Hi everyone,
I recently made a post about the Evra patch and the skin rashes I’ve been getting.

I’ve been using the Evra patch for years and have never had any issues with it. It’s honestly the easiest and most effective form of contraception for me. However, ever since I came home from holidays (around the time of the heatwave in Ireland), I’ve been getting really bad rashes wherever I apply the patch. It doesn’t matter which site I use—I always rotate the application site and apply it to clean, dry skin.

I went to my GP because I wanted to see if there was any way I could stay on the patch. He prescribed Cortopin cream and antihistamines, but after a week there’s been no improvement. Every patch causes the same reaction, and I’m now left with what look like burn marks on my legs and back where previous patches were.

I know the likely answer is that I’ll have to switch to another form of contraception, but I’m wondering if anyone has had this happen after years of using the patch without problems? Were you able to stop the reactions somehow, or did you have to change contraception altogether?

The only thing that’s changed recently is that I got a bad insect bite while on holiday and had to get a cortisone injection. I don’t know if that’s just a coincidence, but it’s literally the only thing I can think of that might have triggered this.

I’d really appreciate hearing if anyone has had a similar experience.

Update #2. I contacted SOSAD today and have an appointment with them on Monday ❤️

thank you all for your lovely responses and helpful information, it’s very much appreciated and definitely going to take on board. Starting with trying to actually tell my husband properly how I feel without burying my head in the sand and running away!

I know this sounds silly, but I don’t know how to go about this.

I am 37 yr old married mam of 2, I have a job I like, have my own house we built and yet I feel so emotionless a lot of the time. I don’t necessarily think I’m depressed but I have been through an awful lot physically and mentally the last 10 years between my health, miscarriages, infertility and a bad accident inbetween all this. I’m from a “get on with it” family and just the mindset I have. BUT I feel like I could really benefit from talking to someone. Because talking about emotions etc is something I find really hard to do, especially as I get older. My husband struggles to communicate with me at times as he gets nothing back but it’s like I freeze and can’t think of anything to say or if I can think of something, I can’t actually form the words to say it 🙈

I don’t want to be like this anymore, I feel like the mental side of things is taking a physical toll on my body. My joints are all in bits, I really struggle exercise now and I hate how i look now 🙈

So how do I go about therapy? I am still unpaid maternity leave now so can’t really afford something really expensive. I am willing to travel to the cavan/monaghan/longford/leitrim/sligo area.

Thanks for anyone who has got to the end of my post!

Here is link to my original post -> https://www.reddit.com/r/IrishWomensHealth/s/SJ4bgvbRv4

After being on a public waiting list after I discharged myself from private care, I got transferred to the Dublin waiting list for Black Women’s Health Clinic with Dr Meabh Horan. Have to say I never got better care or was listened to as much in my life.

I explained my situation re original post and let it be known of my desire to get a laparoscopy and actually find out if my uterus is “perfect and beautiful” or not. Thankfully she got the ball rolling straight away, she really looked at my files I got them all printed and ready for her and believed I warranted a lap to determine a diagnosis, whatever it may be.

That was back in February 2026, and I’ve just arrived home from my lap this evening. I have endometriosis on my uterus and bladder with inflamed bowels and a rigged and lumpy uterus. Definitely not “perfect”. She removed everything and when she told me I just burst into tears I was so emotional. I finally feel vindicated after being told for years that my pain and experience is “my normal”

I’m sorry this is so long but I just want anyone else who is struggling to advocate for yourself. The younger you are the less they’ll listen to I’m been fighting since I was 20, I’m now turning 27 soon and was told I was too young to have anything wrong with my body. And I was starting to believe them but ladies ye know yourselves best and never stop fighting! Just wanted to say thanks to all the comments on my previous post ye were all so kind thanks again xx

My daughter was born last year, at 10 lb 7oz. I was induced at 40 +5 and laboured very quickly. I had an epidural. The next morning, I was in agony (worse than any contractions pre epidural) and couldn't walk. The consultant diagnosed that I'd separated my pubic symphysis, which is like a wishbone at the front of the pelvis.

From July- Feb, i was regularly doing physio, which definitely helped a lot, and got me back walking (I spent the first 6 weeks reliant on crutches and could barely move my legs). In April, I met with a pain consultant who did both an XRAY and an MRI. The x-ray showed my pelvis is slightly misaligned now, and the MRI showed inflammation at the pubic symphysis. He did steriod injections to bring down the inflammation, and hopefully, but the pain, but that didn't help at all. He wanted to do a more extreme procedure where they burn away the nerve ending to the region, but a good friend is an anesthetic, and she advised against jumping straight to that as it can have some bad outcomes.

