Womens’ Medical Care at Brunswick
Taking care of your reproductive health is vital, but many women struggle to find a clinic where they feel entirely comfortable. The doctors we support at the Lotus Medical Centre in Brunswick, Victoria, develop relationships with all of their patients, fostering a sense of community and trust. No matter your health needs, your doctors have the expertise to be with you every step of the way.
Prevention is better than cure, so schedule your women’s health check-up with your doctor today!
Pre-Pregnancy Counselling
Pre-pregnancy counselling will help you prepare for the next stage of your life, both physically and mentally. Your doctor can advise women who are planning a pregnancy, providing insights like:
- How to keep track of menstrual periods
- What prenatal vitamins to take
- When to take a pregnancy test
- Diet advice
- Exercise tips
The doctors consulting from Lotus Medical Centre recommend that all first-time mothers attend at least one pre-pregnancy session, as well as mothers who have ongoing medical concerns. Partners can attend the appointment with their doctor and offer the mother-to-be all the support she needs during this exciting and sometimes-stressful time.
Cervical Screening Test/Pap Smear
A Pap test looks for abnormal cells and precancerous cells in the cervix. At the same time, your doctor may also conduct an HPV test, which looks for human papillomavirus, to find the cause of any precancerous changes.
The procedure is usually only mildly uncomfortable and does not cause any long-term pain or harm. Once your doctor collects the sample, it is sent to a pathologist for examination. Results are generally available within several days, and your doctor will go through them with you.
Breast Checks
Regular breast checks can detect early signs of breast cancer. Your doctor will do a physical breast check during your scheduled women’s health exam. If you are over 50, your doctor will also arrange a mammogram screening for a more thorough and detailed investigation into your breast tissue.
Family Planning and Contraceptives
It’s a woman’s right to start a family when she’s ready. While unplanned pregnancies may be a happy accident, most people prefer to make a conscious choice to begin their family. A planned pregnancy usually has a better impact on your health and mental well-being than a happy accident.
Family planning involves the planned use of effective contraception. As soon as you’re ready to start or extend your family, you can stop using contraceptives. The doctors consulting from Lotus Medical Centre help women choose the right contraceptives for their needs from a wide range of options, including:
- Hormonal contraception
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives
- Barrier contraception
- Permanent contraception
Implanon
Implanon is a contraceptive implant that has a 99.95% success rate in preventing pregnancy. It’s the only subdermal contraceptive implant available in Australia, and doctors consulting from Lotus Medical Centre are able to perform insertions and removals of these devices for their patients. The implant is relatively painless to insert and remove, and your doctors can complete the procedure in a couple of minutes.
Menopause Management
Menopause can dramatically impact a woman’s life, so having a dedicated management plan can help you navigate this turbulent time. The doctors we support offer several different treatments to address the array of symptoms that come with menopause.
If you want to schedule a Women’s Health appointment with your doctor call (03) 9380 1588 today!
FAQs
How often should I get a Cervical Screening Test or Pap Smear?
Women aged 21-29 should get a Pap smear every three years. From age 30-65, you should get either a Pap test every three years or a Pap/HPV co-test every five years. After 65, screening may no longer be necessary depending on previous results
When should I start having breast checks or mammograms?
Women aged 40-44 can choose to start annual mammograms. Women aged 45-54 should get mammograms every year. From age 55, women can continue yearly mammograms or switch to every two years. Women at higher risk may need to start earlier.
What contraceptive options are available at your medical center?
Contraceptive options may include oral contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, injections, patches, vaginal rings, and barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms. Emergency contraception and long-term options like tubal ligation may also be available.
Consult your medical centre for specific availability.
What is Implanon and how does it work?
Implanon is a contraceptive implant inserted just beneath the skin of the upper arm. It works by releasing a hormone that stops the release of eggs from the ovaries and makes it harder for sperm to travel through the cervix. This method is effective for up to three years.
What are the available options for managing menopause symptoms?
Menopause symptoms can be managed with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal medications and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise). Specific options may include estrogen therapy, antidepressants, and medications for osteoporosis prevention.