Contraception

This service provides oral contraceptive medication for patients assigned female at birth, based on age and clinical suitability.

Combined Contraceptive Pills: Available for ages 17 to 50
Progesterone-Only Pills: Available for ages 17 to 55

To ensure safe prescribing, we require your current height and weight measurements and a recent blood pressure reading. You can provide a BP reading taken recently by your GP/Nurse or a BP reading can be taken on a home monitor, at your local pharmacy or gym.

> Finding the Right Pill:
Choosing the right contraceptive pill can take time and may involve some trial and error. If you're experiencing significant side effects with your current pill, we recommend booking a video consultation with one of our doctors.
https://www.healthhero.ie/patients/online-gp

What’s Not Included
This service does not provide prescriptions for:
Contraceptive injections
Implants
Intrauterine systems (e.g. Mirena coil, copper coil, Jaydess, Kyleena)

Important Eligibility Information
This service is not suitable for individuals with malabsorption issues, including those who have undergone weight loss surgery (e.g. gastric band or sleeve).
Please speak with your GP or local family planning clinic for alternative contraceptive advice.

You have been taking the same contraceptive pill for the past 6 months
You have had your blood pressure checked in the past 6 months (this can be checked at many pharmacies, gyms or on a home monitor)
You have had no problems or complications with your contraceptive pill for the past year
You have had a face-to-face pill check with your doctor in the past year

Please note, if you do not provide an up to date BP reading in the medical questionnaire, a repeat prescription cannot be issued.  

The oral contraceptive pill is a type of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of female hormones and is taken daily. There are two main types:

Combined Pill: Contains oestrogen and progesterone. It’s taken in various cycles (e.g., 21 days on with a 4-day break) and may cause different side effects depending on the brand.

Progesterone-Only Pill (Mini Pill): Contains only progesterone. Taken daily without breaks, it has fewer risk factors but less cycle control. Irregular bleeding may occur initially, with some users experiencing no periods over time.

Both types are over 99% effective when taken correctly, ideally at the same time each day.

The contraceptive patch is a form of hormonal birth control available in Ireland. 

The contraceptive patch is a small, sticky patch that you wear on your skin. It releases oestrogen and progestogen—the same hormones found in the combined pill—into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.


You apply one patch per week for three weeks, take a patch-free break during the fourth week (you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed) 
Then start a new cycle with a fresh patch

When used correctly, the patch is up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The contraceptive ring is a small, flexible device that you insert into the vagina once a month. It stays in place for 21 days, slowly releasing hormones through the vaginal wall into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
After 21 days, the ring is removed and you take a 4-day break before inserting a new one to begin the next cycle.
Because the ring is small and discreet, it’s usually not felt and does not interfere with sexual activity.

Hormonal contraceptives contain oestrogen, progesterone, or both. Each hormone can cause different side effects, which may vary depending on the dose, type of hormone, and how it’s delivered—whether by tablet, patch, or ring.

> Common Side Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (Oestrogen & Progesterone)

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting in the first few months

   

• Breast tenderness, often temporary and settles within 2–4 weeks

   

• Bloating

   

• Headaches or migraines – new migraines should be reviewed by a doctor

   

• Nausea, especially when starting the pill

   

• Increased blood pressure – regular checks are recommended every 6 months

   

• Blood clots – very rare but serious

   

> Common Side Effects of Progesterone-Only Contraceptives

• Irregular bleeding or spotting – very common

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Low mood or reduced libido – not typically caused by the pill itself

• Acne – may improve, worsen, or remain unchanged

Important: Always read the patient information leaflet included with your medication for full details on potential side effects before starting treatment.