Smears (cervical cytology) and contraceptive devices

Smears are done in practice nurse clinics . Smears are advised for all women aged 25 to 50 every three years and then 5 yearly until 64. Women in this age group are notified by letter that they are due for a smear. Patients should ring Keyworth Medical Practice on 9373527and book an appointment as soon as they get a letter. The smear result is notified by post also. The result is either normal, abnormal or technically inadequate. If normal you will be told when the next one is due. If the result is technically unsuitable you will have to return for another. If the result is abnormal then another smear is requires after an interval of 3 to 12 months. An abnormal smear does not mean cancer. It means there are slight changes in the cells which might become cancerous. If repeated tests show the same abnormal changes these cells are removed by laser before they can become a problem. This is why the screening programme is so important and why it works so well to prevent deaths from cervical cancer.

Female nurses do the smear test. They will also give advice on contraception. Intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), diaphragms (sometimes called caps) and pills etc . 

More information about the NHS Cancer Screening Programme is available at www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk 

For contraceptive advice and prescriptions generally, all the doctors and practice nurses are able to do this. If you need just a routine check and pill prescription the best way is simply to book an appointment with a nurse. We normally issue a prescription for a 6 month supply at a time, or sometimes 12 months if several 6 monthly checks have been normal and there are no adverse risk factors such as smoking (smoking greatly increases the very small risks associated with the combined oral contraceptives). We encourage patients to consider the benefits of long acting contraceptives such as the injection, intrauterine devices, and implants.

Coils are fitted by Drs Langridge and Akhtar

Implanon 3 year implants can now be inserted at Keyworth Medical Practice by Drs Langridge or Glasgow. Implanon is a small implant that goes under the skin in the upper arm. It lasts for 3 years.

Advice on breast self-examination is also available.