What is a well woman clinic?

Many GP surgeries offer a well woman clinic where you may be seen by a female doctor or a female practice nurse.

The well woman clinic will often provide advice on:

They may also provide emergency contraception.

In addition, you may be able to discuss your general health and have your urine, weight, cholesterol and blood pressure checked.

Some local hospitals also run well woman clinics, for which you don't need a referral from your GP. An appointment may not always be necessary. Ring your GP surgery for information.

If neither your GP surgery nor local hospital runs a specific well woman clinic many practice nurses are able to give breast awareness advice, do cervical smears and provide a review of contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

There are also private health organisations that run well woman clinics, carrying out extensive health checks for women for a fee. You can find details of these in your local phone book.

Further information:

Last reviewed: 04/04/2013

Next review due: 03/04/2015