Women's Health Issues: LadyGardening for Dummies

Xiney

Cervical Check Free smears every three years for women 25 to 65

Well Woman Centre Women Focussed Health Care Service

Irish Family Planning Association Sexual health charity providing sexual health services, counselling and education

Positive Options
Crisis Pregnancy resource - If requested, all of the organisations listed on this website except CURA and Life, will give contact details for abortion clinics in a pregnancy counselling session.

Irish Counselling

http://www.womensaid.ie/ - Nationwide helpline for domestic violence, Dublin based support
http://www.womensaid.ie/services/local.html - Information about local services outside of Dublin

http://www.thinkcontraception.ie/

same site as the above but info on STI clinics nationwide:

http://www.thinkcontraception.ie/info_contacts.asp

http://www.bpas.org/ Abortion providers in the UK

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-exam/MY00743 How to do a breast self exam

http://www.contracept.org/ Information on Contraception

http://www.mjbovo.com/Contracept/index.htm Another site on Contraception


http://www.menstruation.com.au/fertility/mucus.html How to tell if you might be in your fertile period

http://www.hystersisters.com/ Hysterectomy Support

Link to DLL Safe Sex Sheet

http://dublinlesbianline.ie/ Information and helplines for Lesbians

www.aware.ie Information and support for sufferers of Depression & Bi-Polar Disorder and their families & friends

http://amen.ie/ Support for Male victims of domestic violence

Daisy Steiner

Does anyone know the best time of the month to get measured for a bra?

aimerlans

anyone have any advice on the implant? im currently on the pill but considering changing to the implant.

advice would be much appreciated!

NicoleL88

aimerlans wrote: »

anyone have any advice on the implant? im currently on the pill but considering changing to the implant.

advice would be much appreciated!

I've had the implant for 4 years now, obviously had one, got it removed and a new one put in. I couldn't reccommend it more.

aimerlans

have u had any problems?
is it sore?:(

trustno1

Justask wrote: »

Could you say was it bad getting the coil removed? Im dreading it :eek:

Nope!.. it was absolutely fine, didn't even realise she had taken it out until she said she had!..

banshee_bones

Has anyone had any headaches or side affects on the implant?

Xiney

Daisy Steiner wrote: »

Does anyone know the best time of the month to get measured for a bra?

I wouldn't go the week before my period anyway

a) I'm retaining water. Wouldn't affect the measurement really but I wouldn't be keen about taking off my shirt in front of a strange woman.

b) My boobs are super tender and the very thought of what could happen to them... owie

c) My husband SWEARS they're bigger that week. I think he's just trying to make me feel better about being fat, sore, and otherwise miserable.


I think it really depends on whether you experience any of this though.

stupidusername

I wouldn't mind getting properly measured but would be very self conscious about the nakedness.... I read somewhere that they say it's ok to leave your bra on... does anyone know if this is true? Because I'd feel better about going to do it then

Xiney

I wouldn't do it with my bra on - your bra can alter how your boobs sit naturally ('cause that's kinda the point)

If you're concerned about modesty, better to go braless with a t-shirt or a vest top (so long as it's not too baggy) than to go with a bra.

stupidusername

Right, but going in a little cami or something, would they not ask you to take it off. I know at this age I should be better about these things. I think what bothers me about this is where I would be going there's all these young girls on to do it, I'd prefer the older women!

NicoleL88

aimerlans wrote: »

have u had any problems?
is it sore?:(

Like you mean sore all the time? No, you can't feel it. The only sore part about getting it inserted was being injected with the anaesthetic on your inner arm near the elbow. Getting it out wasn't pleasant at all as it took 40 mins instead of 5. As for problems, not sure what you mean.

banshee_bones wrote: »

Has anyone had any headaches or side affects on the implant?

Nope, none.

Xiney

stupidusername wrote: »

Right, but going in a little cami or something, would they not ask you to take it off. I know at this age I should be better about these things. I think what bothers me about this is where I would be going there's all these young girls on to do it, I'd prefer the older women!

just tell them that you'd prefer to keep it on. If they keep pushing it walk out.

stupidusername

Ok, one day I'll have the balls to go through with it!

princess-lala

stupidusername wrote: »

I wouldn't mind getting properly measured but would be very self conscious about the nakedness.... I read somewhere that they say it's ok to leave your bra on... does anyone know if this is true? Because I'd feel better about going to do it then

I was measured in M&S and left my bra on

stupidusername

princess-lala wrote: »

I was measured in M&S and left my bra on

Well did it turn out to be a proper measurement?

princess-lala

stupidusername wrote: »

Well did it turn out to be a proper measurement?

