Keeping Healthy Down Below

Having a smear test can be worrying. For women with intellectual disabilities there is the added fear of not understanding what is happening. This book is designed to support women like Carol who is invited to have a smear test. It begins with a nurse telling Carol and her friends how to stay healthy 'down below'. It goes on to explain what happens to Carol from receiving the invitation for a smear test, making the preliminary visit to the GP practice, deciding whether she will have the smear or not, having the smear, and receiving the results. We then see her being recalled for a further test. Feelings, information and consent are all addressed. Ideally this book should be used to prepare women before going to have a smear test. It will also be invaluable to GPs, practice nurses and health and other professionals to use during preparatory visits by women with intellectual disabilities, and when women come for a smear test.