What Female GPS Really Want You To Know

Four female doctors reveal their top advice about women’s health issues

A SMEAR TEST SHOULDN’T BE UNCOMFORTABLE

Speculums are used to open the vagina so your doctor can see the cervix to take a sample. ‘The good news is there is more than one size,’ says Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, a GP with an interest in women’s health from Lichfield, Staffs. ‘Different speculums can be used to make the test easier for you.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A PERIOD EVERY MONTH

You can stop periods with no risks to your health,’ says Dr Natalie Atere-Roberts, a GP with Dr Morton’s medical helpline (drmortons.co.uk). ‘One way is to go on the pill and take packs back to back, stopping your periods for three months. Take a week’s break then repeat the process – cutting the number you have to four a year. If you just want to delay one – say, if you’re going on holiday – you can use a drug called norethisterone. Take it three to four days before your period is due and for as long as you want to delay it, though you should take it for no more than 17 days. Your period will start two to three days after you stop taking the drug.’ Ask your GP for more advice.

YOU CAN TEST FOR THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER