Women's Healthcare in PHC

What is the GP’s overarching role in women’s health across the life course?

Providing continuous, holistic care from adolescence through menopause, covering menstrual issues, contraception, fertility, antenatal/postnatal care, screening, and mental health.

What percentage of teenage girls experience severe dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)?

20-25%

Name two first-line treatments for painful periods in adolescents.

NSAIDs (Non‑Steroidal Anti‑Inflammatory Drugs) and lifestyle measures (exercise, heat).

What are the three main categories of contraception?

Non-hormonal, hormonal, and permanent methods.

Give two examples of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Progesterone implant and hormonal coil.

What factors must be assessed before prescribing combined hormonal contraception (CHC)?

Age, smoking status, medical history, blood pressure, BMI, and drug interactions.

Why is cervical screening still needed after HPV vaccination?

the vaccine protects against 9 HPV types, but not all oncogenic strains.

After how long trying to conceive should a couple be assessed for infertility?

12 months.

Name two pre-conception blood tests recommended by GPs.

Rubella immunity and varicella immunity.

Why was Jane not eligible for publicly funded AHR?

Her BMI exceeded the eligibility threshold.

What scheme covers routine antenatal GP care in Ireland?

The Mother and Child Scheme.

What tool is used to screen for postnatal depression?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Name two GP management options for postnatal depression.

Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) and antidepressant medication.

List three common menopausal symptoms.

Hot flushes, sleep disturbance, low libido.

How does duration of HRT use affect breast cancer risk?

No increased risk if used <1 year; risk increases with longer use.

How does obesity compare to HRT in terms of breast cancer risk?

Obesity increases breast cancer risk six times more than combined HRT.

What lifestyle factors should be addressed when discussing HRT?

BMI, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk.

What is the GP’s role in STI screening for sexually active women?

Offering testing, education, and referral to STI clinics when needed.

What are the two routine postnatal GP check-ups?

The 2‑week baby check and the 6‑week mother & baby check.

What is the GP’s role in fertility care?

Lifestyle assessment, screening bloods, STI testing, cervical screening, folic acid advice, and referral to fertility hubs.