Gynaecologist in La Ràpita: check-ups, cervical screening and when to seek advice

The gynaecology clinic at Institut Mèdic Especialitzat La Ràpita (IME) sees women from Montsià and the Terres de l’Ebre area with Dr Judit Barberà Temprado and Dr Francesc Pérez Ceresuela. This article explains how often cervical screening is recommended in Catalonia and which symptoms are a reason to book an appointment. You can book on +34 697 38 07 86, by WhatsApp or through Doctoralia via our contact page, and read more on our gynaecology page.

How often do I need a smear test?

Cervical screening looks for changes before they cause symptoms. In Catalonia, the Catalan Health Department’s programme is for people with a cervix who have become sexually active, and works as follows (Canal Salut, 2026):

Age	Test	If the result is normal
25 to 29	Cytology (smear test)	Repeated after 3 years
30 to 65	Human papillomavirus (HPV) test	Repeated after 5 years

For most people, screening stops at 65. In the public health system, these tests are free at the sexual and reproductive health services (ASSIR) (Canal Salut, 2026).

Across Spain, the Ministry of Health updated the programme in May 2025: HPV testing now starts at 30, and HPV vaccination status is taken into account in screening women aged 25 to 29 (Santos-Rangel et al., 2026).

Why is HPV testing used now?

Because it gives better protection. In the follow-up of four large European trials involving more than 176,000 women, HPV-based screening gave 60–70% greater protection against invasive cervical cancer than cytology, and the authors support starting HPV testing at 30 and spacing tests at least 5 years apart (Ronco et al., 2014).

What happens at a gynaecology appointment?

The gynaecologist reviews your history and the reason for your visit and, depending on your age and circumstances, suggests the examination and tests you need, including screening when it is due. Please bring any previous reports or test results. Ask us which tests can be done at IME itself.

When should I book without waiting for a check-up?

According to the US National Library of Medicine, you should seek advice if (MedlinePlus, 2025):

• You have unexplained bleeding between periods.
• You have any bleeding after the menopause.
• Your periods are very heavy.
• Bleeding comes with pelvic pain, tiredness or dizziness.
• You are pregnant and have any bleeding.

Bleeding outside your period has many possible causes: hormonal changes, polyps or fibroids, infections, an IUD, vaginal dryness after the menopause, stress or some medicines, among others. It can also be due to precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix or womb, which is why it needs checking (MedlinePlus, 2025).

Warning sign: bleeding after the menopause

A meta-analysis of 129 studies involving more than 40,000 women found that 91% of women with endometrial (womb) cancer had experienced bleeding after the menopause. At the same time, only about 9% of women with such bleeding had endometrial cancer (Clarke et al., 2018). In other words, it is rarely cancer, but it is the signal that allows early detection, so any bleeding after the menopause should be checked.

Gynaecology at IME in La Ràpita

IME’s gynaecology clinic is run by Dr Judit Barberà Temprado and Dr Francesc Pérez Ceresuela. The centre is at Av. del Dr. Ferran, 73, 43540 La Ràpita, and also sees patients from Amposta, Tortosa, Deltebre, Alcanar, Sant Jaume d’Enveja, Ulldecona and Vinaròs. Pelvic floor physiotherapy with Mireia Tomas is available at the same centre.

Frequently asked questions

I have had the HPV vaccine. Do I still need screening?

Yes. Vaccination does not replace screening. In the 2025 update of the national programme, vaccination is taken into account for screening women aged 25 to 29, but screening is not dropped (Santos-Rangel et al., 2026).

I am 35 and my last smear was normal. Am I due another one?

In Catalonia, from age 30 the recommended test is HPV testing, repeated every 5 years if negative (Canal Salut, 2026). Your gynaecologist will tell you when you are due based on your previous results.

Is bleeding between periods always serious?

Not necessarily. There are many possible causes, such as hormonal changes, polyps, fibroids or an IUD, but if there is no clear explanation it should be checked (MedlinePlus, 2025).

Can I use my health insurance?

It depends on your insurer and policy. Ask us when you book and we will check it with you.