Women's Health
When it comes to women’s health issues, from contraception to menopause and everything in between, the GPs and nurses at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei will look after you with care and expertise. Whether you are trying to manage painful periods, want to get pregnant, rebuild postpartum or navigate the challenges of (peri)menopause, we are here to assist and make sure that you feel heard and understood.
Contraceptive advice and procedures
Contraception, also known as birth control, protects you from getting pregnant. There are different contraceptive options available and the way they work varies. To choose the method of contraception that is right for you, you need to know the pros and cons of each of them. The doctors and nurses at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei will make sure you have everything you need to make a well-informed decision.
Some contraception options include:
· Oral contraceptive pills (combined pill or progestogen only)
· Slow-release hormone implants such as Jadelle
· Intrauterine devices or IUDs such as Mirena
· The Depo Provera injection, also known as the jab
· Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms
Perimenopause and menopause
The average age of menopause, when your periods stop completely, is 51, but it can happen earlier or later. Every woman, except for those who’ve had their ovaries removed before puberty, will go through menopause. It is not a disease or disorder but a natural part of biological ageing.
Menopause affects every woman differently. Some women don’t have any trouble with menopausal symptoms and may just feel relieved when they no longer need to worry about painful periods or getting pregnant. However, if this change of life is taking away your quality of life, it’s time to talk to us about solutions.
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause, when your ovaries are running out of eggs. During this time, you might start experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain, brain fog and mood swings.
Although attitudes towards menopause have changed for the better and the stigma of the past is no longer there, many women just accept the changes and put up with the discomfort. If you are finding it hard, you should know that there are simple and safe treatments that can help you.
Come see us if:
· You are struggling with issues that you think may be due to your hormones
· Your work, relationships or life in general are affected by your symptoms
· You want to find out how you can best navigate your health in midlife
Depending on your medical history and lifestyle, there will be something that will help ease your menopause symptoms. Talk to us about your options, including healthy living, complementary therapies, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and prescription medications.
Premenstrual issues
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including bloating, mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, headaches, joint and muscle pain. Many women are affected by it, about a week or two before their period. For some, the symptoms may be so severe that they miss work or school.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a health problem that is like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but more serious. With PMDD, you might have PMS symptoms along with extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after your period starts, but they can be severe enough to cause severe emotional distress.
If you are concerned about premenstrual issues, book an appointment with your doctor. We can expertly advise you on the most suitable treatments, from anti-inflammatory medicines to changes in the way you eat, exercise and approach daily life.
Vulval and vaginal skin concerns
Genital skin problems in women can cause discomfort, pain and distress. They can also interfere with daily activities, sexual intimacy and self-esteem. Vulval and vaginal skin issues encompass a wide range of conditions and can affect women of any age. Many women experience symptoms for years, experimenting with various creams and treatment plans, but without finding effective relief.
If you have concerns, such as sensations of itching, burning, stinging, irritation or abnormal discharge, don’t wait but come see your doctor. It could be as simple as an allergic reaction to soaps, lubricants, or synthetic underwear or it could be something more serious.
Skin conditions in or around the vagina should not be ignored. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital to get relief, and Bush Road Medical Centre is a safe space where you will receive the support and treatment you deserve.
Urinary issues
It’s common for women to have bladder problems at different stages in life, for example, after having a baby, during perimenopause and after menopause. Conditions that affect the bladder such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, an overactive bladder or bladder pain will potentially get worse without the right treatment. Leaking isn’t normal, and it can be treated.
Another women’s health issue we can diagnose and help treat at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei is pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This happens when one or more pelvic organs (the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, small intestine, and rectum) drop from their normal position. It’s caused by a weak pelvic floor, the collection of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that hold these organs in place.
One of the recommended treatments for POP is the ring pessary, a small silicon support tool that is placed inside your vagina to help lift the vaginal wall and support a prolapsed uterus. You may get all the relief you need with this simple device that fits inside your vagina and support pelvic organs. You can find more information about ring pessaries here or come in and talk to us.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is a common women’s health issue, and it affects about 15% to 25% of women. It is often related to the menstrual cycle or common gynaecologic issues and when it is persistent, pelvic pain can be a complex condition to diagnose and manage.
