CONTRACEPTION

There are several methods of contraception as listed below, all are reliable but none are 100% effective.

We are happy to discuss the option most suitable for you, these include:

• Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)- the most popular form of contraception
• Contraceptive Patch and Contraceptive Ring – alternative to the COCP
  Progesterone Only Pills (POP) – Noriday and Cerazette
• Progesterone Implant – Implanon; this is a rod inserted into the inner upper arm and can be inserted or removed in the Practice
• Intrauterine System (IUS) – Mirena; we can refer you to a GP or Gynaecologist who specializes in their insertion.
• Progesterone Injections -Depo Provera ; This can be administered by the Practice Nurse every 12 weeks, but an initial prescription and reviews need to be with the GP.

MORNING AFTER PILL

This is now available from pharmacies. However, if you need regular contraception, are worried about its effectiveness or worried about sexually transmitted infections please discuss with your Doctor

MENOPAUSE

The menopause causes various symptoms from hot flushes to mood changes. Lifestyle factors may help to influence these symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy can relieve these symptoms, but is not suitable for everyone and is associated with some side effects and risks.

You should discuss with your GP whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are prescribed HRT you will need regular checkups with the GP. There are other medications available for vaginal dryness, mood changes and preventing osteoporosis.

PREGNANCY

Click here for details of Maternity Care

SEXUAL HEALTH SCREENING

Click here for details of Sexual Health screening

CERVICAL SMEARS

Click here for details of Cervical Smear services

URINARY COMPLAINTS

Urinary tract infections, symptoms of urge and stress incontinence are all common problems for women. There are a variety of treatment and lifestyle options which we can discuss with you.

GYNAECOLOGICAL COMPLAINTS

Many of the common gynaecological complaints that women experience are easily dealt with by any of the Doctors at Dun Laoghaire Surgery.

These include:

• Painful or heavy periods
• Irregular bleeding
• Pre-menstrual syndrome
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal dryness or itchiness
• Discomfort during sex

There are a variety of treatment options available including both lifestyle measures and medication.

FERTILITY ASSESSMENTS

As more and more couples put off starting a family until they are in their mid to late thirties, there is an increase in the number of couples who experience some difficulty in becoming pregnant. Currently one in six couples need some form of medical assessment or help in achieving their first pregnancy. If you have never been pregnant before and if you have been trying to conceive for more than a year then it is reasonable to consider medical assessment.

You will need a full medical history and preliminary investigations. These will include blood tests for hormone analysis, Rubella and varicella immunity. We can arrange for a medical check up for your partner and arrange for him to have a semen analysis. We can then arrange referral to one of the specialist fertility centres.

CARDIAC RISK ASSESSMENT

Cardiovascular diseases are caused by the build up small fatty deposits called atheroma inside the lining of arteries. This makes an artery narrower which can reduce the blood flow. Small bits of atheroma plaque can break off the artery wall and block the artery further down. Blood clots then form around this to produce a thrombosis. Depending on the site of the atheroma, this can cause a heart attack, angina, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Cardiovascular risk assessment should be carried out on all adults over 40, especially those with a strong family history. This means a father or brother who developed heart disease or a stroke before they were aged 55, or in a mother or sister before they were aged 65. It is also important if there is a family history of very high cholesterol.

We will ask you about risk factors like smoking, obesity, a poor diet, lack of physical activity, and drinking excessive alcohol. We will take blood tests to measure your cholesterol profile, kidney function and glucose level. Your blood pressure will be measured. A score is then calculated based on several of these risk factors as well as your age and sex. This will tell how high your risk is of developing heart disease and helps us to give you specific, personal advice on prevention.

SMOKING CESSATION

We can offer you information, advice and help when you are actively thinking of stopping smoking. Various medicines are available which can increase your chance of quitting. These include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) which comes in various forms, this is available on prescription after discussion with your Doctor.