Experience with Instillagel(R) for hysterosonography and analgesia in a complex contraception clinic: a QIPP initiative.

Background: A significant number of women are referred with bleeding problems related to the use of hormonal contraception, for advice on management of heavy periods or following difficulty with intrauterine device insertion. The authors describe their experience with Instillagel(®) as the contrast medium for hysterosonography in a one-stop clinic for complex contraception referrals. They also comment on its analgesic properties for cervical and uterine instrumentation.

Countywide survey of the current practice of chlamydia detection in primary care.

Background: The Chief Medical Officer's (CMO's) Advisory Group on Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) published its report in 1998 and a national screening programme is anticipated. Meanwhile the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) reports that the number of positive diagnoses of genital chlamydia continued to rise throughout the last decade.

Objectives: To consider the current practice of Gloucestershire general practitioners (GPs) for detecting genital chlamydia infections, and based on the findings to help the development of local guidelines and sexual health service provision.