Totally - went back a few weeks later to a different M&S just to make sure - yep same size

Can't wear bra's from Penny's now after wearing a M&S one

stupidusername

But do you find that depending on where you buy your bra you could be a different size anyway? I don't so much now, but at one point I had three different sized bras! Kinda why I never bothered getting measured (besides the modesty) as I'd just have to try them on to see....

Orlee

Hey, has anyone got any info on smeer tests? Any idea how much they cost or the best place to go for them? (I'm in Dublin btw)

I did sign up for the free tests a while ago but I'm being such a baby and never went!

princess-lala

stupidusername wrote: »

But do you find that depending on where you buy your bra you could be a different size anyway? I don't so much now, but at one point I had three different sized bras! Kinda why I never bothered getting measured (besides the modesty) as I'd just have to try them on to see....

Oh I can only wear my new size now. Tried one on recently in the same size different shop and I had no boobies in it

Orlee wrote: »

Hey, has anyone got any info on smeer tests? Any idea how much they cost or the best place to go for them? (I'm in Dublin btw)

I did sign up for the free tests a while ago but I'm being such a baby and never went!

How old are you? Did you register with CervicalCheck.ie?

Pembily

stupidusername wrote: »

I wouldn't mind getting properly measured but would be very self conscious about the nakedness.... I read somewhere that they say it's ok to leave your bra on... does anyone know if this is true? Because I'd feel better about going to do it then

princess-lala wrote: »

I was measured in M&S and left my bra on

See this is the thing I am a D cup and saggy due to weight gain and loss when younger and I have never ever had my breasts measured without a bra I personally think its not as accurate but at this stage I just get the ones I like and get the people in Debenhams to check it for me!!!!

I hate bra shopping

Bra sizes vary greatly just like clothes sizes!!!!

Orlee if you are over 25 you will get a free smear test as Lala said on that website!!!

ordinary_girl

Orlee wrote: »

Hey, has anyone got any info on smeer tests? Any idea how much they cost or the best place to go for them? (I'm in Dublin btw)

I did sign up for the free tests a while ago but I'm being such a baby and never went!

If there's a nurse in the GP's surgery you go to they usually do it there. It always says "free over the age of 25" (if I remember correctly) on the price list. Can you not just reapply or request another appointment?

Orlee

no ... I left it too long with Cervical Check and now I'm not eligable

Any idea how much they cost now?

Nevyn

What do you mean you have left it too long, you can sign up online only takes a few minutes.

jellie

Thaedydal wrote: »

What do you mean you have left it too long, you can sign up online only takes a few minutes.

I remember the letter i got from them said something like you had 6 weeks to take the free test with that letter. but i think it also said if you didnt use this opportunity they would send you out reminders. im not 100% sure but it did give the impression that it was only free if you presented the letter at a test within 6 weeks.

Lynnsie

Orlee wrote: »

no ... I left it too long with Cervical Check and now I'm not eligable

Any idea how much they cost now?

From the Cervical Check website:

I have received an invitation letter but I am unable to attend for a smear test at the moment, do I need to re-register?

You do not need to re-register with the Programme. Attend for your smear test when it is appropriate for you, however, CervicalCheck will send you reminder letters. There is no expiry date on your invitation letter.

Orlee

I registered and received my letter. I didn't got for a smear. I then received another letter (some time later) saying if I didn't go within a certain time period I would not be able to avail of the service.

I'll see if I can dig out the letter and post it.

I'm not complaining about the service ... it was my own fault ... I had good intentions but never went!

pinkheels88

stupidusername wrote: »

But do you find that depending on where you buy your bra you could be a different size anyway? I don't so much now, but at one point I had three different sized bras! Kinda why I never bothered getting measured (besides the modesty) as I'd just have to try them on to see....

Hey girls,

I'm a trained bra fitter. I used to work in Macy's San Francisco a few years ago, when I was being trained, the "regional fitting expert" said that bra-fittings really are only a general guideline. You will vary in size from brand to brand, annoying I know, but once you're measured you'll usually find you are that size, only varying up/down a cupsize in some brands. If you're measured in M&S, you're pretty much perfectly measured for M&S bras, same goes for La Senza etc... Oh and, there really is no need to remove your bra when you are being fitted (or even take off your top). That makes things kinda awkward for the person fitting you really. The fitter will take into account whether your bra has much padding/countouring to provide you with an accurate size.

stupidusername

Thanks PinkHeels. Only problem now is that there's no M&S in Limerick.... :rolleyes:

Think I'd be better to go in with a cami on or something. I don't think wearing one with padding would be the best idea....

pinkheels88

stupidusername wrote: »

Thanks PinkHeels. Only problem now is that there's no M&S in Limerick.... :rolleyes:

Think I'd be better to go in with a cami on or something. I don't think wearing one with padding would be the best idea....