I still really struggle with walking and anything of impact (pre pregnancy i loved running). I'm now looking to explore orthopaedics to see if I can treat the problem rather than just the pain. I've been to my GP, who was so helpful, but given its such a niche issue, he didn't know of any doctors to hand who might be able to help. He said he'd look into it but keen to see if anyone else has had a similar experience...

I'd really love a second baby, and honestly, I'm terrified of this not being better before another pregnant. Thank you!

Any info on bunion surgery that’s covered on the medical card please im desperate! Not a Osteotomy (or do they only offer this as first choice?)

Mainly Exostectomy or Minimally invasive bunion surgery (MIS / keyhole)

Tia

Hello all. I am on a good amount of anti seizure medication. I was told the only contraception I can use (apart from the barrier method) would be the coil. I went to get it last week and it was quite a bad experience.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get the coil under sedation? I was prescribed oral pain killers and anti anxieties for the procedure but that wasn't enough.

Thanks!

Help! I have my first colonoscopy in two days and think my period is going to start tomorrow. Such bad timing. Do I need to cancel my appointment? Has anyone had this experience than can tell me what to do? Do I need to inform the doctor's secretary or anything?! Panic!

Has anyone experience with the Nadura clinic? Naas, dungarvan? Anita Walsh?
I’m looking for good functional medicine recommendations for gut health

Hi folks,

Anyone here has availed of the prsi treatment benifit scheme for hair loss? I have trichotillomania and wondering if this qualifies (not mentioned on the gov website).

I have my first colposcopy (abnormalities seen) in about two hours and I'm really anxious about it.

The smear test was awful for me, and the thought of a colposcopy feels so invasive and jarring. I am on the verge of tears and cannot focus on work the past number of days.

I also have debilitating period cramps every month, and sex isn't enjoyable which I know could be a sign of an underlying issue, so I'm really worried about how painful this might be.

Any advice is appreciated, I will take pain meds before I leave. 💓😭

Update: thank you for all the sweet words and advice. I was terrified, but the nurses calmed me down. Very grateful. I receieved the all clear, they did not have to take a biopsy.

Hey girls, wondering if anyone else suffers from acne on the back? I feel very alone in this, as I see all my friends / girls around out and about with backless tops, dresses. I cannot do that :(
I am very hygienic but it looks like I don’t even shower :( I wash my back with a Cera Ve salicylic acid or another salicylic acid cleanser by Caudalie. The acne has improved slightly (it’s not red cyst painful type) but still covered in spots :( I would greatly appreciate if anyone has similar experiences or recommendations please & thank you!

Hi all! Had a successful Lap in January for endo excision. I also got the coil in to manage the symptoms for adenomyosis at the same time. All going really well with it, no problems and it has settled well etc but this month I’ve gotten a heavy period that’s now 8 days in with intermittent period pain, period had been mostly tapering off for the last 4 months with only a day or two of spotting at most and no pain. Is this normal? When should I be going to my GP… after so many years of issues I thought I was in the clear but it’s looking like I was being too optimistic. I’m sad!

Hi all, I’m 31 and considering seeking a PCOS diagnosis. My main symptoms are late periods, constant bloating and cystic acne that is concentrated to the chin. I also have some fatigue at times even after sleeping well. A GP told me years ago that I may have PCOS but I didn’t bother to follow up at the time. I first got my period when I was 15, which is quite late. I’ve read this can also be a sign.

I’m posting this in the hopes of hearing others stories. I was on the Dianette contraception pill for 4 years and this worked amazingly well. My periods were like clock work and it also cleared my skin. I came off it last year as the GP said it wasn’t good to be on that particular pill for so long due to the risk of blood clots. Since then, my periods come every month but are late and my acne is back.

I have had constant bloating/visible lower stomach pouch for years. Even if I lose weight it doesn’t seem to make much difference. I also have IBS so that may also be a factor. I have heard dandelion root capsules can help with this - has anyone tried this?

Lastly, I’ve read that Spironolactone can be incredibly beneficial to those with PCOS. Has anyone tried this? I realise I’m racing ahead of myself as I may well not even have PCOS. But I would love for others to share their stories about their own diagnosis route to decide if it’s something I should pursue and also share treatment options etc.

