Your GP is often the first and most important point of contact for women’s health in Ireland. From routine health checks and cervical screening to contraception, menopause, and pregnancy care, a large proportion of women’s healthcare is delivered through general practice. Understanding what your GP can provide — and when to ask — helps you make the most of the services available to you.
Cervical Screening (Smear Tests)
The CervicalCheck programme offers free cervical smear tests to women aged 25 to 65 who are registered with a GP. Your GP practice will invite you for screening every three to five years depending on your age and previous results. At Clarius Health, smear tests are carried out by our practice nurses and GPs in a private, comfortable setting. If you have not had a smear test recently or have not yet registered for CervicalCheck, your GP can arrange this at your next appointment.
Contraception and Family Planning
GPs in Ireland provide a full range of contraception advice and prescribing. This includes the oral contraceptive pill, the mini-pill, contraceptive injections, and referrals for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the coil (IUD or IUS) and the implant. Since January 2023, free contraception has been available to women aged 17 to 35 in Ireland under the Free Contraception Scheme, with no GP visit charge and no prescription charge for eligible women in this age group. If you are unsure whether you qualify or which method suits you best, your GP can discuss the options in a confidential consultation.
Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but perimenopause — the transition phase — can begin several years earlier. Symptoms vary widely and can include irregular periods, hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, and joint pain. Your GP can assess your symptoms, discuss the evidence around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and help you decide on a management plan that suits you. Many women find that a dedicated menopause review appointment with their GP gives them the space to ask questions and explore options without feeling rushed.
Pregnancy and Postnatal Care
When you become pregnant, your GP is one of the first people to contact. They can confirm your pregnancy, advise on early pregnancy supplements such as folic acid and vitamin D, and arrange your referral to a maternity hospital or community midwifery service. Under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, combined GP and hospital care is provided free of charge throughout pregnancy and for the first six weeks after birth. Your GP will also carry out your six-week postnatal check, which is an opportunity to review both your physical recovery and your emotional wellbeing after birth.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Women are statistically more likely than men to experience anxiety, depression, and conditions such as postnatal depression or perimenopausal mood changes. Your GP is trained to identify these conditions and can provide initial support, prescribe medication where appropriate, and refer you to psychology, counselling, or specialist mental health services if needed. You do not need to be in crisis to raise a mental health concern with your GP — many women benefit from a regular check-in as part of their routine care.
Other Women’s Health Services
Beyond the above, GPs routinely support women with pelvic pain assessment, referrals for gynaecological concerns, STI testing, breast health queries, and general health screening including blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks. If you have a concern you are not sure whether to bring to your GP, the answer in most cases is yes — your GP is the right first step.
Book an Appointment at Clarius Health
At Clarius Health, we provide a full range of women’s health services across our three Dublin clinics. Whether you need a smear test, a contraception review, menopause advice, or a general health check, our GPs and practice nurses are here to help.
Clarius Health Camden — 35 Camden Street Upper, Dublin 2
Clarius Health Crumlin — Kildare Road, Dublin 12
Clarius Health — Cabra Medical Centre — 109 Cabra Road, Dublin 7
To book an appointment or find out more, contact us online or call your nearest clinic directly. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
