Making your health your priority this International Women's Day

Navan Women’s Health Clinic was founded in 2025 by Dr Catherine Donegan.

With many years experience in women’s health, Dr Donegan has come to notice which key areas are often needing to be highlighted to aid women in doing their bit in keeping ahead of serious health concerns.

“We often hear of women disregarding some symptoms they are presenting with as just being another busy week, just being out of shape, having done too much, or worse still, knowing that something is not quite right but thinking they can put it off just a little longer.

“There are a few key tips that Navan Women’s Health Clinic are highlighting this Women’s Day which can potentially help in the early detection or prevention of more serious issues”.

- Keep up to date with your free HSE Cervical Checks. There is an online checker that is available on cervicalcheck.ie, and everyone should have a quick log on to check eligibility if you can’t remember when your last screening was. While these are carried out routinely, if you have any irregular bleeding or pain, you should request a review. Monthly Breast Self Examination is so important. You will quickly come to realise any sort of pain or discomfort that is new once you are in a routine of giving yourself an examination. Any lumps, skin change, or nipple change that is detected, is reason enough to schedule an appointment with your local Women’s Health Clinic or GP and request further investigation. For help on carrying out a self examination, you can visit cancer.ie A service that is often overlooked, but is a really important one due to the possible sensitivity of the topic, is Free STI Screening.

There is an option of ordering Free Home STI Tests in Ireland via sh24.ie as well as a lot of advice and also where to local your nearest clinic.

- There is also a lot to be said about the obvious changes you can make to your every day life. Among these would be to exercise regularly (including strength training). Exercise is not only great for a healthy body, but is really important for a healthy mind! Aim for 30 minutes a day on at least 5 days of the week.

- Limit alcohol intake and ideally stop or at a minimum, reduce smoking. Remember that sometimes a contraceptive can help ease dreadfully heavy or painful periods. A consultation with a Women’s Health practitioner, will be able to give you the best option available to suit your needs.

Located in Cluain Adain, Clonmagadden, Navan, Dr Catherine Donegan is delighted to welcome new patients for Contraceptive / Family Planning, Emergency Contraception and Copper Coil Fitting, Women's Health, Menopause / Perimenopause, STI and Cervical Smear consultations.

You may attend Navan Women's Health even if you already have a GP and can register with them at the time of planning your appointment or in advance.