Author: odollie

How Much is a Private Cervical Smear?

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A cervical smear, also known as cervical screening, is an essential part of healthcare for women. It plays a crucial role in reducing cervical cancer by identifying abnormal cells before they develop into something more sinister. For women in the UK, the NHS offers free cervical screening (at differing intervals, depending on age and health), but many opt for private screening due to shorter wait times, convenience, and the flexibility to choose a healthcare provider.

But how much does a private cervical smear actually cost? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about cervical screening, and the most frequently asked questions, including private testing costs.

What is cervical Screening?

Cervical screening is a test that checks the health of your cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is a common misconception that this test is designed to detect cancer; in reality it identifies abnormal or pre-cancerous cells in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer without medical intervention.

By catching abnormal cells early, cervical screening can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Here in the UK, screening is recommended for women (and anyone with a cervix) aged 25 to 64, every three to five years through the NHS. But there are an increasing number of women who choose to have annual private screening to give them peace of mind and a premium standard of healthcare.

Why Consider a Private Cervical Smear?

There are many reasons why women might decide to have a private screening. One of the benefits is the flexibility and convenience of booking an appointment for a time that suits you best. With some GP practices struggling with patient load, getting an appointment can sometimes take a few weeks. A private appointment will offer a much shorter waiting time, with a more personalised service, thorough consultation and detailed follow-up care.

At clinics like ours, for example, appointments generally last 30 minutes, allowing time for a consultation and also other health checks like blood pressure monitoring and BMI measurements. This can put our patients at ease, with the holistic approach reassuring them, especially if there are reproductive health concerns at play.

Private screening also offers swift results. The NHS may take several weeks for results to be available, but private clinics generally promise results within 7 to 10 days. If any abnormalities are detected, private clinics often provide a more tailored approach to treatments and follow up appointments.

What Happens During a Private Cervical Smear Appointment?

A clinician will begin by discussing your general health and will address any concerns or questions you might have. The cervical smear test itself is relatively quick. It should not be painful, but some women experience a little discomfort during the test. A small brush is used to collect cells from the cervix, which are then sent to a testing laboratory for analysis. This will include a test for HPV (human papillomavirus), the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

Once your results are ready, you’ll receive a notification explaining your results and any steps you might need to take. If the results are abnormal or if there is a need for further investigations, the clinic may recommend booking another appointment to discuss any treatment options.

It’s important to note that follow up consultations may be charged separately.

How Much Does a Private Cervical Smear Cost?

The cost of a private cervical smear test in the UK can vary depending on the clinic you choose, the experience of the clinician, and whether additional appointments are needed.

Here at The Surrey Park Clinic, prices for a cervical smear screening range from £150 to £653. This cost variation reflects the differing levels of service available, from a basic smear to more comprehensive packages that include additional health check and consultations.

For many women the additional expense if justified by the convenience and peace of mind that a private service offers. It’s a good idea to research and compare options before booking an appointment.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix start to grow uncontrollably. It is one of a few types of cancer that can be prevented through regular screening as the test can catch pre-cancerous cells before they develop into cancer. When abnormal cells are found, they can be treated to prevent the development of cancer.

Most cases of cervical cancer are linked to the HPV virus as mentioned above, which is why screening is so important. Over 850 women die annually in the UK from cervical cancer, and it is prevalent among women aged 35 and under.

Reducing Your Risk of Cervical Cancer

The most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting cervical cancer is through regular screening. Research by Gov.uk suggests that cervical screening is estimated to save 4,500 lives in the UK each year by detecting abnormal cells early, before they develop into cancer.

In addition to screening, many healthcare providers offer the HPV vaccine, which is another tool in reducing the spread of HPV. Whilst the vaccine doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of cervical cancer, it greatly reduces the likelihood of developing it.

What are Cervical Cancer Symptoms?

It’s important to be aware of the potential signs of cervical cancer. You may have noticed some changes in your body, or find that you have certain symptoms that could include:

  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding, either after sex, or between periods.
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Pain or discomfort during intercourse

It’s essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the above; early detection is key to successful treatment.

How Do You Book a Private Cervical Smear?

It’s a straightforward process and can often be done online or by phone. Most private clinics offer flexible appointment times so that you can find a time to fit in with your schedule. At the Surrey Park Clinic, appointments can be booked online or by calling 01483 454016. The advantage of quicker appointments, faster results and a more personalised and tailored care plan make us an attractive option for many women seeking a swifter service and extra peace of mind.

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How Early Can You Have a Pregnancy Scan?

