Women’s Health & Wellbeing

Cardiovascular Health Checks

There are three types of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): stroke, heart failure and coronary heart disease which can occur at any age.  However, for most females, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases around menopause. Making time for regular cardiovascular health checks from a young age is vital for your health.

Our team can offer a range of risk assessments, including monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as discussing risk factors, such as your family history, and lifestyle choices. Taking the time to understand your risk of developing CVD is the first step in lowering your risk.

Preventative Health Checks

This is a comprehensive assessment of your general health to identify if you are at risk of developing a chronic disease.  Chronic disease includes such things as asthma, cancer, cardiovascular illness, diabetes, mental health conditions, arthritis or osteoporosis.  Many women are extremely busy and spend their time working, taking care of family and wondering where the time goes. This means your own health may not be your first priority.  By being proactive and contacting us to come in for a preventative health check, you and your doctor can work together to prevent or delay the onset of chronic disease.  During your appointment you can expect to spend 30-45 minutes with your doctor, who may order some screening tests and provide further information on how best to manage your health.   Contact us now on 8370-9777 or via HotDoc requesting a longer appointment.

Pap Smears

You are probably familiar with the term ‘pap smear’ as a way to check changes to cervical cells which may lead to cervical cancer.   In 2017 the Pap smear test was replaced by the Cervical Screening Test.  This test is now offered to women aged between 25 to 74 once every 5 years instead of every 2 years. The test looks and feels the same as a pap smear with your doctor collecting a sample of cells from the cervix using a small tool called a speculum.

The Cervical Screen Test is a more accurate test than the previous pap smear test because it also detects HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer.

STI (Sexual Transmitted Infections) Checks

When it comes to caring for your sexual health, there’s nothing to be shy about. The more information you provide to your doctor, the better treatment you can receive. Any concerns you may have can be discussed with your doctor. Tests may include urine tests, blood tests, swabs or physical exams to check for the following STIs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV
• Syphilis

Family Planning

At Stirling Central Health Clinic, our doctors are here to help you through your family planning process. Working directly with your individual needs, we are here to provide you with a professional family planning service, no matter your situation. We are here to provide you with non-judgemental advice and a range of family planning services.

Contraceptive Advice

If you’re looking for a contraceptive method, our health providers can work with you to decide which form of contraception is best for you.

The effectiveness of your contraception will depend on the following factors:

• Your age
• How often you’re having sex
• Whether you use the contraceptive correctly

The majority of contraceptives are over 99% effective if used correctly. The most effective are long-acting contraceptives such as the IUD and contraceptive implants. However, the male condom is the only type of contraception that will protect against sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy.

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon)

Implanon is a progestogen hormone implant that is 99.95% in the prevention of pregnancy and is effective for up to 3 years.  It is a thin plastic rod, which is carefully inserted under the skin of the upper arm and slowly releases progesterone to stop ovulation.

Our doctors and nurses are trained in the insertion and/or removal of Implanon.  Usually the doctor will discuss your suitability for this product at an initial appointment, and you will be asked to book another appointment at the appropriate time during your cycle for the implant procedure.

Antenatal Care

Pregnancy can be an exciting but overwhelming time, and at Stirling Central Health Clinic we know that health and well-being support is vital during your pregnancy. Antenatal appointments allow your GP and midwife to help ensure that you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Even if your pregnancy is going well, it is essential to attend these appointments to help identify and prevent or reduce any potential health risks.

Antenatal appointments are also an excellent way for you to ask your doctor any questions you may have about your pregnancy and caring for your baby after birth.

We also offer Shared Care Obstetrics services. Shared Care is when your prenatal care is split between your GP and your birthing hospital.  This means you are able to see a GP you’re comfortable with, throughout your pregnancy, who can help you make good choices about your care, as well as become familiar with the hospital where you will be having your baby.

If you’re pregnant, please talk to us about your prenatal care and shared care option.

Breast Care

No Symptoms

BreastScreen SA provides screening mammograms every two years to women over 40 years old.  If breast cancer is found at an early stage there is a greater chance of saving your life.  You do not need a referral from your doctor to book for a screening mammogram.   You can contact BreastScreen SA. www.breastscreensa.sa.gov.au or call them on 13 20 50.

Symptoms

Changes, lumps or pain in the breast(s) or nipple(s) should be discussed with your doctor.  Over 35,000 Australian women visit their GP every year with a change or pain in their breasts. 95% of these cases are not breast cancer. However, this should not take away from the importance of getting your breasts checked by a doctor if you notice any pain or changes.

Breast changes can include the following:

• Lumps or lumpiness
• Any changes in the appearance or shape of the breast
• One feels different from the rest
• Discharge
• Any change in the shape of the nipple
• Pain

If you are experiencing any changes or are unsure about the health of your breasts, our doctors can help you navigate through any of your concerns.

Menopause

The symptoms of menopause are many and different for every woman.  Symptoms may include irregular bleeding, anxiety, hot flushes, recurrent UTI’s, poor sleep, decreased interest in sex, weight gain or joint pain.  An appointment with one of our doctors may assist in confirming these symptoms are related to menopause, or due to another cause.  If you are menopausal, pre-menopausal or post/peri-menopausal, your doctor can work with you to treat or manage the symptoms, and alleviate any concerns you may have.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that can cause bones to become brittle and weak — resulting in bones so brittle that a minor cough or fall can cause a break or fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, have gone through early menopause or have taken corticosteroids for months at a time, it may be time to speak with a doctor. Our team of doctors are here to help you prevent developing osteoporosis as well as help you through an osteoporosis diagnosis, advising on lifestyle changes and management options.  Book an appointment on 8370 9777

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, otherwise known as the loss of bladder control, is a common problem that can cause sufferers embarrassment. The severity of incontinence can range from occasionally leaking urine when coughing or sneezing to needing to urinate so suddenly that you may not get to the toilet in time, and is often more common in women than men.

If you are suffering from urinary incontinence, don’t hesitate to book in with one of our general practitioners. By looking at simple lifestyle changes or medical treatments, we can help to ease discomfort or stop incontinence completely.  To discuss your concerns, contact us on 8370 9777

Over 75 Year Old Health Assessment

At Stirling Central Health Clinic we are keen to promote healthy aging for our patients.  As such we provide an over 75 Year Old Health Assessment which is an in-depth one hour appointment with one of our nurses and your regular doctor.  The appointment will include updating your medical history, current medications and organising any tests that may be required.  The nurse and doctor will talk to you about your overall health and any assistance you need or concerns you may have.  If you wish, you can receive a copy of your health assessment to pass onto your your family or carer, if appropriate. You will be invited to have an assessment every 12 months.  Contact us if you’d like to book this appointment now on 8370 9777.