Latest updates on women’s sexual health
There has been a growing global focus on women’s sexual health, with various initiatives and technological advancements aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women. For example, there has been increased attention on addressing gender-based violence, which significantly impacts women’s sexual health.
Additionally, there has been progress in the development of new contraceptive methods that are more user-friendly and accessible. However, there are still significant barriers to access to sexual and reproductive health services for many women, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated these challenges, with disruptions to supply chains and healthcare services impacting women’s access to contraceptives, safe abortion services, and other essential sexual and reproductive health services.
Women’s sexual health
The stigma of intimate examinations still causes extreme anxiety in many women throughout the UK.
Perceptions about the disclosure of your sexual behaviour add to the fear, leaving many women avoiding appointments.
Recently we have seen a drop in routine cervical screening, leaving some areas of the UK with a 50% decrease in attendance. Studies have also shown an overall drop in attendance with both men and women between the ages of 16-44.
Many private surgeries are practising and developing new techniques to ease the process and create better doctor/patient communication.
Electronic consultation systems, such as video calls, phone appointments and online test kits have all come to the fore in recent months, along with surgeries employing both male and female doctors to ensure clients have better options when visiting the surgery.
Here at our surgery in Canary Wharf, we have already enrolled a full electronic consultation, booking and ordering system. This includes –
Phone and video consultations
To book an appointment, you follow the same steps as booking a face-to-face appointment. Simply choose the time that suits you, fill in your details and make payment. You will receive a confirmation email with your video booking link.
E-STI testing
Our home e-STI testing kits are sent out discreetly to your home address. The relevant equipment is provided along with a form and a prepaid envelope to send your test back.
Your details do not appear on any return envelopes, keeping it completely confidential.
We also have the added benefit of two new female doctors who joined us this month.
Dr Kat Fu MBBS BSc MRCGP
I would like to introduce and welcome a new member to the team, Dr Kat Fu.
Dr Fu graduated from Imperial College London in 2010. During this time she also gained an intercalated BSc in Management at Imperial Business School.
Her experience includes, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Medicine, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics and in General Practice. She became a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2015. She also has a special interest in Diabetes care.
Kat works in both NHS and Private Practice and approaches her patients with empathy and believes in supportive and holistic patient care.
If you would like to book in with Dr Fu she is usually in clinic on a Thursday.
Dr Preeti Gill MBBS MRCGP DFRSH
We would like to welcome Dr Preeti Gill to our team here at Dr Wayne Cottrell/Freedom clinics:
Dr Gill graduated with distinction in 2008, from King’s College London.
In 2013 she completed her vocational training, qualified as a GP, and passed her MRCGP that year.
In addition to her general practice skills, she also has a Diploma in Reproductive and Sexual Healthcare. With experience in paediatrics, ophthalmology, gynaecology and psychiatry both in the private and NHS sector.
“I am very passionate about primary health care and preventative medicine.”
If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Gill, she is available on Fridays.
We also offer same-day appointments and are an LGBTQIA-friendly practice.
We try to offer as many options as possible to encourage patients to attend their sexual health checkups and appointments here in the centre of London.
Super Gonorrhoea
Super Gonorrhoea has been diagnosed in two more women in the UK, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of sexual health awareness and taking a common sense approach.
The two women, who remain unnamed, have connections to Ibiza, with one recently travelling there and having unprotected sex and the other having sexual contact with a male who had recently visited Ibiza. This is the first-ever case of a super Gonorrhoea diagnosis for a British citizen with no link to Asia.
Although diagnosis in the UK is rare, health chiefs have warned that the infection ‘has the potential to spread globally’.
HIV scientific breakthrough
A London man could soon become the second person ever to be cured of HIV after receiving a haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
The news comes 10 years after the first case known as ‘The Berlin Patient’.
After receiving treatment from specialists at University College London and Imperial College, the patient named ‘The London Patient’ now shows no sign of the virus.
Although it is believed the man is now cured, he will continue to be, and monitoring will continue.
Sadiq Khan called on the Government to ensure PrEP is available “to all who need it”
Talks still continue over the estimated £3 million cost of extending a trial providing free pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
While London councils and the Government fight over this “HIV wonder drug”, the London Mayor spoke out, saying – “I’m shocked that the Government is failing to provide local authorities in London with the funding they need to provide PrEP to all those who could benefit”.
Cervical screenings campaign
With 2 women dying each day of cervical cancer and screening appointments hitting an all-time low, Public Health England produced its first-ever advertising campaign.
The new ‘Cervical Screening Saves Lives’ campaign aims to encourage women to attend their cervical screening appointments.
The new campaign also includes screening invitation letters, leaflets, and results letters.
LGBT news
The minister for women and equalities, Penny Mordaunt, has appointed the first-ever national adviser for LGBT health.
Dr Michael Brady will advise the government on how to tackle inequality in the healthcare 
system. These include addressing LGBT issues in physical and mental health services, improving awareness of LGBT issues within the industry and implementing sexual orientation monitoring throughout the NHS.
Here at our London clinic we fully support all communities and welcome anyone who may be worried about their sexual health or need extra support. We will always provide you with clear and accurate advice based on current British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines.