Women’s Health Screening

What is Women's Health Screening?

This medical assessment addresses the healthcare needs of women at any stage of life. Unlike general health checks, our women's health screening focuses on gender-specific health concerns, reproductive health and conditions that disproportionately affect women.

This specialised approach recognises that women face distinct health challenges at different life stages. There is a well-studied ‘Gender Health Gap’ in medical care, which means that women will spend 25% more time with debilitating health conditions than men. Data shows that menopause, PCOS and endometriosis tend to be underdiagnosed.

Our screening goes well beyond a routine "check-up" – it's designed to identify risks early, promote wellness and provide care tailored to your individual needs.

That includes reproductive health, hormonal conditions and cardiovascular health. Our screening packages address these health needs with sensitivity and expertise.

How Women's Health Screening Works

Our women's screening combines advanced diagnostic testing with private GP assessment to provide an accurate evaluation of your health. We tailor each package to your age, life stage and individual health concerns.

The screening tests include reproductive health, involving gynaecological examination and history, cervical screening and examination for abnormalities, evaluation for conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health evaluation includes blood pressure monitoring and blood tests. These assess cholesterol levels, diabetes risk, metabolic function and cardiovascular risk factors specific to women.

Hormonal health assessment encompasses the evaluation of hormonal balance and function, menopause and management, as well as the evaluation of conditions such as PCOS and thyroid disorders.

General health screening involves blood tests to assess overall health markers, urine analysis, and body measurements, all aimed at evaluating your current health status and identifying areas for improvement.

What is Women's Health Screening Used For?

Women's health screening serves multiple vital purposes throughout a woman's life. For early detection and prevention, it enables the identification of cervical abnormalities and cancer risks, as well as screening for conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS, and assessing cardiovascular disease risk.

Life stage support encompasses adolescent health and education, reproductive health planning, pregnancy preparation and preconception care, menopause management and symptom assessment, as well as post-menopausal health monitoring.

Condition-specific assessment addresses Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. It also covers hormonal health support, especially during hormonal transitions and life changes.

Benefits of Women's Health Screening

Women's health screening offers benefits far beyond basic health:

Early detection of conditions including cervical abnormalities, endometriosis, adenomyosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), plus cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Hormonal health support, especially around menopause, reproductive health and menstrual irregularities, helps women navigate complex hormonal changes with professional guidance and support.

The screening also provides personalised care plans based on life stage, lifestyle and family history, ensuring that each woman receives tailored healthcare recommendations that address her specific needs and circumstances.

What to Expect When Receiving Women's Health Screening

Before Your Appointment
‍To get the most accurate assessment:

Menstrual cycle timing – schedule your appointment for the optimal time in your menstrual cycle (our team will advise based on your specific screening needs)

Health history preparation – gather information about your family history of gynaecological conditions, cardiovascular disease and other relevant women's health conditions.

Lifestyle documentation – consider keeping a brief diary of symptoms, mood changes and any health concerns.

Practical preparation – wear comfortable, easily removable clothing for examination and avoid vaginal medications or douching for 24 hours before examination

During Your Appointment
‍Your women's health screening appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes in a comfortable, private environment.

The initial consultation lasts 20-30 minutes. It includes a discussion of your health history, concerns, goals, a review of your menstrual history, reproductive health and family planning, as well as an assessment of current symptoms and any areas of concern.

The physical examination takes 20-30 minutes. It involves a comprehensive clinical examination, including cardiovascular and respiratory assessments, a gynaecological exam if appropriate for your age and screening needs, and an evaluation of any specific areas of concern.

Diagnostic tests require 15-30 minutes for blood sample collection for hormonal and health analysis, cervical screening if due or clinically indicated, urine analysis, pelvic ultrasound to examine reproductive organs and blood pressure and body measurements.

The education and discussion phase lasts 15-20 minutes, during which your clinician will explain the findings and discuss the next steps.

After Your Appointment
‍Following your women's health screening, you'll receive support and follow-up, including immediate feedback on examination findings and any immediate concerns, full test results typically available within 48-72 hours, and a detailed written report with personalised recommendations.

You'll have a follow-up consultation to discuss results, ask questions and receive specialist referrals if necessary. Additionally, you'll receive ongoing support for implementing health improvements and lifestyle changes.

Risks and Complications of Women's Health Screening

Women's health screening is generally very safe, with minimal risks associated with the assessment.

Gynaecological examination may cause mild discomfort during the procedure (similar to a routine smear test), and slight spotting may occur after cervical screening. There's a very rare risk of infection (less than 1 in 1,000 procedures).

Blood testing involves minor discomfort during blood collection, rare bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site, and an extremely rare risk of infection.

Pelvic ultrasound is entirely safe with no known risks, though you may experience mild pressure from the ultrasound probe.

Our experienced female GPs will make sure you have comfort and privacy throughout the screening process. They’ll explain each step, and address any concerns you may have.

How to Recover Following Women's Health Screening

Recovery from women's health screening is immediate and straightforward. You can resume normal activities without restriction, though light spotting after cervical screening is standard and typically resolves within 24 hours. Continue taking your regular medications unless you are specifically advised otherwise.

Allow 48-72 hours for complete results and use this time to consider any immediate recommendations while preparing questions for your results consultation.

Your results consultation will discuss findings, lifestyle changes, and schedule follow-up appointments or referrals.

Most women find the screening process reassuring and empowering, as it provides valuable insights into their health and offers clear guidance for maintaining optimal wellbeing.

References

• ‍Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2024) Green Top Guidelines
• NHS Cervical Screening Programme. (2024). Making Sense of Women’s Health
• ‍Women's Health Strategy. (2024). Department of Health and Social Care