sexual health screening
At Harbour Health we provide full STI screening and treatment for all genders. We manage both routine and emergency checkups, including contraception. All of our team have received special training in management of Sexual Health issues and for many years we have provided full S.T.I. testing and treatment. At the moment we have the choice of male and female doctors.
As S.T.I. testing takes a little more time it is important that, when you are making your appointment, you either mention it is for STI testing or don’t specify but mention you need a half hour appointment. Friday afternoon is the only time we do not carry out full testing. If you book a normal appointment you may be asked to return either later in the day or the following day for completion of the testing. Unfortunately, we have to charge medical patients who request screening within the practice but can refer them to a local free STI screening service if they wish.
Our screen will include a physical examination, blood testing, probably urine testing and swabs. We will arrange for follow up of the results including, if necessary, a follow up appointment and treatment.
You don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. It is good practice to have regular checkups if you are at ongoing risk. We can also advise you on steps you can take to protect yourself such as immunization against specific risks for example hepatitis B and HPV.
FAMILY PLANNING
We provide a comprehensive family planning service. Dr McCarthy is a Family Planning Tutor and a LARC Tutor, (LARC includes inserting and removing I.U.D.'s of all kinds including the Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess and Copper Coils). The Implanon, the 'bar', is also inserted and removed in the practice). A comprehensive initial assessment is carried out following which the most appropriate form of contraception is suggested. All forms of contraception, including the combined pill, the 'mini' pill, barrier contraception and sterilisation counselling (including for Vasectomy)are available according to individual preference and suitability for the woman involved.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Ideally we hope in this practice to avoid needing emergency contraception but the reality is that it may sometimes be necessary. Currently there is a 'morning after pill' available in pharmacies. This may not be suitable for women over a certain weight or who have realised late that they need it. We provide a prescription which can be taken for up to five days after the event. A copper coil may also be put in in this timescale depending on the time in the cycle. If you are in doubt about whether you are at risk of becoming pregnant please come and see one of our team.