Sexual Health

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  Controversies in cervical screening
The current cervical screening programme in the UK offers women a liquid-based cytology smear test every 3 years from the age of 25. We are not routinely screening for HPV status or using this information in risk stratification.
  Obstetric outcomes following treatment of CIN
Each year large numbers of women of childbearing age undergo treatment for CIN. Only a minority of these lesions would develop into invasive carcinoma. At present, it is not possible to predict which. The impact of this treatment on future pregnancies is important to these women.
  Genital Herpes
From 1994 to 2005 there was a 15% increase in cases of first attacks of genital herpes.
  Vaginal discharge
This was a rare occasion in the BMJ – the clinical review was written by GPs!
  Cervical screening and HPV vaccination programme
Cervical screening and cancer have been in the media spotlight in the past 12 months.
  Ulipristal

Ulipristal (ellaOne) is a newly available oral emergency contraceptive. It is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) which is licensed for oral emergency contraception for up to 120 hours after UPSI.
  Chlamydia screening in primary care
SIGN have recently updated their guidance on testing and treating for this condition. They highlight the most high risk groups where funding for screening should be targeted.
  The COCP and cancer
This is an important epidemiological study of the links between the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) and ovarian cancer.
  COCP and venous thromboembolism risk
The increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is well established. However, there has been significant debate over recent years as to the relative safety of different COCP preparations. No COCP increases the risk of VTE as much as pregnancy.
  Qlaira–'the natural oestrogen COCP'
Qlaira is a new combined oral contraceptive pill which is being marketed by Bayer as "the first and only COC to deliver the same oestrogen as produced by a woman's body". The theory is that it might produce fewer side-effects and therefore improve concordance with treatment. It has been reviewed by the DTB.
  Antibiotics and the COCP
The Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care have recently updated their guidance on advising women taking the combined oral contraceptive pill about drug interactions. 
  Missed pill rules update
When the rules on 'missed pills' changed some years ago, they caused confusion amongst clinicians and patients. The Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care have updated these recommendations to make them simpler to follow:
  Management of PID
These new guidelines on the management of PID are designed for use in GUM clinics but the authors comment that the principles should apply to level 1 and 2 providers – this includes general practice!