Women's Health
From general gynaecological services to reproductive health and family planning, our team of experienced doctors are committed to supporting the unique healthcare needs of women.
Our women’s health services offer a wide range of comprehensive healthcare options from routine check-ups, screenings, or specialised care.
Pregnancy
You will get free or subsided maternity care if either you or your partner are one of the following: a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, an Australian citizen or permanent resident who’s lived or intends to live in New Zealand for 2 years or more, under 17 and your parent or guardian is eligible. Beyond 13 weeks, you will seek a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) who will be your lead care provider for the remainder of your pregnancy. This is usually a midwife or obstetrician.
Please note: Not all consultations will be funded, please check with your provider for further information.
Reproductive & Sexual Health
Your doctor can provide guidance and information to ensure you make informed choices about your sexual health and contraceptive options, and when you are wishing to conceive.
Mirena and Jadelle
Mirena and Jadelle are two types of common contraception methods that work differently. You can find out more about these contraceptives below. If you’re considering either of these methods, make an appointment with your GP to discuss the best option for you.
Mirena
A Mirena is more effective than copper intrauterine devices (IUD’s) or oral contraceptives like the pill. In the treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding, it causes reduction within three months after insertion and some users don’t menstruate at all. The Mirena offers protection against pregnancy for five to eight years, after which the IUD must be removed. A Mirena can be removed at any time by your GP at Dee Street Medical Centre. Removal is usually quick and painless.
If you are wanting to look into the Mirena as an option for contraception, please book in with your GP to discuss as there are some cases in which Mirena should not be used.
Jadelle
A Jadelle is a contraceptive implant, used to prevent pregnancy. The implants contain a synthetic hormone, levonorgestrel, which is also one of the active ingredients used in many oral contraceptives. Jadelle prevents pregnancy through a combination of mechanisms. The most important of these are inhibition of the egg release by stopping it maturing and changing the cervical mucus consistency, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. When Jadelle implants are removed, your fertility will resume. Jadelle is inserted just beneath the skin on the inside of your upper arm and is performed by your doctor.
The insertion of the Jadelle will be completed by your healthcare provider. The insertion involves a local anaesthetic, with two small rods being placed just under the skin. There may be some discolouration, bruising or swelling at the implant site for a few days after the insertion, but these should not interfere with your normal activities.
If you are interested in transitioning to the Jadelle as your form of contraception, please book an appointment with your GP to see if this is the right decision for you.
HPV Screening
Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of the HPV, and it is one of the most preventable cancers.
From September 2023, the main test for cervical screening has changed to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. This test replaces a cervical smear test for most people. This means for most people, a simple vaginal swab can be taken and tested for HPV. The swab can be done by a nurse, a doctor, or you can choose to take the sample yourself.
If you’re aged between 25 and 69, and you have a cervix, you need to have an HPV screen at least every five years.
More information
Regular screening is important to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. If HPV is found in your sample, it doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most HPV infections resolve on their own. If the virus is found, you will be reviewed to see if there are any cell changes on your cervix.
Free HPV and cervical screening is available to eligible patients. Please speak to your doctor or nurse to see if this is the right test for you.
Menopause
The term menopause is commonly used to describe the years when a woman’s ovaries gradually begin to produce fewer eggs and less of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. It is generally considered to be complete when a woman has not had a period for one year.
This reduction in hormone production prior to menopause causes periods to become less regular until they stop altogether, and produces physical and psychological symptoms in some women. Our doctors can provide support and advice on menopause, and talk you through your options.