Sexual Health, Contraception & Womens+ Health
Important: Bleeding on HRT - New Guidance
New information from Dr Catherine Munro, GP Partner:
There has been some new guidance released from the British Menopause Society which has classified high dose oestrogen as either:
- 100mcg oestrogen patch
- 4 pumps of oestrogel
- 6 pumps of lenzetto spray
If you are prescribed HRT at this dose and you are taking micronized progesterone (Utrogestan) then we will be contacting you to increase your dose to 2 tablets daily (200mg) if you are on a continuous dose or 3 tablets daily (300mg).
If you have a mirena coil in place or have had a hysterectomy, then there is no action to be taken.
This advice has come out in an effort to reduce the number of women who experience bleeding on HRT and also to ensure the womb lining is adequately protected from thickening.
Written Monday 20th May 2024
We offer:
- Sexual Health Screening for men and women
- Emergency Contraception including emergency Intrauterine Device (coil) fitting
- Contraception advice and prescribing
- Contraceptive implant and Intrauterine device (coil) fitting and removal
- Assessment of menstrual problems
- Assessment of genital symptoms like discharge, soreness or itchiness
- Menopause care advice
- Assessment of continence and vaginal prolapse including fitting and changing of vaginal pessaries
Contraception
We're keen to support you to make the best contraception choice for you. Please take a look at Contraception Choices for more information and to help you make the right decision.
How to book
If you are starting Contraception for the first time, please book an appointment with a clinician to discuss this further.
If you need a repeat prescription for your contraceptive pill, please contact us and we can send you a form to complete which may save you an appointment.
Please note, we will need a blood pressure reading from you and will not be able to process your prescription without one.
Menopause
We want to support all patients experiencing symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
If this is you, please download a Menopause Symptom Tracker app (e.g. Balance – Homepage (balance-menopause.com) and start to keep a record of your symptoms.
If you wish to discuss your symptoms further, please book an appointment and we will be happy to discuss your symptoms and best treatment options.
Menopause Café
Dr Catherine Munro, one of the GP partners at the practice, hosts an informal Menopause group gathering quarterly allowing people to chat about their experiences and get support from those with expertise such as Dr Munro.
Join their Facebook group for more advice about all things Menopause and for future meeting dates:
South Lakes Menopause & Wellbeing Hub | Facebook
HRT Prescriptions
If you are on HRT (not Testosterone), you can get a HRT Prepayment Certificate from the NHS, which will cost £19.30 for 12 months and will save you money if you will need more than 2 prescription items in 12 months.
Find out more here - NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) | NHSBSA
What To Expect In Your Appointment
Cervical Smears
Our Practice Nurses offer cervical screening for women aged 25-60, you will receive a letter inviting you to book an appointment.
To find out more about what to expect in your appointment, see this link What happens at your cervical screening appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you would like to speak to a clinician before your appointment, please let the Care Navigator know.
Implants, Coils and Injections
Please continue your current contraception until your appointment, so that we can ensure there is no risk of pregnancy before the fit. You will be advised on when you can safely stop your other contraception.
Coil fittings/changes
If your coil is being changed, please abstain from intercourse in the 7 days before your appointment.
Please let us know if you have had any new partners so we can assess the risk of an STI.
We also recommend that you take paracetamol/ibuprofen 1 hour before your appointment.
What coil do you have, and when can it be changed?
There are now a few types of hormone coils. Make sure you know which one you have.
If you are unsure of which coil you have, and when it can be changed please refer to the guidance you were given at the time of fitting.
If you have misplaced your card with the dates on, please check on the NHS app when it was fitted, or send a message to our Care Navigators who can check for you - Contact us about your request (accurx.com)
| Mirena | If used for HRT - 5 years | Kyleena | 5 years | |
| If used for contraception - 8 years | (not licensed for HRT) | |||
| If fitted when age 45 or older, can stay until age 55 | ||||
| Jaydess | 3 years | Benilexa | If used for HRT - 5 years | |
| (not licensed for HRT) | If used for contraception - 6 years | |||
| Copper Coils | Most can stay for 10 years, unless you have been told otherwise |
Useful Links
Menopause
- South Lakes Menopause & Wellbeing Hub is a facebook community founded by Dr Munro who is a BMS Accredited Advanced Menopause Specialist. Find out about local support and things that are happening the community such as regular Menopause Cafes and talks. Find them here - South Lakes Menopause & Wellbeing Hub | Facebook
- Womens Health Concern
- Rock My Menopause
Family Planning
- Family Planning Association are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK. See their website - www.fpa.org.uk or call them on 0300 1237 123
