Women's Health

Contraception

Contraception means the prevention of pregnancy. There are many different types of contraception available today; including contraceptive pills, contraceptive implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms (male and female), vaginal rings, diaphragm and emergency contraception. It is important to choose one that best meets your needs and circumstances.

Considerations when choosing contraception should include accurate information about:

effectiveness in pregnancy prevention
health issues which may limit some choices
ease of use
side effects including changes to usual periods
benefits other than contraception
cost and availability
reversibility

Period

For many women, periods are a fact of life that is rarely given much thought. However, periods can offer valuable insights into a woman's overall health. By tracking the cycle length, pattern and amount of bleeding, it may bring to light other health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, uterine disorders, ovulatory disorders and iron deficiencies, which may not otherwise be detected until later in their course. As such, periods can be an important tool for monitoring and maintaining a woman’s health. Of course, every woman is different, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine what is normal for you.

Menopause & Perimenopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is typically diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhea, or lack of menstruation. Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause and is characterized by irregular periods and fluctuating hormone levels. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur as early as 40 or as late as 60. Menopause is not a disease, but it can cause significant changes in a woman's body and mind. Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, and mood swings. While these symptoms can be frustrating, treatments are available to help manage them. If you're experiencing any changes related to menopause, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.

Cervical Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women. If you are aged 25 to 74 years old, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, you are eligible for the Cervical Screening Program (which has replaced Pap smear tests). This screening test detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common infection passed by sexual contact and usually shows no obvious symptoms. Having routine five-yearly screenings can prevent around 90% of cervical cancers through early detection and treatment.

There are now two screening options available: self-collection and healthcare provider-collected samples. We recommend you book an appointment with your GP to determine which is right for you.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) were once called sexually transmissible diseases (STDs). STIs are infections that can be passed from one person to another during sexual activities. This can include oral, vaginal or anal sex.

STIs can cause various symptoms in a woman, from itchy painful vaginal, unusual discharges and smell to pain during sexual intercourse. Having said that, STIs often have no symptoms, so you may not be aware if you or your partner has an STI. Even if there are no symptoms, you can still pass the infection to your partner/partners. It can affect anyone of any age group. If left untreated, STIs can cause harm to your body - such as pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility.

Therefore, if you are sexually active, it is a good idea to be tested regularly (every 6 to 12 months), even if you don’t have any symptoms. It is important to know about STIs so you can protect yourself and your partner. Speak to your doctor if you have not been tested recently.

Breast Health

It is crucial to perform regular breast self-exams and be breast aware. Ways to perform a breast self-exam is to stand in front of a mirror with hands on hips followed by raising the arms, feeling for breast lumps when lying down, and finally in the shower. This in combination with other screening methods can increase the odds of early breast cancer detection.

Do not panic if you think you feel a lump. Most women have some lumps in their breasts, and most of these lumps turn out to be benign (non-cancerous). Follow up with your doctor if you notice new lumps, breast changes, or other concerns.

If you are between the age of 50-74 years, be sure to have a routine mammogram done every two years. Mammograms (or breast X-rays) can detect tumours too small to feel.

Vulva Care

Just as you take care of the rest of your body, it is important to take care of your vulva. The vulva is the external female genitalia, which includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. While vulvas come in all shapes and sizes, there are a few basic things you can do to keep yours healthy.

Ensure you avoid cleaning vulva areas with soap, particularly perfumed liquid soap. It is also best to avoid bubble baths, perfumed products (oils and sprays), abrasives washes, wet wipes and antiseptics. In addition, use tampons rather than pads, use hypoallergenic toilet paper and wear breathable underwear. By taking a few simple steps, you can help keep your vulva healthy and happy.

Many women experience itch, pain, discharges and many other problems involving the genital area

Interfere with their sex life in some way

and are suffering in silence as they are just too embarrassed to seek help. The treatment of vulva irritation will depend on the cause, and your doctor will help decide which is the right treatment.

Sexual Desire and Libido

Around a women’s midlife cycle, changes may occur in sexual desire and motivation. Low sexual desire is common and is something that is not commonly discussed. 1 in 3 women between the ages of 40 – 64 will experience a lack of motivation and/ or loss of desire to initiate or participate in sexual activities. This may have severe implications on social functioning, relationships, mental health (impaired body image, loss of self-esteem and confidence) and overall quality of life.

If this persists for more than six months, it is called hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD). The good news is that there is now treatment for HSDD. Be sure to speak with your doctor first to rule out other causes of sexual dysfunction and determine what is safe and effective for you.

Puberty

Puberty is the name given for the time when your body begins to change into an adult. For girls, this usually starts between the age of 8 and 13. Everybody goes through these changes at different timing, which explains why some of your friends might still look like kids whilst others look more like adults.

During puberty, your body grows and develops at a rapid rate. Some people find these changes weird, and some might even find them uncomfortable. You, as a girl, might find your body becoming curvier, hips getting wider, breasts developing, hair growing under your arms and pubic area, pimples starting to pop up on your face, and maybe even experiencing new strong emotions. One question every girl will have is: when will I get my first period?

It helps to learn more about the changes that puberty brings before they happen. The more you know about puberty, the easier it will be to expect what is to come and to adjust to these new changes. Remember, we all go through puberty. It is important to know that whilst your body is adjusting, so is your mind. If you have any questions about puberty or are worried about your body or mental well-being, check out this webpage or even better, talk to your doctor.