Pelvic pain can be short term (acute), lasting from a few days to a few weeks, or it can become persistent (chronic). If you have pelvic pain, there might be a problem with one of the reproductive organs in your pelvic area (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina).
It’s important to see your doctor as your pain could be related to endometriosis, be a symptom of infection, or indicate gastrointestinal issues. There are many things you can do to manage your persistent (chronic) pelvic pain. In addition to your treatment plan, there are practical strategies you can try. We are here to help and can provide you with all the information you need to find relief.
Female sexual health issues
Good sexual health is important for women’s general health and emotional wellbeing, but for a multitude of reasons, not every woman has a satisfying sex life. Sexual health is a topic that many women feel uncomfortable openly discussing, but if your libido is low or sex is painful, you don’t have to simply put up with it.
Your sexual appetite can be affected by many different factors, including stress, illness, medication, aging, as well as family, career and social commitments. If you experience a recurrent, persistent lack of sexual desire, impaired arousal, inability to achieve orgasm, or pain with sexual activity, it is medically classified as sexual dysfunction. The good news is it can be treated.
Female sexual health issues can happen at any stage of life and often involve a complex interplay of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationships. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, please talk to us. Treatment options often involve more than one approach, but we are sure we can help you find a way forward.
Fertility
If you are planning to have a baby, your doctor at Bush Road Medical Centre can provide useful advice and practical information that can help increase your chances of becoming pregnant and give your baby the best chance of being healthy.
It’s always a good idea to have a general medical check-up before you try for a baby. Our GP will advise you on any supplements and medicines you should (or shouldn’t) take before you start trying to get pregnant, and we will answer any questions you may have.
Being as healthy as possible yourself is important when you are trying to conceive. Your partner’s preconception health matters, too. Some of the steps you can both take include quitting smoking and drinking, having a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy body weight.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about any emotional or mental health conditions you have, as you may need more care and support during your pregnancy. You may want to check if you have any sexually transmitted infection (STIs) as well, as they can lead to infertility. If you or your partner have a family history of genetic conditions, you should also discuss this with your doctor.
If you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 months, or under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months, come see us for a talk about what tests may need to find out whether you can keep trying to conceive naturally or if you need further assistance.
You’re most welcome to come and speak to us if you have concerns about pregnancy, regardless of how long you’ve been trying, and especially if you have any known medical conditions that might be impacting your fertility.
Postmenopausal bleeding
Abnormal bleeding is common during perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, because of changes in hormone levels. Your oestrogen and progesterone can go up and down, which can cause your periods to become irregular, happen more often, or be heavier than usual.
Because your last periods can be irregular, menopause isn’t confirmed until 12 months after your last period. For women who have gone through menopause, any vaginal bleeding is not normal. Bleeding or spotting after this point is called postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) and that needs to be diagnosed and treated.
The cause of postmenopausal bleeding can be a minor health problem that can be treated easily, but occasionally it is a sign of more serious disease which is why it needs to be checked by your doctor. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on what is causing the bleeding, and it is likely that you’ll be seen by a gynaecologist.
If you take menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and have abnormal bleeding, there may not be a reason for concern. Changes in MHT, including adjustments in dose, can be the cause of it. It is common to experience bleeding within the first 3 months to 6 months of menopausal hormone therapy but if bleeding continues, it should be investigated to rule out any underlying causes.
Pipelle biopsies
To investigate the cause of unexplained or abnormal bleeding, check for abnormal cells, polyps or other conditions, a Pipelle biopsy can be performed. The procedure is quick, and involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (the Pipelle) into the uterus (endometrium) to collect a small amount of tissue.
During the procedure, a small sample of the lining of your uterus is taken and sent to the lab. A Pipelle biopsy is much less invasive than a full dilation and curettage procedure and usually does not require anaesthetics.
Pipelle biopsies are often used to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding, assess the endometrium in postmenopausal women, or monitor the effect of hormones on the endometrial lining. It can also be used to find out if there is a problem with the endometrial lining for women who experience infertility or recurrent miscarriages.