We provide a full range of contraceptive services in Leeson Clinic, and participate in the National Free Contraception Service. You do not have to be a pre-existing patient of Leeson Clinic to avail of this free service (please see below). During your consultation Dr. Sheila Byrne will discuss all your contraceptive options and help you choose the right method for you.
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Dr. Byrne is experienced in fitting Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) such as coils (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess, copper coils) and the contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT), and is a LARC Tutor, qualified to train other doctors in these techniques.
​National Free Contraception Service
Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 35 are entitled to get free contraception in Ireland. You do not need a medical card to access this service; you do not have to pay for your GP visit or for your contraceptives in the pharmacy. Dr. Sheila Byrne is delighted to be able to provide this free contraception service to eligible people; new patients are welcome in Leeson Clinic.
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
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Your information
You will need to provide your PPS number, name, date of birth and address. We need this to ensure that you are in the eligible population. You will also need to present your PPS number in the pharmacy when you collect your prescription.
Make an appointment with Dr. Sheila Byrne to discuss your options for contraception.
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What costs are covered?
The costs covered include:
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GP appointments - to discuss your contraception options and to obtain repeat prescriptions when needed
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Contraception prescriptions provided by Dr. Byrne - these will be given free of charge at participating pharmacies
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Fittings and removals of implants (Implanon NXT) and coils (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess, copper coils)
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A routine follow up appointment after implant or coil fittings
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Emergency contraception (morning-after pill)
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What types of contraception are covered?
You can choose from a range of contraception options listed below. These include short-acting contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
Short-acting contraceptives
Short-acting contraceptives are types of contraception that need to be taken or used regularly and consistently. These include the:
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LARCs
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are types of contraception that do not have to be taken every day, which many patients find convenient. These include the:
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copper coil (intrauterine device/IUD) and hormonal coil (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess)
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.
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.
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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.