Women's Health
The practice provides a comprehensive women's health service that includes:
Contraception
Advice and prescription of contraception is available from the doctors, or health visitor who runs a family planning clinic weekly. Women using the contraceptive pill should have a blood pressure and smoking check before starting and annually thereafter.
Coil fitting
Dr Kulkarni is available to fit contraceptive coils and you are advised to book an appointment with her if interested.
Cervical screening (smear)
It is strongly recommended that cervical screening is accessed by all women aged 25 to 65 who have been sexually active. Smears are done at 3-yearly intervals unless an abnormality necessitates an earlier review. The Primary Care Trust is obliged to send reminders to patients whose smears are overdue; therefore if you wish to opt out of this service you will be asked to sign a disclaimer. The smear clinic is run by the nurses and health visitor and takes place twice weekly.
Midwife
Full antenatal and post-natal care is available. This is shared between the practice midwife, health visitor and maternity unit at Watford General Hospital, where most women choose to deliver. The antenatal clinic is on Thursdays from 08.30 and patients have an appointment with the midwife. Antenatal classes are available.
6-week postnatal check
6-week post-natal checks are completed by Dr Kulkarni, Dr Lakasing or Dr Hecker. Please book a triple appointment (i.e. 30 minutes).
Menopause
If you require advice on any aspect of the menopause such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or osteoporosis prevention or care please consult your doctor.