Women’s Health

We offer 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 that 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.

 

Contraception options include:

• Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) – 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 minipill 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 – 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 – (condoms – male and female, diaphragms). 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 (Implanon) – 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.

 

• Intra-uterine devices (IUCD) – (Mirena, copper coils). These are small contraceptive devices which are placed in the woman’s uterus (womb). They are made of flexible plastic with a coating of thin copper wire with soft threads on the end. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. These can be inserted in the practice.

 

• Long-term devices (patch, vaginal ring) – The patch is similar to a small plaster. It is worn for seven days, for three weeks, followed by a patch free week. The patch contains the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The hormones are absorbed through the skin to stop ovulation (an egg being released).   The vaginal ring is a flexible ring inserted by the woman into her vagina for three weeks every month. The ring contains the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are absorbed from the vagina to prevent ovulation (an egg being released).

 

• Permanent solutions (male or female sterilisation). 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 – Administered within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. 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.

We provide on-going care for you and your baby after becoming pregnant. Antenatal care is the care you receive from healthcare professionals during your pregnancy. You’ll be offered a series of appointments with a doctor or midwife.

 

On your first Ante-Natal visit, you will be given a pregnancy pack which contains information and advice on different aspects of pregnancy, birth and caring for your baby.

 

The Faythe Medical Centre is registered with the HSE Maternity and Infant Care Scheme. This scheme provides an agreed programme of care, free of charge, to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and to her new born baby six weeks after birth. If the expectant mother chooses to avail of services under the scheme she will be under the care of both a General Practitioner (GP) of the expectant mother’s choice and a hospital obstetrician.

 

On your first pregnancy, the GP provides an initial examination, if possible before 12 weeks, and a further 5 examinations during the pregnancy [usually at weeks 24, 28 (except in case of first pregnancy), 30, 34, 37 and 39], which are alternated with visits to the maternity unit/hospital. The schedule of visits may be changed by your GP and/or hospital obstetrician, depending on your individual situation. For subsequent pregnancies, you will have an initial examination and a further 6 examinations.

 

If you have a significant illness, e.g. diabetes or hypertension, you may have up to 5 additional visits to the GP.

 

Care for other illnesses which you may have at this time, but which are not related to your pregnancy, is not covered by the Scheme.

 

After the birth, the GP will examine the baby at 2 weeks and both mother and baby at 6 weeks.

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) and is effective for 3 years’ contraception before needing to be replaced or removed.

 

Implanon is a contraceptive implant 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. It contains a progestogen hormone. The progestogen hormone in the implant is called etonogestrel. It is released into the bloodstream at a slow, steady rate. The progestogen works mainly by stopping the release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus which forms a mucous plug in the neck of the womb (cervix). This stops sperm getting through to the womb (uterus) to fertilise an egg. It also makes the lining of the womb thinner. This means that if an egg were to fertilise, it would not be likely to be able to attach to the womb.

 

It is put in the inner side of the upper arm. It is usually first inserted within five days of a period starting, to ensure that you are not pregnant. It is effective immediately. If it is inserted later, you should be sure you are not pregnant and use extra, non-hormonal contraception e.g. condoms, or abstain from sex for seven days. An injection of local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin. A special needle is used to place the implant under the skin. The wound is dressed and will soon heal just like any other small cut.

 

The area around the implant may be bruised and sore for a few days, but this soon resolves.

 

Implanon counselling, insertion and removal is now available on the GMS Scheme (medical card).

The National Cervical Screening Programme involves cervical smear tests for all women from ages 25-60 (though sometimes smears are advised for women outside these ages on an individual basis).

 

Cervical screening tests women for changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb) using a smear test.

 

Changes are common and cervical screening by smear tests can pick up early cell changes so they can be monitored or treated. The earlier abnormal cell changes are found, the easier they are to treat.

 

Early detection and treatment of changes in the cells of the cervix can prevent cervical cancer.

 

Screening is internationally accepted as a preventative health measure.  While it is recognised that no screening test is 100 per cent accurate, cervical screening is the most effective method of reducing a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.

 

A cervical screening test (sometimes called a smear test or a pap test) is a simple procedure where a doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) to be examined for early changes on the cells. A cervical screening test is a simple test that takes about five minutes. It may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.

 

This is a free service and more information can be found at www.cervicalcheck.ie

The Faythe Medical Centre offers a confidential Sexual Health Screening Service. This services aims to detect Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

What is an STI?

An STI is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed on during sexual contact. Some STIs have no symptoms, so you may not be aware if you or your partner is infected. Therefore, if you are sexually active or have recently changed partner, it is very important to have regular check-ups. Some STIs can cause long-term problems if they are not treated, such as infertility, complications in pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.

What it involves:

You will need to make an appointment for this service. Allow approximately twenty minutes for your appointment. On arrival, the receptionist will give you a questionnaire to fill out and will also ask you to provide a urine sample. Once the doctor/nurse has reviewed your questionnaire, they will perform the necessary blood tests and swabs. The results of your screening will be available within two weeks and you can contact the surgery to receive these results.

Cost:

The cost of the screening is €60 (discounts will be given to couples). There may be additional charges if follow up appointments are required.

SEXUAL TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS TESTED

Bacterial Vaginosis – this is a condition caused by the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria, there are no symptoms in most cases.

Chlamydia – this is a bacterial infection that can be passed between sexual partners and can have no symptoms.

Genital Warts – these are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Genital Herpes – this is caused by herpes simplex type two (HSV-2). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores or lesions in the mouth or on the lips and face. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that produces painful blisters on the genitals of both men and women.

Gonorrhoea – this is a bacterial infection. Symptoms include a vaginal discharge in women and a discharge from the penis in men.

Hepatitis B & C – these primarily attack the liver. Hepatitis B vaccines are avail-able from the surgery.

HIV – this is virus caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and there are usually no obvious symptoms in the early years.

Syphilis – If it is not treated, it can spread in the bloodstream from the genital region to cause various symptoms and problems over many years.

Trichomonas Vaginalis – this is a parasitic infection that may cause problems in pregnancy and low birth weight.

GENITAL INFECTIONS TESTED

Molluscum Contagiosum – is a common skin rash that is caused by a germ (virus). It is passed on by skin-to-skin contact.

Thrush – also known as Candida, this is a yeast infection that is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on through sexual contact.

• Health & Lifestyle Advice
• Height, Weight & Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Abdominal Girth Assessment
• Family History Discussion
• Exercise, Diet & Lifestyle Advice
• Standard Vision Assessment
• Urinalysis
• Blood Pressure & Pulse checking
• 24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitor (If Indicated)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) of Heart
• Lung Function Testing (Spirometry)
• Females: Cervical smear if indicated & Breast Examination
• Full Blood Count, Kidney Function, Liver Function, Lipid Profile, Diabetic Screening (Fasting Glucose / HbA1c), Bone Profile, Thyroid Function, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid,
• Serum Iron, Gout check (uric acid), Coeliac screening (if indicated), Prostate check (PSA- males)
• Full follow-up physical examination, discussion, interpretation & assessment of results with Doctor
• Onward referrals to consultants as indicated
• Organising further investigations if indicated