Medical Care

Family Planning

If you are planning a pregnancy or thinking of starting a family, we can offer advice on family planning to you and your partner. We can provide information on Contraception, Pre-conception recommendations and advice for those who are having difficulties conceiving.

If you are planning a pregnancy, it is recommended that you take folic acid, (0.4mg a day for 3 months prior to conception, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy), and that your rubella status is checked prior to becoming pregnant.

We offer advice on all forms of family planning form the morning after pill, (please advise reception you need an urgent appointment that day for this) The Pill, combined and progesterone only, The Patch, Depot Injection, Implanon Insertion and removal, mirena insertion and removal, referral for  Vasectomy. Feel free to discuss family planning at any consultation and especially at post natal 6 week check.

·        The universal contraceptive service previously for all women aged 17-26 (inclusive) has been extended to include women aged up to 30 years.

As before:

·         The scheme will apply to all relevant women in this age group who are ordinarily resident in the State, regardless of eligibility status (GMS/DVC/Private).

Who is eligible for the scheme?

·         All women aged 17-30 (GMS/DVC/Private) who are ordinarily resident in the State are eligible for the scheme, from the date of their 17th birthday to the day before their 30th birthday.

·         Where a woman is now over 30 but had a contraceptive device fitted before her 30th birthday and is now seeking to have it removed, such removal is also covered under the scheme.

·         You are deemed ordinarily resident if you have been living in the State for at least a year or you intend to live here for at least one year.

·         Patients will need to provide their full name, address, date of birth and PPSN to access the scheme. All those aged 17-30 and ordinarily resident in the State are eligible to apply for same.

What types of contraception are covered?

·         All contraceptive options that are currently included on the GMS Reimbursement List are covered. This includes contraceptive pill, patch and ring, Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess (coils, also known as intrauterine devices or systems; IUS, IUD), Implanon (contraceptive implant) and Depo Provera (contraceptive injection).

·         Emergency contraception is also covered under the scheme

Is the Copper Coil covered?

·         The Copper Coil is not currently on the GMS Reimbursable List, although it is expected to be added in the coming months; In the meantime, GPs may claim the consultation fee and insertion fee for the Copper Coil but the patient will have to purchase the Copper Coil itself.

How does it work?

·         The Patient will have an initial consultation with their GP to discuss the contraceptive options appropriate to their needs.

·         At the end of this consultation, typically the GP will prescribe the preferred method of contraception. GPs may claim a consultation fee for this consultation.

·         The patient will then attend the pharmacy where they will be dispensed the necessary contraceptive. The patient will need to have their PPSN and DOB on hand at the community pharmacy. The medication or device is dispensed to the patient free of charge.

·         If the patient is dispensed an implant or coil, the patient will then attend the GP surgery (can be same day) for insertion or fitting of same. The GP does not claim a consultation fee for this but claims the relevant procedure fee.

·         For the coil, there is a follow-up consultation, typically at six weeks, for a string check.

·         In all cases if there are complications (e.g., irregular bleeding, excessive cramping and pain, significant mood alteration or other side effects experienced with the contraceptive method initially chosen) and an additional consultation is deemed medically necessary, this is allowable under the scheme and may be claimed as a consultation.

·         Typically, however, the number of consultations will be two per annum for the contraceptive pill, patch or ring. For the coil, it would be expected that there would be two consultations (the initial consultation and a 6-week string check) in addition to the fitting of the device. For Depo Provera, consultations will be necessary every 12 weeks. For emergency contraception, one consultation would be necessary.

When is the Commencement Date of the Scheme?

·         The scheme for 17-30-year-olds commences on the 1st of September, 2023.

These appointments are FREE. Please note only contraception issues are covered. Should you wish to discuss any other medical issues another appointment must be made and a charge will be applied.