WOMEN’S HEALTH
We have a number of female and male GPs who offer comprehensive a women’s health service, including:
- Cervical screening
- Breast screening
- Prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal pregnancy care
- Breastfeeding advice
- Contraception
- Menopause
- STI checks
- Family planning
- Immunisations
FAQs
What are the most important medical symptoms women should not ignore?
- Pain or discomfort in the chest and shortness of breath
- Reproductive health problems, e.g. pelvic pain, painful intercourse, bleeding or spotting between periods
- Breast lumps, tenderness or pain
- Changes in bowel or bladder function, especially with abdominal pain or bloating
- Digestive or stomach problems
What are the most important things a woman can do to protect her health?
Keep an eye out for early signs of health problems (see above) and visit your doctor should you notice them. There are also a few things you can do to protect yourself now and in the future:
- Avoid smoking (active and passive)
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise at least 30 minutes per day
- Have regular health checks
- Limit alcohol to 7 standard drinks per week and nil during pregnancy
Is the birth control pill still considered safe? Does it carry any extra health risks?
Birth control pills in use today are far safer than those used in the past, mainly because they contain lower levels of hormones. The pill has been shown to help protect women from ovarian and endometrial cancers. While numerous studies have looked at the relationship between the pill and breast cancer, there is no certain evidence of a link. However, taking the pill and smoking may increase your risk of high blood pressure, blood clots, and blocked arteries, especially after the age of 35.