Well Woman Clinic

The purpose of the Well Woman Clinic is to screen women for Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease) and to assess their Cardiovascular Risk Score. Women are also screened for Heart Arrhythmias, risk of Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke), Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Osteoporosis, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Lung Disease, Arthritis, Bowel Conditions (including Bowel Cancer), Gout, Haemochromatosis and Allergies. Contraception, Menopause and Fertility are discussed, where applicable.

The Well Woman Clinic involves a detailed medical history assessment, including an assessment of alcohol consumption and smoking status. A thorough assessment of your family history is performed, including a sexual and mental health assessment. The aim of compiling a detailed family history is to screen patients for their individual risk of developing any illnesses going forward, to discuss current evidence-based preventative lifestyle and investigative measures to prevent and/or detect illness, as well as to discuss management plans for the future in order to ensure a tailor made patient risk reduction specific to their family history.

A comprehensive examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, nervous system (including a full memory assessment), breasts, cervix, skin and joints is performed. Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index are also assessed and an examination of your lung function will be performed. If needed, a 24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitor may be recommended during your assessment.

Urine is examined for evidence of infection, Diabetes or Kidney Disease.

Blood is taken to screen for Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Thyroid Disease, Ovarian Cancer, Bowel Cancer, Coeliac Disease, Gout, Haemochromatosis and various inflammatory conditions. Blood is also analysed to assess women’s fasting lipid profile (cholesterol), fasting glucose (to screen for diabetes), bone profile (calcium and vitamin D), hormone levels including ovarian reserve (where applicable) and an allergy test is performed.

An Electrocardiograph (ECG) is performed to further examine the heart and, if needed, a 24 Hour ECG may be recommended.

Smear tests can be performed as part of the Well Woman Clinic, by prior arrangement. Cooper MediCare is registered with Cervical Check, which facilitates free cervical screening for women between the ages of 25 and 60 years. Patients outside of this age bracket can avail of private smear services at Cooper MediCare. Please visit www.cervicalcheck.ie or call 1850 454 555 for information on how to register for free screening.

A follow-up appointment with the doctor will be arranged ten days later. All results will be explained to you and a personalised lifestyle plan will be discussed with you. Depending on your results, medication or further investigations may be recommended.

Health Screening is eligible for Tax Relief. You can log on to www.revenue.ie for a MED 1 form for information on how to claim. Some insurance companies (VHI, LAYA, Glo Health, AVIVA) reimburse their members for Health Screening. Please check your eligibility for this with your health insurance provider.

For further information regarding the Well Woman Clinic, please contact a member of our reception team.