Routine health tests for women

A very common infection in both men and women is the human Papilloma virus or HPV and in the case of women this can, if left undetected, result in cancer. Having a test is a simple procedure and consists of collecting some cells from the cervix which is checked for pre cancerous changes. It is recommended that women over the age of 21 years are checked regularly but certainly no later than 3 years following a woman’s first experience of intercourse.

Because the age of sexual activity is decreasing more women are turning to private clinics to have the cervical smear test undertaken, as in the UK it is not routine to have the test before a person reaches the age of 21 years. If the woman is sexually active taking a test in a private clinic has the advantage that they can request that tests are carried out for STD’s and STI’s at the same time. Clinics in London and the major cities in the UK will undertake these; they are carried out in absolute confidence, with results being given within 2 to 3 days.