Women’s Health Clinic Perth

The cervical screening test is a key element of women’s health. It is a quick and safe procedure used to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV) or cell changes linked to an HPV infection. The test involves using a brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix. It is currently recommended that women between the ages of 25 and 70 receive a cervical screening test every 5 years if your results are normal.

The experienced women’s health doctors at Northbridge Medical Centre are highly competent at carefully conducting cervical screening tests to Perth patients. We will assist you in taking great care of your reproductive health.

Do I still need to have a cervical screening test if I have had the HPV vaccine?

The Gardasil immunisations were introduced in 2007 to help protect against HPV which can cause cervical cancer. As the Gardasil vaccine only protects against a few types of HPV, it’s important to adhere to regular cervical screenings to safeguard your health.

Mammograms and regular breast checks are a crucial part of women’s health. Mammograms are recommended for women 40 years and over and primarily for women aged between 50-74. It’s important to note that breasts come in different shapes and sizes and it’s vital to become acquainted with your own so that you can take notice of any unusual or concerning changes.

Please visit one of our women’s health GPs as soon as possible if you experience any of the following unusual breast changes:

• A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast or armpit
• Nipple changes such as itchy or ulcerated skin, inversion or new nipple discharge
• Skin changes in the breast area, including puckering, dimpling or redness
• An area of the breast that feels different from the rest
• Unusual and persistent breast pain

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life and is typically reached between the ages of 45 and 55. If you have experienced 12 consecutive months of no periods, you are deemed “postmenopausal”. Oestrogen and progesterone production ceases and eggs are no longer produced.

Potential symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Aches and pains
• Vaginal dryness
• Irritability and anxiety
• Mood swings
• Reduced libido

While these symptoms are all a normal part of menopause, if they are starting to interrupt your day-to-day life, please don’t hesitate to speak to your knowledgeable women’s health physician at Northbridge Medical Centre.

Regular periods are a good indicator that your reproductive system is healthy and working normally. Should you find yourself experiencing irregular, extremely painful or heavy periods or abnormal pelvic pain (different to regular period cramping), this may be a sign that a serious health problem is present. There are a range of menstrual conditions that can impact a woman’s reproductive abilities. These include, but are not limited to:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
• Amenorrhea (missing periods)
• Menstrual migraines
• Abnormal bleeding

These conditions can manifest as a result of a range of lifestyle and biological factors. If you are concerned you might have a menstrual condition, please get in touch with the health practitioners at our women’s health centre at Northbridge Medical Centre today.

Premenstrual Tension (PMT), otherwise known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), is a condition in which a woman experiences a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that manifest prior to or during her menstrual cycle. These ailments can vary in degree of tolerance, from mild to debilitating. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety or tension
• Mood swings and irritability
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Cramping
• Breast tenderness

If you are experiencing extreme symptoms of PMT, consult with your women’s health doctors to devise a suitable treatment plan.

Vaginal discharge is a normal and necessary part of your reproductive system’s function. While vaginal discharge will change in appearance throughout your cycle, it is commonly clear or creamy in colour and has a thin consistency. If you’re concerned there might be something out of the ordinary with your vaginal discharge, it’s important to speak with your GP as soon as possible to ensure there is no sign of infection or inflammation. Signs of abnormal vaginal discharge include:

• Looking thick and white
• Smelling bad or fishy
• An abnormal colour – greenish, pink or brown
• Vaginal irritation such as itching is present

It’s important to assess what infection, e.g., thrush or vaginosis, is present in order to receive the correct treatment.

Women can experience a number of urinary conditions throughout their lifetime, including urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections (UTI).

Urinary incontinence or bladder leaking comes in two forms, stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence involves bladder leaking due to pressure on the abdomen (for example, through sneezing, laughing or major physical exertion) while urge incontinence is the result of an overactive bladder. Urinary incontinence can manifest as a result of a range of factors, including overstraining during toilet visits, a weakened pelvic floor, being over the age of 65, having dementia, a prolapse of internal organs and more.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is when any part of your urinary system, for instance bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra, become infected. UTIs are more common in women than men. While UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of getting one. These steps include:

• Staying hydrated
• Wiping from front to back
• Urinating after sexual intercourse
• Avoiding feminine products that have potential irritants
• Altering your birth control methods

At Northbridge Medical Centre, we’re passionate about women’s health. If you’re concerned you might have a urinary condition, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our experienced doctors today.

Starting a family is a life changing event, it is important that you take the correct steps to ensure that both you and your baby are happy and healthy during and after pregnancy.
Northbridge Medical Centre provides a range of different support and assistance services to help new families embark on this new chapter of their life. From pre-pregnancy assistance to post-pregnancy care we take a family friendly approach with our family care.

Some services we provide are:
– Pre-Pregnancy Counselling
– Early Pregnancy Management & Antenatal Care
– Post-partum Care & Lactation Issues
– Perinatal & Post-natal Depression and Anxiety
– Fertility Concerns & Sub-fertility

You can find out more about our family planning and pregnancy support services here.