Womens Health

We are able to provide advice and management of a wide range of Women’s health issues including preventative checks, family planning, contraception, pregnancy management and sexual health. If you prefer a female GP to discuss your women’s health issues, please notify the receptionist.

Preventative health

Well Woman Checks

A well woman check is a term commonly used to describe a preventative health check in an otherwise well woman. Depending on the woman’s age it may encompass Cervical Screening Test (CST), breast check, and discussion about other women’s health issues including osteoporosis. If you want a well woman check please notify the receptionist when booking as extra time may be required. A well woman check is for preventative health.

Cervical Screening Test

Cervical screening has changed in Australia. The PAP test has been replaced with a new Cervical Screening Test (CST) every five years.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The new CST is expected to protect up to 30% more women.

The test is a simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. It feels the same as the PAP test, but tests for human papillomavirus (known as HPV). For most women aged 25 to 74 your first CST is due two years after your last PAP test. After that, you will only need to have the test every five years if your result is normal.

If you are under 25 years of age your first CST is due either:

when you turn 25 years of age

• Eg. if your last PAP test was at 22 years of age and your result was normal it is safe to wait until you turn 25 years for your CST.

after you are 25 years of age, once it has been two years since your last Pap test 

• Eg. if you had a Pap test at 24 years of age and your result was normal you can wait until you turn 26 years to have the Cervical Screening Test. 

If you are displaying symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get appropriate clinical management.

Breast health / Mammograms

Mammograms are X-rays of the breasts that are designed to detect any early signs of breast cancer. The Australian guidelines recommend that all women over the age 50 should have a mammogram every 2 years. Women can self refer and start screening mammograms from the age of 40. If you want more information you can contact Breast Screen SA (www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/breastscreen) or call 132050 to book in your free mammogram. If you are uncertain if you require a mammogram please discuss it with your GP.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors you may require genetic testing or regular breast investigation from an earlier age. If you have any concerns please discuss it with your GP.

If you have noticed any changes in your breast including lumps, appearance, nipple changes, pain or have any other concerns please discuss it with a GP.

Family planning and contraception

There are many different contraceptive options available including oral contraceptive pill, intrauterine devices (Mirena), injections and Implanon. If you would like to discuss your options and determine what will work best for you please book in with your GP.

If you are thinking of starting or adding to a family there are a number of things you should consider ranging from diet and supplements through to immunisations through to maximising your chances of conceiving. General Practitioners are very knowledgeable in this area. If you would like to discuss this further please make an appointment with your GP.

Pregnancy management

We offer expertise and advice in managing all stages of pregnancy. Routine testing is required in early stages of pregnancy which can be arranged by your GP. Ongoing care of the pregnancy can be through a private obstetrician, through a public hospital or in ‘shared care’. Shared care is when you will see the public hospital for key visits but the majority of the antenatal care will be with the GP. Many of the GPs in this practice are able to provide this service. As soon as you are aware you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with your GP to discuss further management.

If you are pregnant and have concerns about your pregnancy, it may be appropriate to discuss it with a GP. However, if you have any urgent concerns about your or your baby’s health (including pain, bleeding or severe vomiting), you should call 000 in order to receive urgent care if required.

If you are uncertain if you are pregnant or how you want to proceed, you can see a GP to discuss it.

Sexual health

Many sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, may not show any symptoms. Therefore, if you have had unprotected sex with a partner, you could potentially have a sexually transmitted infection and not be aware of it. If left untreated, this can result in potentially serious health problems in future, as well as possibly being passed on to future partners. If you have been sexually active and have any concerns about potentially carrying a sexually transmitted infection, please see a GP to discuss testing options.