Women’s Health Clinic

FAQs

Can I self refer to the Women’s Health Clinics?

You can refer yourself to our Women’s Health Service at any time, you do not need an appointment with your Own NHS GP before visiting Summerfield Healthcare.

Our team of experienced female GPs are dedicated to delivering high quality healthcare for women, but in a relaxed private setting without the rush, allowing you to feel comfortable when you visit our clinics.

You can book your appointment with our female GP and discuss your concerns confidentially on the day.

Our GPs can give you the time to discuss your concerns in detail and are able to provide further investigations such as blood tests, diagnostic assessments or referrals to a specialist. 

We have listed some of our most popular services for women below, and additional information is available further down this page in our drop downs:

• Family planning and contraceptive choices
• Menopause management, HRT & Osteoporosis
• All types of gynaecological problems including periods
• Breast examinations and early detection of breast cancer
• Sexual health advice and testing
• Healthy heart, blood pressure, blood tests and BMI checks
• HPV vaccination

What about family planning and contraception?

Which contraception is best for you? We offer advice and guidance on the many different options available. For any implant or coil fittings a contraceptive consultation is required in the first instance. A contraceptive consultation is not required if you are solely booking an implant or coil removal.

Oral contraception

The combined oral contraceptive pill is usually just referred to as ‘the pill’. The oral contraceptive pill contains artificial versions of female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which women produce naturally in their ovaries. When taken correctly, the pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. As there are a range of contraceptive pills available, our female GPs can give you reassurance and guidance on the best pill for you.

Can you help with Menopause, HRT & Osteoporosis?

Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect mental health. 20% of women suffer with severe or prolonged symptoms of menopause and there are a range of ways to manage them.

Our team of experienced GP’s will give you the time to discuss your symptoms and provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your presentation to identify the cause as they may not always be related to the menopause and then effectively  manage your symptoms.

At your women’s health appointment we can discuss with you the variety of effective treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone replacement therapy. You can enquire about a Menopause Consultation here: www.summerfieldhealthcare.co.uk/private-medical-services/menopause-clinic/

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is recommended by The National Institute For Clinical Excellence (NICE). Their guidelines state that HRT is effective and should be offered to women with menopausal symptoms, after discussing the risks and benefits (read these here).

There are two main types of HRT:

• Combined HRT (oestrogen and progestogen) – for women with menopausal symptoms who still have their womb (oestrogen taken on its own can otherwise increase your risk of womb cancer)

• Oestrogen-only HRT – for women who have had their womb removed

In the event of any health concerns being identified, Summerfield Healthcare is able to refer you on to specialist consultants or practitioners within our team ensuring a swift and responsive service.

Osteoporosis

Women who have been through the menopause are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis (weak bones) as a result of the lower level of oestrogen in the body.

Our doctors would be able to advise you of ways in which you can reduce the risks and manage symptoms of osteoporosis.

Do you offer Private Cervical Screening tests?

The wait for NHS cervical screening tests is now up to 12 weeks. Summerfield Healthcare provide your cervical screening or ‘smear test’ results within 3 weeks of appointment. 

We are also able to provide this service for patients from the age of 18, rather than waiting until the age of 25 for an NHS appointment.

The test should take around five minutes and will be carried out by our female GP. Before starting, our GP will explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you may have.

What about detecting breast cancer?

Breast cancer cannot be prevented, however, receiving regular examinations are an important part of early detection. 

At your breast examination, we can check for different types of abnormalities and warning signs such as lumps and pains. You can discuss any worries you have with a female GP who is there to listen and understand your concerns.

For more women’s health FAQ’s, please visit the NHS Women’s Health FAQ page.

How do I book?

To book an appointment at our Women’s Health Clinic, simply book online using our online booking portal or alternatively, please complete our contact form, call 0333 9000 010 or email [email protected].

Our team are specially trained to deal with your enquiry in a professional, private and prompt manner.