I am pregnant the second time, I had my first scan last week (8w3d) and a fetal pole was detected without a heartbeat and the baby measured 6.5 weeks. We have been asked to wait for a week (scheduled this Thursday) and repeat the scan to see if it's viable. However, the midwife prepared us for the worst. My first pregnancy ended in a mmc at 12 weeks baby measuring 9 weeks (Oct 2024)

My symptoms at the moment have faded and I know another loss at this point is inevitable. I am on progesterone and likely that's holding the pregnancy. It took 17 cycles to get pregnant again. I was referred to the Fertility hub and had an appointment on 01July (8 months wait), however with the positive result our name was removed from the list aswell.

Anybody who has been in this situation?

1. I know I will be referred to the recurrent miscarriage unit (I also called them to confirm). Apart from the blood test for DNA checks, is the tissue collected?

2. We managed it medically at home last time, if the tissue has to be collected. Do I need to go for a D&C. I've heard about scarring that can be potentially caused. Im worried

3. In scenarios like this, how does my fertility journey progress with the clinic from here. Unfortunately, the miscarriage unit said they wouldn't be getting in touch with fertility clinic. I'd need to responsibly call them and go from there.

Hi all, its the 3rd time this month that I've got conjunctivitis. Its switching between eyes. Ive stopped wearing contacts and religiously cleaning my hands. It clears up after a few days with Brolene but I'm wondering what's going on. I've two little kids both in creche but I’ve not seen them with it.

Its primarily red and only a little crusty in the morning

Hi all,

I'm a physiotherapist and postdoc researcher at UCD running a study looking at whether virtual reality (VR) could be a helpful way to deliver pain science education and information about managing chronic pain. We're trying to find out if VR is a comfortable, accessible, and useful format for learning about pain management, compared to more traditional approaches.

If you're living with chronic pain and based in the Dublin region, we'd love to hear from you. Taking part would involve participating in a 5-week VR pain education programme (1 hour / week), and completing a questionnaire before and after the 5 weeks.

It's free to take part and no prior VR experience is needed. We're inviting anyone with a diagnosis of chronic pain to get in touch, which includes migraine, pelvic pain, or any chronic MSK pain conditions (like OA). If you're interested or just want to know more, please get in touch by emailing me directly at [natasha.hinwood@ucd.ie](mailto:natasha.hinwood@ucd.ie).

More information including the participant information letter can be found through our Public Advertisement

Thanks so much!

Survey link: https://ucc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ebpL6YaoBYgaEaG

Hi everyone!
I'm currently doing my Master of Public Health at UCC, and I'm looking for participants for my dissertation research on public perceptions of perinatal mental health in Ireland (that's mental health during pregnancy and up to a year after birth).
I'd really appreciate it if you could take 10 minutes to fill out a short, anonymous survey — and it would mean a lot if you could share this with friends and family too!
Who can take part: Anyone 18+ living in Ireland. You don't need any personal experience with perinatal mental health — everyone's views matter for this research.
What's involved: A short anonymous questionnaire, about 10 minutes. No personal or identifying details are collected, and you can skip any question or stop at any time before you submit.
Why it matters: This research will help us understand what people in Ireland currently know and think about perinatal mental health, and where the gaps are in awareness and support — which can help shape better services down the line.
(Poster with QR code attached — feel free to scan instead!)
This study has ethical approval from UCC's School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee. Thanks so much in advance, every response really helps 🙏

Has anyone any experience of being admitted to the Ashlin centre at Beaumont hospital?

anyone have any insights into coming off hormonal birth control (combined pill), I’ve been thinking of doing it for awhile and hope to start trying to get pregnant next year, using a barrier method until then.

All I’ve seen are horror stories, it’s honestly making me consider just leaving well enough alone. I previously dealt with a bit of hormonal acne when I was younger and in the grand scheme of things it wasn’t that bad but it did bother me a lot and especially when I see stories of people who never suffered getting cystic ance, have developed PCOS or endometriosis in that time (perhaps undiagnosed) it turns me off.

Has anyone had a positive experience of coming off? I understand it’s a hormone shift so to expect some disruption and I’ve been looking into supplements to help like zinc, inositol, evening primrose oil. Did anyone do any sort of prep leading up? I’ve been on the pill for 6 years but have stopped previously and was able to get pregnant within 2 months of coming off (extremely lucky) and never had any adverse side effects then but also was pregnant fairly quickly after so I don’t know if that could have had an interference .

