HPV testing within the UK national screening programme

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) has announced that from April 2011 human papillomavirus (HPV) testing will be incorporated into the national screening programme in England. Initially, HPV testing will be used for the triage of borderline and mildly dyskaryotic smears, but there are also plans for its use as a ‘test of cure’ following treatment for cervical abnormalities. What will be the implications for colposcopy clinics, health professionals and women?

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Sexual history and the partner history in general practice

Why are doctors reluctant to take a partner's sexual history? Sensitive ways of broaching the subject are discussed in this article.

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Perception of young people's contraceptive services in the UK

This systematic review of 59 studies looked at the views of both providers and young people on services providing contraception. Young people themselves were most worried about confidentiality and anonymity. Other key themes were their perception of services, accessibility, embarrassment, the clinic environment and aspects of its organisation. These …