I need contraception - what are my options?
We offer advice and guidance across a range of contraception options available to you. It’s important to choose contraception that fits your situation and lifestyle.
Contraception is now free for 17 – 35 year olds who have a PPS number. The cost of contraceptive consultations, appointments, prescriptions, fitting and removal of coils and implants and any other costs involved are all covered.
Students who fall outside this scheme are also welcome to attend to discuss their contraceptive needs.
Note: Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will expand the free contraception scheme to all women aged 35 and under during the summer of 2024.
If you do not have a valid PPS number, please click here to find out how to get one.
First Visit
If you would like to start contraception or continue contraception you are already taking, please book an initial appointment with the doctor to discuss your needs, even if you have discussed or been prescribed contraception elsewhere.
Review appointments are every 6 months with a doctor or a nurse, call us on 01 716 3134
What Contraception would suit me best?
Combined Oral Contraception - (The pill)
The combined contraceptive pill is a tablet that contains artificial versions of the two female hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.
See here for more information and frequently asked questions
The progesterone only pill is a contraceptive pill that is taken every day without a break. It needs to be taken correctly to give optimum contraceptive cover. As it does not contain oestrogen, it is suitable for patients who are looking for oral contraception and where oestrogen is contraindicated because of medical risk factors.
See here for more information on Progesterone Only Contraception
Please book an initial appointment with the doctor even if you have been assessed for Implanon previously elsewhere. Mention at the time of booking that it is a Implanon consultation. If suitable, the doctor will prescribe the Implanon, and arrange a second Implanon appointment for fitting of the device.
See here for more information on Implanon
Intrauterine Uterine System – IUS (Coil)
An IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor
It releases the hormone progestogen to stop you getting pregnant and lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on the brand.
IUS fitting is now available in the UCD Student Health Service, please mention your interest in discussing at the time of booking your appointment.
See here for more information on IUS
This is a progesterone only contraception given by intra muscular injection every 12 weeks by the doctor or nurse.
See here for more information on Depo Provera
Intrauterine Device - IUD coppercoil
An IUD is a small copper device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor.
It releases copper to stop you getting pregnant, and protects against pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years. It's sometimes called a "coil" or "copper coil".
The IUD copper coil service in not available in the UCD Student Health Service currently but please feel free to discuss this option with one of our clinical staff.
See here for more information on the IUD coppercoil
What if I need Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is a safe, effective and responsible method of preventing pregnancy when regular contraception has failed, no contraception was used, and/or in the case of sexual assault. If you act quickly, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy.
See here for more information about emergency contraception
Unplanned Pregnancy
An unplanned pregnancy may leave you feeling worried and uncertain. You may
have strong and conflicting feelings about your pregnancy.
If you have an unplanned pregnancy and wish to discuss all your options, including
termination of pregnancy, then please book an appointment with one of our UCD Student Health doctors, on 017163134, or your GP, or another doctor providing unplanned pregnancy support. We recommend you make an appointment as soon as possible.
Further information about options can be found at (opens in a new window)https://www2.hse.ie/services/unplanned-pregnancy/
(opens in a new window)My Options is a freephone helpline. Freephone: (opens in a new window)1800 828 010 . It provides information and judgement-free counselling to anyone having an unplanned pregnancy.
All crisis pregnancy and abortion care in Ireland is free with a PPS number.
There will be a charge for services without a PPS number but this may be refundable once you get a PPS number.