×

Contraception and Sexual Health

Cervical Smears

 
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.
 

Contraception Services and Family Planning

 
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. 

Within Meadowside Medical Centre our nurses can offer contraception advice, depo injections and the combined or mini contraceptive pill. Our specialist trained GP’s can provide advice and fitting of IUDs (Coils) and the Mirena IUS or implants.

 
Congleton War Memorial Hospital offer a Family Planning Clinic. Appointment only, Monday and Thursday evenings 7:00pm – 8:30pm. To make an appointment call 01260 294832. Under 16’s are a walk in on Thursdays between 4:00pm – 6:00pm
 
Emergency contraception i.e. ‘the morning after pill’ can be obtained with counselling from any doctor in the surgery or independently from any pharmacy.  This service is free of charge.   
 
 

Pre-conceptual Advice

 
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.