Slievemore Clinic, Old Dublin Road
Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
Contact details
Contact details
Slievemore Clinic run a well woman clinic which are usually carried out by Dr. Ciara McMahon, Dr. Karen Palmer ,Dr. Gillian Mc Laughlin and Dr. Lisa Fay. The details of the well woman clinic are listed below.
Cervical screening involves a simple procedure called a cervical smear test which shows if there are any changes in cells of the neck of the womb. All women between 25 to 60 years of age should have regular smear tests. You need to continue with regular smear tests after the menopause. The best time to attend for your cervical smear test is mid cycle or about two weeks after your period (if you are having periods). When requesting a cervical smear you should request from the secretary a special appointment.
Sexually transmitted infections are common. Remember any sexually active person may be exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. If you suspect you have an infection get it checked out as soon as possible. Most treatments are simple and painless and you do not have to be admitted to hospital. Treatment is confidential, non judgmental and free. The staff in the clinic are trained to treat sexually transmitted infections in an understanding and helpful way so there is no need for you to feel embarrassed. If you are pregnant and think you may have picked up a sexually transmitted infection it is particularly important to get it checked out and treated as soon as possible. The Slievemore Clinic provides a private, comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Infection service which includes full STI testing, advice and necessary referrals or prescriptions.
The Slievemore Clinic provides a full comprehensive contraceptive service. There are many different contraceptive methods available, and different methods suit different people at different times of their lives. The Slievemore Clinic will help you to choose the one that is best for you and your partner from among the following options:
| Combined Pill | The combined pill combines two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. Tests show that for every 100 women who take the pill correctly for one year, less than one will get pregnant. It is a prescription drug requiring regular surgery reviews. |
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| Progestogen-Only Pill | There are also pills which have progestogen only and no oestrogen. Tests show that for every 100 women who take the progestogen-only pill very carefully and consistently, one will get pregnant in a year. The progestogen-only pill is a possible alternative for older women or others who cannot use the combined pill. It is suitable for women who are breastfeeding as it does not reduce the milk flow. |
| Injectable Contraception | Only one type is available in Ireland, it is called Depo-Provera. This contains a similar hormone to that in the progestogenonly pill. It can be used by women who cannot use other methods of hormonal contraception. One injection gives 12 weeks protection. |
| Intrauterine System (IUS / Mirena) | The Mirena coil is a small T-shaped plastic device with a sleeve, which releases the hormone progestogen into the cavity of the womb. The Mirena coil provides a highly reliable method of contraception, particularly for older women and it is also shown to be highly effective for treating heavy periods. The Mirena coil is inserted day 3-7 of your menstrual cycle. Dr Karen Palmer is providing the Mirena coil insertion service at the Slievemore Clinic. You need to book in for a screening visit to confirm your suitability for this method of contraception. |
| Diaphragm or Cap with Spermicide | These are barrier methods of family planning which fit inside the woman's vagina. They form a barrier at the entrance to the womb which stop the man's sperm getting through to join an egg. Vaginal diaphragms are circular domes made of thin rubber. A spermicide is used as well. Dr Ciara McMahon provides a fitting service for the diaphragm. |
| Contraceptive Patch | There is only one type of contraceptive patch available at this time. It is called Evra. A new patch is applied every week for three weeks. When used correctly and according to the instructions it is as reliable as the oral contraceptive pill, that is over 99 per cent effective. |
| Emergency Contraception | If you have had sex and did not use contraception, or if you think your contraception did not work you can use emergency contraception. If you act quickly, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is only available by prescription. All the advice and treatment you receive is confidential. Emergency contraceptive pills contain a progestogen hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries. They should be started within three days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. They are more effective the sooner they are taken. |
It is important that every woman is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for you so that if any unusual change occurs, you will recognise it. The sooner you notice a change the better, because if cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.
If you do notice any change in your breasts, see your GP as soon as possible. Remember that most breast changes are not cancer and are harmless. When your GP examines your breasts she or he may be able to reassure you that there is nothing to worry about. If the change could be connected with your hormones, your GP may ask you to come back at a different stage in your menstrual cycle. Alternatively, you may be sent to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.
Don't worry that you may be making an unnecessary fuss and remember that nine out of ten breast lumps are harmless.
At the Slievemore Clinic we recommend that women examine their own breasts at least monthly and become breast aware. They should request a breast examination six monthly to get an objective assessment. Between the ages of 50 and 64 we support women getting a mammogram every 2 years at the request of their local breast check service.
The term menopause means last menstrual bleed. During the menopause the production of the female hormone oestrogen declines. The menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, headaches, vaginal discomfort and a range f emotional symptoms. These symptoms vary from woman to woman but can be treated and will eventually pass.
However, women can now be expected to live well into their eighties. Hand in hand with this increase in life expectancy comes a number of potential health risks that can serious affect women in the years after the menopause.
The Slievemore Clinic can offer a comprehensive menopausal assessment for women, determining their individual risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. We can also discuss the option of HRT as a symptomatic treatment for difficult menopausal symptoms on an individual basis.