Sexual Health & Contraception
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.
We also offer sexual health advice including STI screening and support.
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options.
National Free Contraception Service
Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 35 can get contraception for free. You do not need a medical card to access this service.
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-35, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get.
What costs are covered?
The costs covered include:
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GP appointments - to talk about contraception options and for repeat prescriptions when needed
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any prescriptions given by your doctor - these will be given free of charge at participating pharmacies
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your choice of contraception - from the types covered below
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fittings and removals of implants and IUDs or IUSs (coils)
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any check-ups or other follow up care needed, relating to your implant or coil
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emergency contraception (morning after pill)
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:
LARCs
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are types of contraception that you do not have to remember to take everyday. These include the:
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copper coil (intrauterine device/IUD) and hormonal coil (intrauterine system/IUS)
How to get free contraception?
Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-35, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get. You do not need a medical card to access this service.
To access free contraception you need to be:
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a woman or person with a uterus
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aged between 17 to 35
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living in Ireland
Your information
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 PPSN in 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.
PrEP Clinic
A new community-based PrEP clinic is available for both existing patients of the practice and patients not currently with Griffith Avenue Practice.
What is it?
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A PrEP clinic specializes in providing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV.
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We offer services like testing, prescriptions, and ongoing support to keep you healthy.
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Community PrEP clinics offer significant benefits, while they are carefully regulated and have a number of obligations to ensure a safe PrEP service.
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Please Note: Non-PrEP related issues need to be discussed with your usual GP.
Patient Requirements
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Patients must be seen in person every 3 months for a full sexual history, examination if appropriate and routine screening and bloods.
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An in-person STI screen is required before any repeat prescription of PrEP.
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A new prescription cannot be issued if a patient fails to attend.
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All patients will be given a patient contract outlining these requirements and others at the outset of treatment.
Fees
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A PrEP visit is €150 every 3 months. Appointments must be prepaid a minimum of 72hrs in advance of attending.
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Extra visits: if an incidental infection is detected, a 15 minute appointment required (€70).
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Extra HIV test- If you are within a window period for HIV infection (45 days since last unprotected sex) we will need to repeat the HIV test at the end of that window period (€45).
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Cost of antibiotic: if you require a prescription for the injectable antibiotic for gonorrhoea, this will be sent to your pharmacy. We can also supply this for €25.
Cancel Your Appointment
We require 24 hours’ notice of any cancellation.
If you want to cancel an appointment, please click here.
Useful Links & Resources
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Sexualwellbeing.ie - contraceptive choices, sexually transmitted infections, free home STI kits, unplanned pregnancy information
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HSE Your Sexual Health - resources and information
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MyOptions.ie - Information and support on all your unplanned pregnancy options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services.
This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.