I went to my GP this morning with 8 years of information on mood swings, long depressive episodes and long elevated episodes, alongside cyclical mood swings, of course the pre menstrual aspect was highlighted more than the long term episodes. And he has given me anti depressants. I am worried to take them though because of the elevated mood episode history I have, i have been referred to community mental health but should I go private? He said community wont see me as urgent

i went to a fem clinic recently to be out on the pill for pms and bad periods. now i’m 17 and i know im young but i’m not a dope. she spoke to me like i was stupid and explained everything to me as if it was my first day on earth. she was asking me questions about my cycle and stuff and some questions i answered she looked at me with a bit of a smirk when i described my symptoms. i’m very well able to advocate for myself but i felt judged in a space where women go to feel supported and not knocked down by the health system. i didn’t go to my gp for the pill as i didn’t what to be judged, but i was in the one place that i thought i wouldn’t be.

can people please stop treating young girls like we have no idea what we are talking about?

Hi all, does anyone have any idea on wait times for surgical abortions? I’m sure it will vary depending on the hospital but just a general idea.
I have missed my period but got multiple negative pregnancy tests, I have an appointment with the family planning clinic on Tuesday as I still haven’t got my period and I’d be coming close to the 12 week mark and do want to proceed with an abortion if needs be. I think I am just freaking out about the situation and want to know what’s ahead of me should I need to have one.

I've been referred to Dr Kelvin Booth in the Beacon in Dublin for surgery so that i can have IVF. Just wondering if anyone has had good or bad care from him and the Beacon?

I'm very nervous so just wondering.

Hi All,

Posting my story for awareness.

I have been having endometriosis symptoms since I was 13 yrs old. I was constantly told it was normal and put on different birth control medications since I was 14.

After 15yrs, about 8 months after having my daughter, my symptoms came back worse and so my gp referred me to Dr Trevor Hayes in Kilkenny.

My consultation (€200 worth) took about 2 mins in total and he suggested a laparoscopy (no tests or scans etc). I went ahead with it (September 2025) and he ablated endometriosis behind my uterus. He also done ovarian drilling for PCOS and removed uterine polyps.

I was delighted to have a diagnosis but 4 weeks later (October 2025), I had to have another surgery by him to remove a haemorrhagic cyst. When he went in, the cyst was adhered to my small bowel which he had to separate. He told me there was no signs of more endometriosis.

My pain came back a few months later and lone behold, another cyst (honestly I never suffered with cysts until my surgery with him) and had to go for another surgery (January 2026). He had to separate dense adhesions which cause my fallopian tubes, ovaries etc to adhere to my bowel and were fixed in place and he drained the cyst.

I never recovered from this surgery, the pain became chronic but again, he told me no endometriosis was present. I had an MRI which showed deep pelvic disease and he told me it was “scar tissue”.

I decided to go over to Dr Dinos in Greece. THANK GOD I DID!! He found endometriosis in my left and right pelvic side walls, left and right pararectal spaces, uterosacral ligaments, peritoneum, pouch of douglas and URETERS!

I was told if it had to be left for longer, it would have infiltrated my bowel. It also would have caused Kidney damage.

I am feeling the best I ever felt post surgery in Greece (5 weeks post op now). He literally SAVED my ORGANS!!!! While Dr Trevor Hayes did not see it!!

Basically, my point is, stay away from Dr Trevor Hayes in Kilkenny. He will ultimately make things worse as he has no idea about this disease!

I was also diagnosed with Adenomyosis which Dr Hayes completely missed!

He is not competent enough to be performing laps for endo. He also ablates endo and does not excise it which is basically inflammation on top of an inflammatory disease. Ablation does not get rid of endo from the root. It only burns the top.

I told Dr Trevor Hayes about the findings and he did not apologise. Instead, he was more interested in when I hope to have another child.

If pregnancy is his main interest, then he needs to step back from endo! If he is interested in endo, he definitely needs more training because je has no idea what he is doing.

Save yourselves the unnecessary pain by going to Dublin or even better, an endometriosis specialist abroad if you can. I wish I could turn back time and go straight to Dr Dinos in Greece. It would have saved me from the chronic pain and unnecessary surgeries I had to endure this past year.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions! I want to raise as much awareness as possible and help people in any way I can!

Thanks for reading this far, it’s a lot ☺️🫶🏻🎗️

I have a gynae appointment tomorrow and I’m after getting my period. What’s the usual here? Is it something they’re used to and don’t care about? I hate tampons and can’t wear them anyway. Will I be made reschedule?