We deliver comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare to women living with HIV. 

The Royal Free Hospital was the first HIV unit in the country to have a dedicated women's clinic and we are always thinking of new ways to improve and widen these services as they continue. 

Cervical screening

Women with HIV need more frequent smear tests. 

Some women choose to have these at their GP, but if you prefer to have them done in the Ian Charleson Day Centre at the Royal Free Hospital, we have smear clinics on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. 

You can book an appointment through our reception by calling 020 3758 2029.

Gynaecology clinic

Our gynaecology clinic is run by a consultant gynaecologist. 

Women may be referred to this for advice regarding contraception, fitting of coils and implants and management of gynaecological problems including menopausal symptoms.

To be referred to one of our gynaecology clinics, please speak to your doctor or nurse.

Coping with menopause and HIV

We know some women living with HIV may suffer from long and severe menopause symptoms. 

Please talk to your doctor if you are having any symptoms of menopause and you can be referred to our gynaecology clinics for a discussion with our gynaecology consultant.

For more information on living with HIV and the menopause, visit the Sofia Forum website.

HIV and pregnancy

We support your HIV and pregnancy needs by providing a holistic, discreet and multi-professional approach for you and your family.

Your pregnancy care will be provided by a specialist midwife and obstetrician, who both have experience and special interest in working with women living with HIV, together with an HIV consultant and the wider HIV pregnancy team.

We also work closely with perinatal mental health teams.

The team works together to plan individualised pregnancy care for each woman’s pregnancy, birth and infant feeding preference, aiming to normalise the pregnancy and birth as much as possible and prevent HIV transmission to the baby.

We also provide specialist postnatal support including infant feeding specialists and in-house paediatric testing. 

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening

If you have symptoms of an STI, you can ask to see one of our sexual health nurses. 

If you do not have any symptoms, but want a check-up, just ask your HIV doctor or one of our nurses.