Here in Drogheda Medical Clinic, we have a long history of offering Family Planning Services to our own and other patients throughout the North East Area. There are a number of Family Planning options available which are highly effective, long-acting and reversible. If you require a more permanent form of contraception we offer a male sterilisation service – Vasectomy.

The HSE have introduced a free contraception service for all women aged between 17 + 26 who are
ordinarily resident in Ireland. The types of contraceptives covered include:

• Pill
• Patch & Ring
• Mirena
• Kyleena
• Jaydess
• Implanon
• Depo Provera (injectable)

Please note that the cost of purchasing of a Copper T coil is currently not covered but the insertion of it by a FP is covered.

Long-Acting Reversible options include:

IUS/Mirena
A Mirena is a small ‘T Shaped’ flexible plastic device which is placed inside the womb. It slowly releases the hormone progesterone and lasts for 5 years. It can be removed earlier should you wish. Mirena can be used for contraception or as a treatment for heavy periods for some women.

Jaydess
Jaydess is a smaller version of Mirena lasting 3 years. This is suitable for women who prefer a lower dose of hormone or who have not previously given birth.

IUCD / Copper Coil
The Copper Coil is a small ‘T Shaped’ non-hormone releasing device which is placed inside the womb. It is made of flexible plastic with a coating of copper. This type of coil is effective for 5 years. If you would like the coil to be removed before the end of 5 years this can be arranged.

Implanon (Implant)
Implanon is a small, soft, plastic rod containing the hormone progesterone. It is inserted into the upper arm which is numbed using a local anaesthetic. The implant is a very effective form of contraception, lasting 3 years. It can be removed if required during this time.

Other Methods of Contraception include:

• Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)
• Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
• Progesterone Only Pill
• Contraceptive Patch
• Injectable Contraception
• Barrier Methods (Condoms)
• Unplanned Pregnancy – Help and Advice
• Vasectomy  (Male Sterilisation)
• Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilisation)

Emergency Contraception

The Morning After Pill 
The Morning After Pill (M.A.P.) is a tablet containing a hormone called progesterone which can prevent pregnancy. It can work up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. This should not be used as a form of contraception and cannot be taken more than once in the same cycle.
**Please Note: If you wish to see the doctor for the Morning After Pill, please ask for an urgent appointment, within 24 hours of exposure when possible.

Copper T – IUD
The Copper T IUD can, in some instances, be used as an emergency contraceptive when the time frame for use of the morning after pill has been exceeded. An IUD is a small T-shaped plastic device that is wrapped in copper.