The doctor or nurse can discuss all these options in detail with you to help decide which is most suitable for you.

For more information on methods of contraception click on: www.thinkcontraception.ie
For more information on sexually transmitted diseases and our STI/Sexual Health Clinic, click here.

Implanon (contraceptive bar) device 

An Implanon is a type of contraceptive implant - it is a device that is put under the skin in order to offer you an even dose of contraception without you having to take a daily pill. This is just one of our many long acting fully reversible contraceptives -
Please contact reception to book your appointment to discuss the contraceptive option that suits you best.