SERVICES FOR WOMEN
Our services for women are mainly provided by our Practice Nurses. Our Nursing Team can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, by offering you advice on diet and exercise, smoking and health, heart disease and cholesterol in the blood.

THE CERVICAL SMEAR TEST
The neck of the womb (cervix) is the opening from the womb into the top of the vagina. This area of the body is hidden from view, but is prone to changes in the cells from which it is made. The changes that can occur are as a result of contact with substances and viruses which enter the vagina from the outside. A simple way of looking for these changes is to gently remove a few cells using a special brush. The cells removed are then looked at under the microscope. Whilst the majority of results are normal, a small proportion show that abnormal cells have been detected. In these circumstances it’s quite easy to have these cells treated at hospital with a small laser and this ensures the cervical cells are healthy again. Where abnormal cells are left untreated they keep changing and there is the possibility of a cancer developing. This is why the smear test is really important.

A smear test is a simple procedure, carried out by a female Practice Nurse and involves using a small instrument to hold open the walls of the vagina in order for the smear taker to see the neck of the womb. This procedure is painless and causes little discomfort.

Women who are eligible for a smear test are sent a letter from the Cervical Screening Programme. The intervals at which women are invited for a smear is dependent upon their age but is in accordance with the national guidance. It makes good sense for all eligible women to have a smear test. If you have any queries about smears you should speak to a GP or Practice Nurse.


COIL FITTING CLINICS
The Practice has recently introduced Coil Fitting Clinics. If this service is of interest to you then please speak to one of our Receptionists to make an initial appointment with either Dr Hilditch of Dr Thomas.

BREAST EXAMINATION
All women need to check their breasts, as the early detection of any lump will allow rapid assessment. This may help to prevent breast cancer. Only a small proportion of breast lumps turn out to be cancers. Most women with lumps in the breast can be reassured after examination by a GP. It is important to examine your breasts monthly, preferably at the same time in your monthly cycle if you still have periods. Women whose periods have stopped should still examine themselves monthly but the timing is not as important. Women who don't know how to examine their own breasts can ask to be taught by one of our Practice Nurses.

If you have a breast lump, and particularly if it’s been there a while and doesn't vary with your periods, then you should seek medical advice from your GP. Don’t be frightened. Often small cysts occur in the breast and these can easily be diagnosed in surgery with a simple test. Small solid lumps should be removed at an early opportunity and you will need to see a GP to be referred to hospital.

The National Breast Screening Programme provides breast x-rays (mammography) for women. At present in Sheffield this scheme is only open to women in a specific age band. Eligible women are sent letters asking them to attend for an appointment. If you fall within the current age band your turn will come in due course.

You are eligible for a mammogram on request if you are 65 years of age or more simply by asking the Breast Screening Unit which is located in Northumberland Road.