How much will the appointment cost?
A full list of IFPA service charges is available from our clinics. Please feel free to ask the receptionist when planning your visit. Many of our services are available free of charge if you have a valid medical card. We also offer a student reduction on most services.
Smear examinations are now free in our clinics under the new national cervical screening programme, CervicalCheck.
Pregnancy Counselling and Post abortion medical check-ups are free to all.
Is there a centre near to me?
The IFPA’s clinics are based in Dublin City Centre and in the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght and no matter where you live you are welcome to attend these services.
There are also Family Planning Clinics which are self run but provide most of the services the IFPA run, please see below for details.
Do I have to make an appointment?
Ideally yes. Making an appointment ensures that our staff will have time to see you and that you will not have to wait too long. However you do not have to make an appointment for pregnancy testing and on Sunday we offer a ‘walk-in’ service for emergency contraception.
How long does an appointment last?
This depends entirely on what service you wish, feel free to ask the receptionists when making your appointment.
I don’t know anything about contraception, can you help?
On making an appointment our fully qualified medical staff will be able to answer your queries in person and help you find a method of contraception that suits you. Should you wish to research the individual methods of contraception
Will anyone know about my visit to the IFPA?
The IFPA’s service is completely confidential only the staff member who takes your appointment and your doctor will know about your visit and your information will not be made available to anyone else.
Can I bring a family member or partner with me?
Yes. A client is always given the opportunity to speak to the doctor on his/her own or with a partner/ family member, whichever the client prefers.
Do I have to come with my parent if I am under 17 years of age?
No. You can make an appointment with the service without telling your parents. Your doctor will encourage you to involve your parents or carers, or another supportive adult.
All information, advice and services are confidential. However, health professionals will involve social services if they suspect you, or another person, are at significant risk of sexual abuse or emotional or physical harm. They will not do this without talking to you about this first.
If you are under the age of 16, which is the age of consent for medical procedures, you may need the permission of a parent or guardian to receive certain types of contraception the doctor will be able to discuss this with you at your appointment.
Is there an interpretation service available for those with poor or no English?
If we know in advance we will do everything we can to provide an interpreter.
I have a disability can the IFPA accommodate me?
Yes if we know someone’s special needs in advance we will do everything possible to accommodate these.
I live outside of Dublin do you have contacts for any other family planning centres?
Independent Family Planning Centres:
You can also check your phone book or the golden pages for local services.
GP services
Please note that a local GP service may also offer the service you require as part of their broader service. However many GPs do not offer all forms of family planning and sexual health services, so be sure to ask what services they have when booking an appointment.