Virtually ALL my bras are padded but when I was measured in San Fran she was spot on with the size!
Try Debenhams maybe for some idea? Although I think they have some ridiculous system where you've to book appointments, it really should be just drop in. Bra shopping is a total pain! Up there with jean shopping!

stupidusername

Ok so, I went into Debenhams to try on some bras. I brought in a few. One that I liked but rotten colour looked like it fit me well enough. There was a little space in it, but I thought it was fairly right. It was a 32D.

So feelin balsy as I was I said I'd ask for yer ones opinion. She said that the space could mean it's too big, so she brought me in a 34C and 34B. I told her what I currently wear is a 34C and it's a little too loose on me. Tried them on anyway, and while the 34C was ok, it still sat like a little loose. As did the 34B, but that was cutting me off at the side. I pointed it out to her but she said it was just that it needed to loosen out :rolleyes: It didn't, the cup wasn't wide enough, it was cutting a third of my boob off FFS!

So she said she reckons I'm a half size, so none would fit properly. But she said go with the 34C. So couldn't find anything nice. Stopped into Ann Summers and picked up a 34C there. Not sure about it for what I want, but think the size is ok.

This is tiring stuff! So I think I'm back where I started....trying a few sizes on...!

rainbow kirby

stupidusername wrote: »

This is tiring stuff! So I think I'm back where I started....trying a few sizes on...!

Tbh if you're an in-betweeny size like that I'd just pick styles that I liked, try on a 34C and a 32D in each of them and pick whatever fitted and looked better. I'm similar in terms of being at an in-betweeny size (in both cup and band), I end up trying on half the shop every time I go bra shopping.

Pembily

My left boob will never fit into the cup as well as my right Fecking non symmetrical body!!!!

The last time I was in Debenehams I found them UBER UBER helpful, she didn't sound very good

rainbow kirby

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Tbh if you're an in-betweeny size like that I'd just pick styles that I liked, try on a 34C and a 32D in each of them and pick whatever fitted and looked better. I'm similar in terms of being at an in-betweeny size (in both cup and band), I end up trying on half the shop every time I go bra shopping.

Ditto
I'm losing the plot and dreading shopping at this stage...
Somewhere in the range of 32E/F / 34E I think

Faith

Pembily wrote: »

My left boob will never fit into the cup as well as my right Fecking non symmetrical body!!!!

I'm the exact same! One boob either spills out a bit, or else one is slightly too small for the cup. :rolleyes:

Piko

Orlee wrote: »

I registered and received my letter. I didn't got for a smear. I then received another letter (some time later) saying if I didn't go within a certain time period I would not be able to avail of the service.

I'll see if I can dig out the letter and post it.

I'm not complaining about the service ... it was my own fault ... I had good intentions but never went!

I kept putting it off and eventually got a third letter, which said "Final Reminder" on it, so you might get another one in the post if you've only gotten two so far.

It said I had 6 weeks to have the test or I would be called in 3 years for another... (I got the test 7 weeks after the date of the letter though!)

cheesey1

stupidusername wrote: »

I wouldn't mind getting properly measured but would be very self conscious about the nakedness.... I read somewhere that they say it's ok to leave your bra on... does anyone know if this is true? Because I'd feel better about going to do it then

Its been a good few years since I went and got Bra Fitted but had gone to Arnotts as went to BTs first and it was a ridiculous size they told me and as I had gone to Arnotts for my first bra fitting I decided to go there. I need to go again but was wondering do people find Arnotts good I know there selection is the older styles but just to find out what size I should be. My friend went to BTs as well and like me she felt that she wasn't the size they told her.

aimerlans

hey guys, im getting the implant tomorrow and im kinda nervous, dont know much about it either..
anyone have some advice?

Nevyn

Which one?

The implannon contraceptive implant in your arm or the Mirena I.U.S. that is placed in the womb?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVYzt5MEpFs

xoxyx

Hi ladies,

I'm on the pill Cerazette and have run into a bit of a low stock emergency! Does anybody know of a pharmacy that keeps it in stock as usually I have to get it ordered in advance.

Me (and the boyfriend) would be very grateful for any suggestions!

Thanks!

Xiney

z_topaz wrote: »

Hi ladies,

I'm on the pill Cerazette and have run into a bit of a low stock emergency! Does anybody know of a pharmacy that keeps it in stock as usually I have to get it ordered in advance.

