Members of a support group, provide each other with various types of help and information for a particular shared difficulty.
The support may take the form of providing relevant information,
- relating personal experiences,
- listening to others' experiences,
- providing sympathetic understanding and
- establishing social networks.
A support group may also provide ancillary support, such as serving as a voice for the public or engaging in advocacy.
Support groups maintain interpersonal contact among their members in a variety of ways.
Support groups also maintain contact through printed information rich newsletters, telephone chains, internet forums, and mailing lists.
Support groups offer companionship and information for people coping with diseases or disabilities. Support groups may not be appropriate for everyone, and some find that a support group actually adds to their stress rather than relieving it.
Evaluation of the quality of Web sites is discussed in (internet information). You may find that several general women's health sites may help you (internet information). The following are more specialised relevant Web sites:-
This page was last reviewed 12th March 2008
HPV Support Group:
- http://www. Ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_community.cfm
- http://www.rdoc.org.uk/hpv.html
- hpv_online_help_groups.html
- http://www. Mdjunction.com/hpv
- www. Mja.com. Au/public/issues/oct21/farnsworth/farnsworth.html
- www. Pslgroup.com/dg/2277e.htm
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is the cervix?
- 2 What is a cervical polyp?
- 3 What is meant by cervical erosion (ectopy) and cervicitis?
- 4 What is the transformation zone?
- 5 What is a 'Paptest' (PAP test (cervical smear) test)
- 6 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows inflammation. Should I be worried?
- 7 What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre- malignant) cell?
- 8 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows abnormal cells. Does this mean that I have cancer?
- 9 What is meant by the terms pre-malignant cells, dyskaryosis, dysplasia and CIN?
- 10 What are the symptoms of pre-malignancy of the cervix?
- 11 What are benign and malignant tumours?
- 12 Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of my cervix?
- 13 What is colposcopy?
- 14 What treatments are available for pre-malignant conditions of the cervix?
- 15 Can pre-malignant conditions of the cervix be cured?
- 16 How can I be re-assured that the pre-malignant changes will not recur?
- 17 How can we prevent carcinoma of the cervix?
- 18 Is there a reason to screen for HPV?
- 19 Support Groups.
- 20 Are there any support groups?
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