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When you first learn that you’re pregnant, it’s natural that you’d like to confirm the pregnancy as soon as possible and get some reassurance that everything is progressing as it should. One of the most reliable and reassuring ways to do this is by having a pregnancy scan. But how early can you have one, and what should you expect?

Early Pregnancy Scans Starting from 6 weeks

At the Surrey Park Clinic, we provide a variety of pregnancy scans and scan packages, starting as early as 6 weeks and continuing through to 35 weeks and 6 days. Early scans are critical in confirming pregnancy, checking the health and development of your baby, and providing you with peace of mind so that you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Our clinic prides itself on offering high quality care. Our scans are performed by a dedicated team of professional and experienced sonographers who understand the emotional and physical needs of expectant mothers. The clinic operates six days per week often with the convenience of appointments on the same day, making it easier for you to find a time that suits you.

What Can You Expect During a Pregnancy Scan?

When you arrive to have your scan, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnostic scan that lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. This time will allow your sonographers to conduct a thorough examination and make sure that all aspect of your pregnancy are progressing as they should. The scan will also include a detailed report that explains the findings, giving you a clear understanding of your baby’s development at that stage. You’ll also receive up to four images from the scan which you can take home as a keepsake.

Do You Need a Full Bladder for the Scan?

A common question that most expectant mothers have is whether or not they need a full bladder when attending a scan. The answer to this can depend on the type of scan being carried out. For some early pregnancy scans, a full bladder helps the quality of images by pushing up the uterus making it easier to see the developing baby. Generally it’s recommended to arrive for your appointment with a full bladder. During the scan, it it’s determined that a full bladder isn’t necessary, then you’ll be given the opportunity to empty it before proceeding.

What If You Need to Cancel Your Appointment?

We understand that that sometimes you may need to cancel your appointment. Life can be unpredictable! If you find you need to cancel and make an alternative appointment, we would need 48 hours notice before your scheduled visit in order to give you a full refund.  We also know that unexpected circumstances can arise, so if you need to cancel within 48 hours, you can call us directly and we’ll do our best to accommodate your situation and assist in rescheduling. We can also assist you with any other concerns you may have.

What If You Have Booked a Scan Package but Don’t Need All the Scans?

Pregnancy can be a journey into the unknown, and unfortunately, not all pregnancies go to full term. Here at The Surrey Park Clinic, we understand that it can be extremely difficult when a pregnancy doesn’t progress as you’d hoped or planned. If you’ve purchased a scan package but don’t require all of the scans due to the pregnancy not continuing, we’ll refund you for the unused scans. This way you only pay for the services that you’ve used, and we hope this provides a little relief during what can be a challenging and distressing time.

Bringing a Companion to Your Scan

We would ask that you only bring one other adult with you to your appointment. It can be your partner or another support person. This minimises the number of people on site and helps to ensure a safe environment for everyone. We understand that childcare can be an issue, but at this time we do not allow children into the clinic, so planning accordingly will ensure that your appointment can go ahead without any added stress.

The Importance of Early Pregnancy Scans

An early pregnancy scan is usually performed between 8 and 10 weeks and is the first time you’ll get to see your baby. During this scan, the sonographer will confirm the presence of a gestational sac, check for a heartbeat and ensure that the pregnancy is developing as expected. This scan can be incredibly reassuring, especially if you have any concerns.

A 6 week scan is crucial for women who have experienced previous pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages, or for women who have had fertility treatments. At this early stage, the scan confirms whether the pregnancy is in the right location (inside the uterus) and determines whether it’s progressing normally. It’s also an opportunity to check for multiple pregnancies which can be vital information as you prepare for the months ahead.

Mid Pregnancy and Later Scans

You can have additional scans to monitor your baby’s growth and development. These scans can provide valuable information about the anatomy of the baby, its growth rate and position in the womb. They also offer the perfect opportunity to bond with your baby, as you can see more detailed images, especially after 26 weeks when you can get a 3D or 4D scan.

By 12 weeks a scan can be done to perform the nuchal translucency test, which asses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. At around 20 weeks, the anatomy scan provides a thorough check of the baby’s organs and limbs, and can generally reveal the gender of the baby if you wish to know. Later in the pregnancy growth scans can be performed to ensure that your baby is growing at a healthy rate, and to check the position of the placenta and the baby.

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, and each scan is a milestone that offers valuable insights and reassurance into your baby’s development. At the Surrey Park Clinic we are committed to providing you with the highest quality and standard of care throughout your pregnancy. From early confirmation at 6 weeks to more detailed scans later on, our professional and experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. We strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, providing you with all the information you need. With flexible scheduling, comprehensive services and a caring and compassionate team, we’ll give you the care you deserve during this special time.

