A sound reproductive health is not barely the absence of disease but the complete state of a woman’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
From better contraceptives to more frequent screening for cancer, there are many ways to help maintain good reproductive and sexual health.
This means that access to reproductive healthcare services, be it, an expert’s advice on choosing the right contraception or having the opportunity to discuss your needs – your wellbeing is much easier than you think!
On the occasion of WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK, here are the top questions about women’s reproductive health, answered by our GP’s in Solitaire Medical Group.
What are the best contraceptive methods?
Considering almost all women in Australia use contraception at some point, the market is flooded with several methods to choose from.
But, finding the most effective one might need some expert help. There are myriad factors to keep in mind, and this is where a GP can help make you the right choice.
A GP will consider your health, effectiveness, duration, protection against STIs, and even cost to help you choose the right type of contraception.
Is emergency contraception effective?
The morning pill is the emergency contraception method taken after unprotected intercourse or when other forms of contraception fail.
Often consumed immediately, when taken within 72 hours after intercourse, it is around 85% effective at preventing pregnancy.
But, remember that the morning pill, if just a backup. You should always ask a GP for other advanced methods, including copper IUDs, which are almost 100% effective.
Does contraception protect against STIs?
The emergency pills, IUDs, or Implanon don’t provide protection from STIs. The only form of contraception that will protect against HIV AIDS or other STIs is using male and female condoms.
Can my painful periods be endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue grows outside the uterus, causing deliberating pain, inflammation, and sometimes even nothing.
So, diagnosing endometriosis is not easy. Considering it mimics other disorders, there’s no one single test that diagnoses endometriosis.
The only definitive way to diagnoses it is through a laparoscopy.
So, if you have been suffering from unusual pain that seems tricky to understand, get help from a doctor.
Should I get a sexual health check?
If you’re sexually active, the best way to be healthy is by having regular sexual health checks from a GP. A primary discussion could revolve around contraception, reproductive issues, such as fertility, and a general examination of how you feel.
So, if you’re haven’t had a test for some time or you might be in any kind of doubt, then meet your GP for a consultation.
Should I do a cervical screening test?
Cervical cancer screening is a test performed to detect the HPV virus, which causes cervical cancer.
A regular screening is essential because most cervical cancers occur in women who have never screened for one.
According to Australian standards, any women aged 25 and above are eligible for a screening test. And if you’re sexually active and a woman with a cervix, do it more often.