What is a female health check?
A female health check is a comprehensive ultrasound MOT for women, covering the breasts and armpits, the abdominal organs and the pelvis in one appointment. It is designed to find common conditions early, or simply to give you peace of mind, with the results explained before you leave.
What does the female health check include?
The female health check includes ultrasound of:
- Both breasts and both armpits
- The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys
- The abdominal aorta
- The womb, its lining and both ovaries
Everything is explained during the appointment and summarised in one report.
Can I have a female health check without symptoms?
Yes. Many women book a female health check with no symptoms at all, for peace of mind, after a family member’s diagnosis, at a milestone birthday, or because it has been a while since their last check. If you do have symptoms, tell us so the scan can focus on them.
Is a female health check the same as a well woman check?
A well woman check usually means a GP or clinic review of general health, often with blood pressure, blood tests and a smear. Our female health check is an imaging-based check: an ultrasound of the breasts, armpits, abdomen and pelvis, which looks at the organs themselves. Many women use both.
Does the female health check include blood tests?
The female health check is an ultrasound assessment and does not include blood tests as standard. Blood tests, such as a full blood count, hormones, thyroid function or CA125, can be arranged at the same visit if you would like them or your specialist recommends them.
What can a female health check find?
Common findings include breast cysts and fibroadenomas, gallstones, fatty liver, kidney cysts, fibroids, ovarian cysts and changes in the womb lining. Most are benign and simply documented; anything that needs attention is explained with a clear next step.
Can an ultrasound detect breast cancer?
Ultrasound can show features of breast cancer and is excellent for assessing lumps and dense breasts. It does not replace mammography, which finds tiny changes ultrasound can miss, so women over fifty should continue NHS breast screening, and your specialist may suggest a mammogram if you are over forty.
Can a female health check detect ovarian cancer?
It examines both ovaries and can show cysts or masses, and features that need further tests. It cannot rule out every early cancer, and there is no proven screening test for ovarian cancer in women at average risk. If you have persistent bloating or a family history, tell us; a CA125 blood test can be arranged.
What age should I have a female health check?
There is no single right age. Many women book from their thirties or forties, at the menopause, or when they have a family history of breast, ovarian or bowel conditions. Your specialist will tell you a sensible interval for your next check based on your findings and history.
Does a female health check replace cervical or breast screening?
No. Keep attending NHS cervical screening (smear tests) and breast screening when invited. The female health check complements them by examining areas they do not cover, such as the abdomen and ovaries, and by looking at the breasts with ultrasound.
Will I need an internal scan?
Yes, as standard: the pelvic part is performed transvaginally because it gives the clearest view of the womb lining and ovaries. A chaperone is always offered, the scan is gentle and brief, and you can decline or stop at any time. If you would prefer it through the tummy, tell us when you book and arrive with a full bladder.
How should I prepare for the female health check?
Fast for four hours beforehand (water is fine) and arrive with an empty bladder, because the pelvic part is performed transvaginally. If you would prefer a transabdominal pelvic scan, drink a litre of water 45 to 60 minutes before instead. Take your usual medication and wear a two-piece outfit.
How long does a female health check take?
Allow around forty-five minutes to an hour. That includes a short conversation, the scans of each area, and time for the specialist to explain the findings before you leave.
How much does a female health check cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private female health check costs £600, all fees inclusive: the breast, armpit, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, the specialists’ time, and your combined written report and images.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a female health check in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a female health check near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private female health check costs, the answer is published before you book: £600, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street female health check comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
