Family Planning / Contraceptive services (mirena & implanon)

1.

What is the Pill

You've probably heard of the pill. It's been around since the 1960s and is still the most popular form of female contraception. .Although there are lots of different brands of pill markteted in Ireland they belong to two groups : the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill and the Progestogen-Only Pill (sometimes called the "mini-pill").

2.

What is the Vaginal Ring

The Vaginal Ring is a small flexible ring that contains estrogen and progestogen, it is inserted into the vagina by the women and is kept in place for three weeks; it is then removed for a one-week break. Following the week break, a new vaginal ring is inserted.

3.

What is the Contraceptive Patch

The Contraceptive Patch contains estrogen and progestogen. It sticks to the skin and can be put on the stomach, thigh, buttocks or upper arm. It is not transparent, so this method is visible. The hormones are released continuously into the bloodstream through the skin. You wear a new patch each week for three weeks, followed by a week's break

4.

What is the Emergency Pill

The most commonly used emergency contraceptive pill contains progestogen only and works by stopping your body releasing an egg. Women should take this type of emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex – ideally within 12 hours, but you can take it up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. However there is a newer type of pill now available in some countries which can be used up to 5 days, but you will need to see a doctor. In general though, the sooner a woman takes it, the more effective it will be. After using emergency contraception, you should use another form of contraception for the rest of your cycle to protect yourself if you do not want to become pregnant.

5.

What are Intrauterine Methods

If you are looking for a contraceptive method that you can use and forget about for longer periods of time, you may want to consider an intrauterine method. Intrauterine methods can be broadly divided into two types - hormone releasing intrauterine systems (IUS)OR MIRENA and copper bearing intrauterine devices (IUD). The IUS or IUD is inserted into a woman's womb through her vagina.

Intrauterine methods are the longest acting reversible methods, which can provide contraceptive protection for up to 10 years.

Once inserted, there is no need to do anything right before, during, or after sex, which provides flexibility. You can completely forget about it. A small soft plastic rod OR IMPLANT containing progestogen is inserted in your upper arm with minor surgery carried out by a trained doctor. The progestogen is released in tiny doses and the implant prevents pregnancy for three years. It can be removed at any time by minor surgery. The injection is a long-acting hormonal method providing effective contraception. Progestogen-only injections are also suitable for women who are breast-feeding, and those who do not tolerate estrogen. The contraceptive injection has very high reliability when used properly.

Injections may also reduce heavy painful periods and help reduce premenstrual symptoms. Periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping injections.

Some women experience headaches, dizziness, pimples and greasy skin, bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, abdominal discomfort, and changes in mood and sex drive. As the hormones cannot be removed from the body once the injection has been administered, side effects may continue from the time of the injection and for some time afterwards. With the progestogen-only injection women may have a risk of losing bone mineral density which may increase the risk of osteoporosis.

The implant is suitable if you want long-term contraception and wish to avoid taking or using a contraceptive everyday. It may also be suitable if you are breast-feeding, and or do not tolerate estrogen. The contraceptive implant has very high reliability when used properly.

Once you get it removed your fertility (ability to become pregnant) will return to normal.

The implant can cause similar side effects as you would experience with the combined pill but you may also experience irregular bleeding for the first few months

The implanon implant is fitted by Dr Rose Curtin

- The IUS can improve heavy and painful periods, protect against pelvic infections and cancer of the womb lining.
- The IUD can be used as an emergency contraceptive.
- The ability to get pregnant will return soon after the IUS or IUD is removed.

Mirena's are fitted by Dr Nikki Murphy, Dr Jennifer Shine and Dr Nuala O'Connor