WOMENS’ HEALTH

Family Planning

We advise on and provide most current methods:

• Pills, both the combined pill (COC)
and the progesterone only pill (POP)
• Barrier methods (including diaphragms)
• Injections of Progesterone (Depo Provera)
• Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs)
IUCDs are becoming very popular, especially as the Mirena is now used to lighten heavy periods even when contraception is not an issue. It is reducing the hysterectomy rate.

For initial advice on contraception either a nurse appointment or a consultation with your doctor is appropriate; whichever you feel most comfortable with. Follow up consultations are usually done by the practice nurses.
If an IUCD is what you think you may prefer, please consult with Dr Elliott.

Emergency contraception – the morning after pill is best taken within 24hours, but is very effective up to 72hours after the unprotected intercourse. This pill can also be purchased from any chemist shop (after consultatation with a pharmacist). This may well be more convenient. The pharmacist will charge a small amount for this service. An IUCD, of the copper variety, can be inserted up to 5 days after intercourse to prevent conception. Please do not delay: see a doctor or nurse in good time.

Pregnancy

If you are planning a pregnancy please see the doctor or nurse for ‘pre-conceptual’ advice.

If you are pregnant please consult with your doctor to choose which hospital / place to have your baby. An appointment with the appropriate midwife will then be arranged.

OTHER ‘WOMENS HEALTH’

Cervical smears are performed by appointment with the practice nurses.

Menopause issues can by discussed with the practice nurses. If HRT is required a doctor consultation will be needed.

Breast lumps require a doctor consultation.