Services & Treatments

What Cervical Screening is

A cervical screening test checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.

It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer from developing.

Screening first looks to see if you have any of the high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer.

If HPV is found, your same test sample will be checked to see if you have any abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in your cervix.

This is a new way of screening. It is called HPV cervical screening. It was introduced in Ireland in March 2020.

HPV cervical screening:

• is a better way of cervical screening
• prevents more cancers
• means some people will have fewer tests

If you have had a smear test in the past, having a cervical screening test will feel the same.

Key things to know about cervical screening

• It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer from developing.
• All people with a cervix aged 25 to 65 should be invited for regular free screening by letter.
• During the screening test, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix.
• The sample is tested for human papillomavirus (HPV).
• HPV can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix.
• HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.
• If your sample tests positive for HPV, we will check for abnormal cells.
• Abnormal cell changes are sometimes called pre-cancerous cells.
• In most cases, it takes 10 to 15 years for cells in the cervix to go from normal to pre-cancer to cancer.
• Finding HPV or abnormal cells early means you can be monitored or treated so they do not turn into cervical cancer.
• You'll get your results by letter, usually about 4 to 6 weeks after your screening test.

What happens at a Cervical Screening Test appointment?

During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.

The test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 15 minutes.

You will be able to:

• ask for a female GP or nurse to take your screening test
• have a friend or family member in the room with you

Before your cervical screening test

It's useful to bring your Personal Public Service (PPS) number with you. This will help us to make sure we identify your correct records so that we can keep them up-to-date.

Before starting, we will explain what will happen during the test.

You should be told:

• that your sample will be tested for HPV first – this is because of HPV cervical screening
• the benefits and limitations of screening
• the screening test process
• how your data will be shared
• to sign a consent form

If you have never had penetrative sex, you may find the test uncomfortable. Discuss this with us. We are there to help you feel comfortable.

Things that can make the test easier

Things you can try that might make the test better for you include:

• wearing something you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or long jumper
• bringing someone with you for support
• taking slow, deep breaths to help you relax
• asking us to use a smaller speculum
• asking us about lying in a different position

Things to look out for after cervical screening

You may have some spotting or light bleeding after your test. This is very common and should go away in a few hours.

Giving your consent

You’ll be asked to give consent each time you have a screening test by signing a form called a cervical screening form.

You'll be given the form at your appointment. You should be given time before your screening test to read it.

If you would like to see the form, you can download the cervical screening form (PDF, 3 pages, 500KB) here.

Only you can give your consent.

This is to confirm that you:

• have been told about cervical screening and its benefits and limitations
• understand this information
• have checked that your name, address and other details are correct
• allow us to receive, hold and exchange your personal information with those who deliver the programme

If you cannot sign the form, you will be asked to give your consent either verbally or by making a mark on the form.

You can withdraw your consent at any time. Contact the Cervical Check helpline on freephone 1800 45 45 55 or email: info@cervicalcheck.ie

Informed consent

Before signing the form, ask us any questions you have. This will help you give informed consent.

You should understand:

• the benefits and limitations of screening
• the possibility that your sample may also be tested for abnormal cells
• the likelihood and meaning of a normal result
• what it means if you are called back for further tests
• when and how you will get your result
• how your data will be shared with those delivering the programme

Most of this information will be given to you with the consent form.

Only sign the consent form when you feel you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Contraception

There are many methods of contraception available to women and men. It’s important to choose contraception that fits your situation and lifestyle.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your contraceptive choices with your GP, as you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.

Remember too that using ‘dual protection’ (condoms with another method of contraception) will help you to have safer sex. Plan ahead and carry contraception with you as the most common reason why people do not use contraception is because they had sex when they weren’t planning to or when they were unprepared.

Condoms offer the best protection from both an unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

At Daly's Lane Medical Practice, we provide a wide range of services for Men. We know that men often are reluctant to express any issues that they are experiencing unless they feel something is seriously wrong. It is very important to have regular check ups to stay on top of your health and well-being.

As Men age it is vitally important to keep on top of your health.

