Cervical Smear Screening

Dr. Lisa Fay is registered with the National Cervical Screening Programme (Cervical Check). This programme entitles all registered women between 25 and 60 years to free smear testing.

YOU MUST BE REGISTERED WITH CERVICAL CHECK TO AVAIL OF THIS SERVICE.
More details and to register call Freephone 1800 45 45 45 or online at www.icsp.ie
Once you are registered Cervical Check will send you a letter inviting you to get your free smear.

Entitlement under National Cervical Screening Service
If you are between the ages 25 – 44 years you are entitled to a smear once every three years.
If you are between 45 and 60 years ,you are entitled to a smear every five years.

If you are under 25, over 60 year of age or would like an additional test there will be a charge (€65 to €170 depending on how quickly you want your results)

The ideal time to have a smear test is midcycle i.e. 10 days 2 weeks after the first day of your last periods (unless you no longer are having periods, in which case you can book anytime).

It is important for all women to remain breast aware throughout their lives.

What changes should I be aware of?
• A change in size or shape- if one breast becomes larger than the other
• Changes in the nipple- In direction or shape, flattening , or pulling appearance
• Changes around the nipple – Ongoing rash, crusting of surrounding skin
• Changes in the skin – dimpling puckering or redness
• A lump of any size in your breast
• Constant breast pain
• Swelling in armpit or above collar bone

The 5 point breast awareness code
1. Know what is normal for you
2. Know what changes to look and feel for (see above)
3. Look and feel your breasts regularly so you know if there is a change
4. If there is a change it is vital that you schedule an appointment with your GP
5. You should be invited for breast screening once you are 50 yrs of age

Menopause and HRT Service

The term menopause means last menstrual bleed. During the menopause the production of the female hormone oestrogen declines.
The menopause can cause a range of the following symptoms
• hot flushes and night sweats
• Fatigue / tiredness
• Insomnia
• headaches
• vaginal dryness
• emotional symptoms

However, women can now be expected to live well into their eighties. Hand in hand with this increase in life expectancy comes a number of potential health risks that can serious affect women in the years after the menopause.
1. Osteoporosis - Bone loss which can cause crippling disease for older women
2. Heart disease - Women in Ireland have the highest incidence of heart disease in Europe
3. Breast cancer

We can offer a comprehensive menopausal assessment for women, determining their individual risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. We can also discuss the option of HRT as a symptomatic treatment for difficult menopausal symptoms on an individual basis.

Full Medical Profile for Women

What is Involved?
Prior to the consultation you will be given a medical questionnaire to complete at home, which helps to highlight any special concerns. The full consultation and examination including investigations only require one visit which lasts approximately one and a half hours. Subsequently a written health profile will be forwarded to you, outlining all results and recommendations made by your doctor.

What tests are usually carried out?
• Electrocardiograph (ECG)
• Spirometry
• Haematology profile (FBC)
• Liver Testing (LFT)
• Kidney Testing (U&E)
• Thyroid function test
• Cholesterol testing
• Fasting Glucose for diabetes
• Urine Analysis
• Faecal Occult Blood Test – Checking for blood in your stools
• Cervical Smear Test

Supplementary tests may be suggested and arranged in certain cases. These tests are carried out in the hospital setting and do carry an additional fee, for example:
• Chest Xray
• Stress/Exercise ECG
• Ultrasound Scan
• Mammogram
• DEXA Scan (for osteoporosis)

Why have a medical examination ?
Screening is the process of identifying a medical problem at it’s early stage, when treatment and management is much easier. A regular medical examination gives you useful information about your health and can sometimes also highlight familial conditions. Advice will be provided will regard to the management of any short-term and long-term medical problems. A full report is then sent to you regarding your results.

Appointments for Full Medicals
The female medicals are usually carried out by Dr. Lisa Fay.
As you will need to fast for at least 14 hours beforehand, we encourage patients to book early morning appointments.
To make the appointment, please contact our reception staff on 01-2000500 and a copy of your pre-assessment questionnaire will be forwarded.
Please remember to bring the completed questionnaire with you to your appointment.