All women over 25 years of age are advised to have a cervical smear in keeping with national guidelines. Routine cervical screening tests should begin at age 25 and is not recommended for women under that age.  The aim of cervical screening is to reduce the risk of cancer of the cervix by finding and treating cell changes that could, over time, develop into cancer. If you wish to have a smear please make an appointment with one of the Practice Nurses. Normal smears should be repeated every 3 years until the age of 50 and 5 yearly thereafter.

 

 

Sex is a normal aspect of adult life.  It is very important that you know about sexual health and take seriously the responsibility of protecting yourself from unwanted diseases or pregnancies – we can advise on all aspects of sexual health.  If you suspect you may have symptoms or be at risk of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), please do make an appointment to discuss it and, if necessary, undergo appropriate investigation. We can test for common sexually transmitted infections in the surgery. The service is confidential and can be discussed with any of the doctors or nurses. Examples of common STI’s are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and genital warts. We can also offer testing for syphilis and HIV.

Contraception services are available from the doctor or practice nurse during routine surgery hours.  A doctor or specially trained Practice Nurses can provide advice on all forms of contraception including fitting of IUDs (Coils) and the Mirena IUS or implants, depo injection as well as the combined or mini contraceptive pill. Condoms can also be issued in conjunction with Chlamydia screening for under 25 year olds. 

 

 

 

 

This is available if you are planning to become pregnant.  It will ensure you are in the best possible health to conceive.  Pre-conceptual advice is offered opportunistically to patients by doctors and practice nurses during routine consultations.  Patients may also arrange a particular appointment with a relevant clinician to discuss pre-conceptual advice if they so wish.  Relevant literature information is also available to patients as appropriate.