HCG Pregnancy Blood Test: Do I need one?

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Pregnancy Test

Positive Pregnancy Test

What is an HCG Blood Test?

By H Boys (Registered Nurse)

 

Firstly, if you have just found out you are pregnant CONGRATULATIONS!!!

An HCG blood test can identify the presence and level of the pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin in a woman’s own blood sample. This is the same hormone that is picked up in the urine, with home pregnancy testing kits. At The Surrey Park Clinic, we offer the HCG blood test as a ‘same day’ result if required (£61.25 + nurse fee). Alternatively, we can offer a turnaround time of 24-48 hours (£49 + nurse fee).

Whilst the presence of the HCG hormone can identify a ‘positive’ test, it cannot confirm the stage of pregnancy or whether the pregnancy is progressing. The report will give a number (milli-international units per ml) alongside the lab parameters expected at a certain stage of pregnancy. It is important to note that these parameters can vary greatly from person to person.

 

“We offer an HCG blood test as a ‘same day’ result”

 

Some women may have been asked by their GP or specialist (a fertility specialist for example) to do an HCG blood test, so that they can monitor their levels closely.

HCG blood tests are not recommended as a replacement for home urine tests, which are just as effective at identifying a pregnancy, if taken at the appropriate time. The blood test is usually recommended if clinically indicated; for example, if a woman is under the care of a Fertility/Gynaecology specialist, if they are experiencing unusual cramping/spotting or if they have reason to be concerned that their pregnancy is not progressing. In this scenario, it is always best to take guidance from their GP or specialist before booking these tests. The doctor may suggest doing two or more tests, between 48 hour periods to see if the levels are doubling.

 

“HCG blood tests are not recommended as a replacement for home urine tests.”

 

Whilst an HCG blood test result can offer reassurance to a woman/couple in the early stages of pregnancy, it cannot be used as a diagnostic tool.  Unusual symptoms can be a normal part of early pregnancy, but in some cases further monitoring (including scanning) and medical support is required to rule out conditions including a biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In emergencies, it is recommended to seek medical advice via A&E or your local Early Pregnancy Unit.

If you do need to book an appointment, you can do so online by clicking here. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of the team for more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 454 016 / [email protected]

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Over the counter HRT

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Following last weeks announcement about over the counter HRT for women +50, here Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Jay Chatterjee talks about what you need to know.

Making HRT more accessible is definitely a step in the right direction, but it is important that women do not self diagnose. Seeking expert advice and guidance is fundamental to ensure that you are receiving the right treatment and dosage.

If you are concerned, worried or just need some advice around where to start, please do get in touch. Our team of experts and specialist doctors are here for you.

For more information about how we can help you or a loved one, please follow the link here. 

#BecauseYouMatter

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Putting your health first Podcast

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Our Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Lilian Ugwumadu was invited to speak on The Confidence Conversations Podcast, hosted by Joy Burnford. This episode focused on putting your health first, and as a busy working mother of two, Lilian knows all too well how easy it is to disregard your own health concerns. Do give this podcast a listen to find out why you should put your health first.

Here’s a snippet of the podcast and you can find the full episode here https://www.myconfidencematters.com/podcast/put-your-health-first

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Interested in Freezing your eggs?

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We are delighted to be hosting an information evening on egg freezing with our Medical Director and Fertility Specialist, Mr Emmanuel Kalu on February 16th at 7pm. More and more women are looking to freeze their eggs if they are not ready to start a family so this event will be very informative in understanding what is involved.

We are all born with a finite number of eggs and from the age of 35, not only do the number of eggs decline more rapidly, the quality of these eggs also deteriorates. Click here for information about egg freezing, or join Mr Kalu on the 16th February to find out more. Spaces are limited so please email [email protected] to secure your place.

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Next Fertility Open Evening – 7th February

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Our next Fertility Open evening will take place on the 7th February. Places are limited so please email [email protected] to confirm your place. Fertiltiy Consultant, Miss Petya Doncheva, will give you a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your fertility challenges and give you an overview of the options available to you. You can meet some of the members of the team and get a feel if we are the right clinic for you.

To find out more, please click here.

 

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Can new fertility device improve chances of pregnancy?

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Improving Chances of At Home Conception – Is it Possible?

We read with interest about the new Fertility device (Twoplus Fertility Sperm guide) that promises to increase the chances of conception by retaining sperm in the vagina for over an hour. The aim is to prevent sperm leakage after intercourse and create a rich pool of sperm in the vagina, thereby increasing the chances of fertilization by enabling more sperm cells to swim up into the uterine cavity.

