Women’s Health GP in Point Cook

A regular women’s health GP in Point Cook

Health needs shift across a lifetime, from first periods and contraception questions to pregnancy, perimenopause and the years after menopause. Seeing a regular GP means your history is on hand, screening stays on schedule and small changes are easier to notice early.

Other reasons to book

Alongside screening, contraception and pregnancy care, women often make an appointment about:

• heavy, painful or irregular periods
• sexual health checks
• vaginal discharge, itching or irritation
• breast changes they have noticed
• pelvic pain

Heavy or painful periods

Periods that soak through pads or tampons every hour or two, last longer than a week, or keep you home from work or school are worth discussing. Heavy bleeding can lead to low iron, and painful periods are sometimes a sign of conditions such as endometriosis. Treatment options depend on the cause and on whether you are planning a pregnancy.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 are recommended to screen every five years when results are normal. Most people can now choose to collect their own sample, and a doctor can explain whether that option suits you. The Cervical Screening page has more detail.

Contraception options

Contraception is a personal choice that depends on your health, your plans and how you feel about each method. Options range from the pill and vaginal ring through to long-acting reversible contraception, which lasts for years once in place and does not rely on remembering a daily dose.

An IUD or a contraceptive implant can be discussed and arranged at the clinic. Each option is explained in more detail on the Birth Control, IUD Insertion and Implanon Insertion pages.

Sexual health

Many STIs cause no symptoms, so testing is worth considering after a new partner, or if a partner has an STI, even when you feel well. Most common STIs are treatable, and a doctor can help with letting partners know. The Sexual Health – STD Check-Up page has more information.

Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause can begin years before periods stop. Hot flushes, night sweats, broken sleep, mood changes and irregular bleeding are all common, and they deserve attention, because lifestyle measures and medical treatments can make a real difference to how you feel day to day. Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked by a doctor.

Planning a pregnancy

A preconception visit is a good chance to start folic acid, check vaccinations and review any regular medicines before you conceive. Once you are pregnant, care continues as described on the Antenatal Health page.

Common questions