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Female Health

We provide a full range of medical services to women of all ages, such as family planning, contraceptive and sexual health advice, antenatal care and cervical smears. We are experienced in dealing with a full range of gynaecological issues such as problems with menstruation, menopause, urination and pelvic pain.
 
For more information see:
Cervical Screening (Smear Tests)
If you have received your Cervical Check letter and if you are a registered patient you can book your appointment online.  Appointments for non registered patients who would like to avail of our cervical smear service under the National Cervical Screening programme should contact our reception to make an appointment.
 
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix. The National Cervical Screening Programme, Cervical Check, provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 65.
A smear test is a simple procedure that only takes minutes and is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. In Ireland about 200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. It is the second most common female cancer in Europe.
Breast Check
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in Ireland. About 2,700 women get breast cancer in Ireland each year. Most of them (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases men, can also get breast cancer. Read more on our Cancer page.

​BreastCheck is a Government-funded programme providing breast screening and invites women aged 50 to 69 for a free mammogram on an area-by-area basis every two years. The aim of BreastCheck is to reduce deaths from breast cancer by finding and treating the disease at an early stage.

It is important for women of all ages to regularly check their breasts for lumps and changes. Watch this video on how to check your breasts for more information.

Menopause

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant
naturally. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they
stop. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. The menopause is a natural part of ageing. It usually
happens between 45 and 55 years of age as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. The average
age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. But around 1 in 100 women experience the
menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature or early menopause or
premature ovarian insufficiency. Get in contact now to book your appointment with one of
our female GPs.

Symptoms of the menopause


Most women will experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be severe and
have a significant impact on your everyday activities.
Common symptoms include:
  • hot flushes
  • night sweats
  • vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
  • difficulty sleeping
  • low mood or anxiety
  • reduced sex drive (libido)
  • problems with memory and concentration


Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop. They can
last around 4 years after your last period. Some women have them for much longer. A
significant number of women can develop urinary incontinence after the menopause, for
which treatment is also possible.


When to contact your GP


Talk to your GP if:
• you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you
• you’re experiencing symptom before 45 years of age


Your GP can usually confirm if you’re menopausal based on your symptoms. If you are under
45, they may take a blood test to check your hormone levels.

Treatments for menopausal symptoms


Your GP can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal
symptoms.
These include:
• hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve
menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen
• vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with low
mood and anxiety
• eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can improve some menopausal
symptom

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.