The device is inserted into the vagina, and the male ejaculates sperm into the pouch of the device. Manufacturers of this device recommend that couples use a lubricant to minimize the male partner’s discomfort during intercourse. 

 

“Great interest among our patients; including same-sex couples who wish to explore self-insemination.”

 

Obviously, the development of any device that facilitates conception is always exciting to the Fertility community.

Although we are yet to see any scientific data to back the efficacy of this device, we anticipate that it would draw great interest among our patients; including same-sex couples who wish to explore self-insemination.

Obviously, the outcome of fertility treatment is influenced by various factors, which is why treatment must always be individualized. Each case is different, and it is essential to ensure that the treatment of choice is suitable for the individual patients.

“The outcome of fertility treatment is influenced by various factors.”

Devices like this would be much more effective for women who have a good understanding of their ‘body’.

It is extremely helpful for women to understand the ‘fertile window’ and to aim for insemination/intercourse at the time of optimum fertility.

The fertile window is best defined as the 6day interval ending on the day of ovulation. The viability of both eggs and sperm should be maximum during this time. Research has shown that peak fecundity was observed when intercourse occurred within 2 days before ovulation.  

Among women who have regular cycles, the likelihood of conception increases during the putative fertile window.

 

At home fertility device to help with conception

TwoPlus Fertility Device

 

 

Unfortunately, the timing of the fertile window within a given cycle can vary considerably, even in women who have regular cycles. Although fertility tracking methods (including calendars and apps; cervical monitoring, ovulation detection kits and basal body temperature tracking) can help assist patients to understand their own personal cycle characteristics. A major weakness of these predictor devices is that they are based on the assumption that the timing and duration of a woman’s fertile window are consistent and dependent on cycle length characteristics and trends. But we know that cycles are pretty much variable, and the timing of ovulation can vary from month to month and from woman to woman.

The calendar method is based on the length of the menstrual cycle. The length of the luteal phase (the part of the menstrual cycle after ovulation) is presumed to be about 14days. Thus, the day of ovulation would be cycle day 14 for women who have a 28-day cycle and day 16 for women with a 30days cycle.

 

“Unfortunately, the timing of the fertile window within a given cycle can vary considerably, even in women who have regular cycles.”

 

The fertile window, therefore, is set as the presumed day of ovulation and the 5 days prior (cycle day 9-14 in a 28 day cycle and cycle days 11-16 in women with a 30 day cycle etc).

Finally, it is important to note that sperm is motile and swims into the cervical canal extremely quickly and shortly after deposition in the vagina. Studies have shown that sperm deposited into the vagina at mid-cycle are found in the fallopian tube within 15 minutes. Sperm has been found in the cervical canal seconds after ejaculation, regardless of the coital position.

Although many women think that lying face upwards for some time after intercourse facilitates sperm transport and prevents leakage of sperm from the vagina, this belief is not backed by any scientific evidence. Lying still in bed or elevating the legs does not necessarily increase the chance to conceive. Motile sperm swims up the genital tract, and some seminal fluid leakage is normal.

Whilst we welcome new devices that help our patients conceive, it is important that the right patient group are identified for each treatment type, and treatment must be individualized.

 

For more information on the different fertility options available to you at The Surrey Park Clinic, please click here.

 

By

Mr Emmanuel Kalu MBBS, DFFP, FRCOG

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Specialist in Reproductive Medicine 

1 in 3 people do not attend their cervical screening

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The 17 – 23rd of January was cervical cancer prevention week. Cervical cancer is highly preventable with recent data showing the HPV vaccine is cutting cases of cervical cancer by nearly 90%. ⁠
⁠
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a high risk HPV virus. This sometimes causes changes in the cells in the cervix which may develop into cancer. ⁠
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Cervical screening helps detect if you carry the high risk HPV virus and if there are any changes to cells in the cervix. HPV is common, 8 out of 10 people will have it during their lifetime so having the high risk HPV virus doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop cervical cancer. But if screening picks up you do have it, you can be monitored and treated before the virus becomes cervical cancer.⁠
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Cervical screening is important even if you have had the HPV vaccine as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV. If you are nervous about going for screening, please talk to your medical practitioner as they will try to make you as comfortable as possible. The procedure only lasts a few minutes but could save your life. There are sadly around 850 people who die from cervical cancer a year so please make sure you attend your screening when invited. We also offer cervical screening here at The Surrey Park Clinic, so please get in touch if you’d like to book. You can book on-line (link in bio) or call 01483 454 016.⁠

 

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