Empowering your choices with contraceptive health

At Rathdrum Medical Practice we believe in giving you the right information tailored to you  about contraceptive health. Our Doctors  are here to ensure you have a full understanding of all available contraception options, allowing you to make informed decisions that best suit your lifestyle and health needs. 

We provide a full range of contraceptive services and sexual health advice. During your consultation we will discuss all options and help you choose the right method for you.

 

Our GPs are highly experienced in fitting Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) such as coils (intrauterine devices/systems) and the contraceptive implant (the bar). We also provide the contraceptive injection.

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National Free Contraception Service

Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 35 can get contraception for free. This includes two yearly visits, every six months. You do not have to pay for your GP/Nurse visit or any prescriptions you get. You do not need a medical card to access this service.

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:

  • progesterone only and combined contraceptive (the pill)

  • contraceptive patch

LARCs

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

  • implant

  • injection

  • copper coil and hormonal coil.

To access free contraception you need to be:

  • a woman or person with a uterus  

  • aged between 17 to 35

  • living in Ireland

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 PPS number to the pharmacy when you collect your prescription.

​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.