Services › Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Regular check ups are important to help identify and prevent many conditions. At St. Andrews we can carry out the necessary health checks targeted to general health such as blood tests, general physical examination, blood pressure checks, and so on. We have an array of cardiac tests at our disposal too.
For the more health conscious we have the services of a nutritionist and a sports and exercise doctor. And if something were to go amiss, a physiotherapist too.
Women’s health however goes way beyond that and the team of doctors attending St. Andrews is perfectly catered for these needs. From smear tests to pelvic ultrasounds, advice on contraception to management of menopause, breast examination to treatment of osteoporosis, we've got it covered.
FAMILY PLANNING
Family planning is a major part in many women's life. Discuss with us your needs and issues. We can give advice on contraception and the options available. We can help with preparing for a family, with information regarding vaccines prior to pregnancy, supplements required when planning a pregnancy and so forth. Should difficulties in conception arise, the gynaecologist in attendance is available to take over the management.
ANTENATAL CARE
Our GPs, gynaecologist and ultrasonographers can follow you through all stages of pregnancy. CLICK HERE for more information about our antenatal ultrasounds.
CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE
Cervical cancer is one of those rare occasions where a direct correlation has been made with a causative agent. The HPV virus has been detected in all cases of cancer, and research has provided us with a vaccine for it. This vaccine has been proven to help the body fight off the HPV virus. Speak to us to discuss the vaccination options, be it for teenage girls or adult women.
BREAST CARE
Breast cancer is another instance where screening is strongly recommended, as the sooner it is detected, the better the success rates of treatment. Breast examinations are the mainstay of screening and at St. Andrews we can carry them out at request. We can also provide you with educational material and teach you how to check your own breasts at home. Breast ultrasounds can be carried out, however these are more indicated in the under 40s. Should we feel you need a mammogram we are ready to refer you for one. Suspicious cases will readily be referred to the surgical consultant in attendance.
OTHER SCREENING TESTS
Other screening tests available to women includes the Ca125 blood test, for ovarian cancer, important to be used in conjunction with a pelvic ultrasound and only after a proper history taking and examination. The Ca 15-3 can also be used to pick up breast cancer but again can only be taken after a proper history and examination and will probably need to be followed up by a mammogram and surgical consultation.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Sexually transmitted diseases have more repercussions in women than in men as they may lead to problems of conception or implantation later on in life. For this reason, it is very important that if a woman suspects she might have been exposed to an infected partner, she carries out some screening tests, sooner rather than later. Discharge and discomfort are common symptoms of STDs, but some may be ‘silent’, and potentially just as damaging in the long term. Get tested if you have any doubts.
General Practitioner Services
St. Andrews Clinics offers a daily GP service, each morning Monday to Friday at 10:00 onwards, each afternoon Monday to Friday from 16:00 onwards.