Me (and the boyfriend) would be very grateful for any suggestions!

Thanks!

don't know where you are but I'd ring around to the larger pharmacies.

Lynnsie

z_topaz wrote: »

Hi ladies,

I'm on the pill Cerazette and have run into a bit of a low stock emergency! Does anybody know of a pharmacy that keeps it in stock as usually I have to get it ordered in advance.

Me (and the boyfriend) would be very grateful for any suggestions!

Thanks!

Don't know where you're based but I've gotten it in Boots on Grafton Street and Doc Morris in Rathmines without having to order in advance

starburst87

hi, im 23 with a 5 year old daughter and had my first smear at 21, that was fine but i've just got the results of my second smear back saying the test shows a very slight abnormality which is not serious and should not cause you concern, they also recommended i repeat the test in 6 months. i am in a right state over it, i think im going to have to get another smear done in 3 months just for a peace of mind, is there anyone else in this situation? i can't help but worry

Silcocky

Its hard not to, but try not to freak yourself out too much - its very common to have a slight abnormality and they recommend coming back in six months.

About 20mths ago, I had an abnormal smear (CIN 1) through the Cervical Check scheme. I had to go back six months later for a second. Also abnormal- CIN 1, so waited a few months for a colposcopy (an internal exam w/ a camera). Results clear.
A week after the colposcopy I got two appointment letters, one for nine mths later for a follow up smear and one for three months beyond that for a second colposcopy. Had the smear three mths ago and was due to have the colposcopy yesterday but they've put it off a few weeks.

The moral of the story (sorry, it was getting a bit longwinded!) is that they monitor things so well and keep an eye, that there really isn't much cause for worry.
Its easier said than done, I was freaked after the second abnormal when I got the colp. appt., but they haven't even sent me the results of my most recent smear, they're just gonna give them to me when I'm in next month for the colp - and thats after two smears and a colp and I'm much more relaxed about it. If they felt there was cause to get you in sooner, you could.

Are you on the Cervical Smear programme or did you go to your GP? If you are in the programme, don't get out of it for the sake of a smear two mths earlier than on the public - if you do have follow ups, you'll end up paying for each subsequent one once you're out of the 'system'.

HTH

starburst87

thanks for the quick reply, i'm not on the cervical smear program as you have to be 25 (health system is a joke) the most recent smear cost me €50 and i really don't mind paying it again if it's going to put my mind at rest, i dont know if 3 months would be too early to detect any changes or not but i really don't think i can wait the 6 months, so so confused

Fizgig Bandicoot

At what age should you start going for smear tests?

Twenty10

When you are over 25 according to this website;

http://www.cervicalcheck.ie/

You can sign up to receive a free smear test on the above website.

auntyweeze

Hey girls anyone have any info on the depot?
been thinking bout getting it for ages now.

Nevyn

Check over the side effects, unlike other types of hormanal contraception the rest can be stopped by not using the pill, patch or nuva ring or by having the impannon or IUS removed but once you have the Depo-Provera thats it for the 3 months and you just have to ride it out.

Personally I wouldn't have it, and would tell friends and family not to have it, heard of a lot of women having harsh side effects. Some may have little or no side effects but read up and make up your own mind and ask lots of questions of your dr.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depo-Provera
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/bcdepo.htm

auntyweeze

Thaedydal wrote: »

Check over the side effects, unlike other types of hormanal contraception the rest can be stopped by not using the pill, patch or nuva ring or by having the impannon or IUS removed but once you have the Depo-Provera thats it for the 3 months and you just have to ride it out.

Personally I would have it, and would tell friends and family not to have it, heard of a lot of women having harsh side effects. Some may have little or no side effects but read up and make up your own mind and ask lots of questions of your dr.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depo-Provera
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/bcdepo.htm

thanks for that ill have a read x

psycho-hope

auntyweeze wrote: »

Hey girls anyone have any info on the depot?
been thinking bout getting it for ages now.

Hey, i had the injection for a yr in total, moved onto Implanon now, i found it great(havnt had a period in 18 months:D) but as thaedyal says some people have fairly nasty side effects, only ones i had was i felt a bit naesous for the first few days after gettin each one( ah the joys of a contacepive making you panic)

it was the only one i could use due to a family history of breast cancer and bein on the heavy side, tried the mini pill first but it turned me into a psycho and made my cycle go all over the place.

anyway long post short, best bet is to go and have a chat either with your gp or the nurse in the practise, i found the nurse where i go was a bit more up to date with contraception options than my gp.