20's and 30's

It is important to go for a check up these topics regularly:

• Weight and waist measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Testicular Cancer- if you feel an unusual lump or bump on your testicle
• Skin Cancer - if you notice a mole or growth that looks suspicious or has increased in size
• Blood Cholesterol and Glucose
• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

40's and 50's

It is important to go for a check up these topics regularly:

• Weight and waist measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Eye Checks
• Hearing Checks
• Bowel Cancer Screening
• Cholesterol and Glucose levels
• Blood Tests
• Mental Health
• Sexual Health

60's and 70's

It is important to go for a check up these topics regularly:

• Weight and waist measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Eye Checks
• Hearing Checks
• Bowel Cancer Screening
• Cholesterol and Glucose levels
• Blood Tests
• Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines
• Bone Density Check
• Mental Health
• Sexual Health

The seasonal flu vaccine (flu jab) protects against 4 strains of flu virus. These are the strains most likely to be circulating this flu season.

The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.

You need to get a new vaccine every Autumn. This is because the strains of the flu virus change. This is why it is called seasonal flu. But people commonly call it flu.

You should get your flu vaccine during the Autumn, to be covered for flu season.

Flu vaccine is recommended

Some people are more at risk of getting complications if they catch flu.

You can get the flu vaccine for free if you:

• are 65 years of age and over
• are pregnant
• are a child aged 2 to 17 years (new for 2020/2021)
• are an adult or child aged 6 months or older with a long-term health condition like
  • chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome
  • chronic liver disease
  • chronic renal failure
  • chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
  • diabetes mellitus
  • haemoglobinopathies
  • morbid obesity i.e. body mass index (BMI) over 40
  • immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (including treatment for cancer)
  • are a child with a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy
• were born with Down syndrome
• live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

Some people should get the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and those they care for.

These include those who:

• work in healthcare
• are a carer or live with someone who is at risk of flu because of a long-term health condition
• are a carer or live with someone who has Down syndrome

People who are in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl should get the flu vaccine.

If you are in an at-risk group, you should get the flu vaccine during Autumn.

How the flu vaccine works

The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies (proteins that fight infection). If you have had the flu vaccine and you come into contact with the flu virus, the vaccine can stop you from getting sick

The flu vaccine starts to work within 2 weeks.

You need to have the flu vaccine every year. This is because the antibodies that protect you decline over time. Flu strains can also change from year to year.

Safe and effective flu vaccine

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself from getting the flu.

It will not stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary. So it's not a 100% effective and you may still get flu.

But if you do get flu after you have the vaccine, it's likely to be milder and you will recover more quickly.

Flu vaccines usually reduce the risk of infection by 40-60%.

Flu vaccines also reduce:

• the severity of illness
• complications from influenza
• flu-related hospitalisations
• admissions to critical care units

Flu vaccines have been given to millions of people worldwide for over 60 years, including pregnant women. Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild.

There is no aluminium, thiomersal, mercury, gelatin or porcine gelatin in the Quadrivalent Inactivated Influneza vaccine used in the 2020/2021 campaign.

There are very small amounts of gelatin/porcine gelatin in the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (Fluenz) for children aged 2-17 years old. Gelatin is used as a stabiliser and is different from gelatin found in food as it is processed and broken down into small fragments.

All medicines, including flu vaccines, require licensing by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Any harmful effects should be reported to the HPRA.

Flu vaccine side effects

You may have a mild fever and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the vaccine. Your arm may also be a bit sore where you got the injection.

Serious side effects of the flu vaccine are very rare.

When you should not get the flu vaccine

You should not get the flu vaccine if you:

• have had a severe allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction to a previous flu vaccine or any part of the vaccine.
• are taking medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors, for example, ipilimumab plus nivolumab
• are ill with a temperature greater than 38 degrees Celsius - you should wait until you are well before getting the vaccine.
• If you have an egg allergy, you should talk to your GP about getting the vaccine.

The 2020 / 2021 flu vaccine

This year's seasonal flu vaccine contains protection against 4 strains of flu virus. These are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the strains most likely to be circulating this season.

The four strains are:

• an A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
• an A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus
• a B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
• a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus

The 2020/2021 HSE seasonal vaccination programme will offer 2 vaccines

• the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (split virion, inactivated) manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur for people with long term conditions.
• the Fluenz Tetra nasal spray suspension Influenza vaccine (live attenuated, nasal) manufactured by AstraZeneca AB for children aged 2 to 12 years

Before travelling abroad, ensure that you and your family/companions are up to date with their routine vaccination schedule including MMR. We provide more specific advice on travel vaccinations, depending on your destination.

If traveling to a remote location we recommend getting your vaccines checked six months in advance.