Contraception & Sexual Health

Sexual Health

“Sexual health is an important part of overall health. It means the absence of disease and infections but also covers well-being, the ability to control fertility and to have children and the ability to enjoy fulfilling relationships free from discrimination.” HSE

Sexual Wellbeing

Methods of contraception

  • The hormonal IUD eg. Mirena
  • The Copper intrauterine device
  • The contraceptive implant – Implanon NXT®
  • Contraceptive injections eg. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)
  • The contraceptive vaginal ring
  • Combined oral contraceptive pill
  • Progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP)
  • The Male Condom
  • The Female Condom
  • The diaphragm
  • Lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM)
  • FABMs fertility awareness based method
  • Withdrawal
  • Female sterilisation (tubal ligation)
  • Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
Mycontraception

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception (EC) can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy. It is available from your Pharmacy. It does not cover you against STI’s. EC can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse but they are most effective within the first 24 hours. The emergency contraceptive pills are Progesterone (eg Norlevo) and Ulipristal (eg.Ellaone). Insertion of an Interuterine Cooper Device (IUCD) can also be used.

Emergency Contraception

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a simple surgery done by a doctor in an office, hospital, or clinic. The small tubes in your scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off, so sperm can’t leave your body and cause pregnancy. The procedure is very quick, and you can go home the same day. And it’s extremely effective at preventing pregnancy — almost 100%.

Vasectomies are meant to be permanent. You should only get a vasectomy if you’re 100% positive you don’t want to be able to get someone pregnant for the rest of your life.

Vasectomy Information