Women's Health GP in Wollongong
Our GPs at Illawarra General Practice provide women's health care at every stage of life, from contraception and cervical screening to pregnancy, menopause and sexual health. We see women from Wollongong and across the Illawarra at our Market Street practice in the Wollongong CBD.
Your GP will take time to understand your concerns, explain your options clearly and support you to make decisions that are right for you. Female GPs are available if you prefer.
What does a women's health GP help with?
A GP can help with most women's health concerns, including:
- Women's health checks and screening
- Cervical screening
- Contraception and family planning
- Pregnancy care and antenatal shared care
- Periods, pelvic pain and other gynaecological concerns
- Menopause
- Sexual and reproductive health, including STI testing
- Unplanned pregnancy and medical termination of pregnancy
If you need specialist care, your GP can refer you to a gynaecologist or other specialist and help coordinate your care.
Women's health checks
A women's health check is a chance to review your overall health with your GP and talk about anything that's on your mind. Depending on your age and health, your GP may review your medical and family history, check your blood pressure, discuss blood tests such as cholesterol, and talk about lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing.
Screening that may be recommended
Your GP can explain which national screening programs apply to you and help you stay up to date, including:
- Cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74
- Breast screening through BreastScreen NSW, free for women aged 50 to 74 and available from age 40
- Bowel cancer screening through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for people aged 45 to 74
Cervical screening in Wollongong
The Cervical Screening Test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of most cervical cancers. It's recommended every five years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active and have no symptoms.
Your options for having the test
You can choose to have your sample collected by your GP, or you may be able to collect your own sample using a simple vaginal swab in a private space at the practice. Your GP can explain both options and help you decide which suits you.
If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain, please book an appointment to see your GP, rather than waiting for your next routine screening.
Contraception and family planning
Your GP can talk you through contraception options and help you choose a method that fits your health, lifestyle and plans. Options include short-acting methods, such as the pill, and long-acting reversible contraception, such as contraceptive implants.
f you are thinking about pregnancy, your GP can also provide pre-pregnancy advice, including a health review, vaccinations and supplements to consider before you start trying.
Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. Our GPs can discuss whether an implant may suit you, insert or remove it, and provide follow-up care. Your GP will explain how the implant works and possible side effects before you decide.
The implant is a prescription medicine collected from a pharmacy. A small procedure fee may apply, which we'll discuss with you beforehand.
Pregnancy care and antenatal shared care
If you're pregnant, your GP can confirm your pregnancy, arrange early tests and screening, and discuss your options for pregnancy care.
With antenatal shared care, you see your GP for many of your regular pregnancy check-ups, while the hospital where you plan to give birth provides some appointments and care for the birth. Your GP can refer you and help coordinate your care with the hospital throughout your pregnancy.
It's a good idea to see your GP early in pregnancy, so your tests and hospital booking can be organised in good time.
Periods, pelvic pain and gynaecological concerns
Your GP can assess and help manage concerns such as heavy, painful or irregular periods, pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This may involve an examination, blood tests or imaging, and treatment options your GP will discuss with you. If needed, your GP can refer you to a gynaecologist or other specialist.
Menopause and perimenopause
Changes such as hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes and irregular periods can be signs of perimenopause or menopause. Your GP can talk through your symptoms, consider other possible causes and discuss management options, including lifestyle approaches and medical treatments, depending on your individual health and preferences.
Sexual and reproductive health
Our GPs provide confidential sexual health care, including STI testing and treatment, contraception advice and support with sexual health concerns. You can talk to your GP openly, and your information is kept private.
Unplanned pregnancy and medical termination of pregnancy
If you have an unplanned pregnancy, your GP can provide confidential, non-judgemental support and information about all your options.
Our practice provides medical termination of pregnancy, also called early medical abortion, in line with NSW law and Australian regulations. Early medical abortion is generally available up to nine weeks of pregnancy. Your GP will check whether it's suitable for you, arrange any tests needed, such as an ultrasound and blood tests, explain what to expect and provide follow-up care.
Can I see a female GP?
Yes. Female GPs are available at our practice. You can choose your preferred doctor when you book online or call reception.
Frequently asked questions
Most women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 need a Cervical Screening Test every five years if their last result was normal. Your GP may recommend more frequent testing depending on your results and history.
Self-collection is an option for many people. Your GP can explain whether it's suitable for you and give you everything you need to collect your sample privately at the practice.
You don't need a referral to see us. Book an appointment with your GP, who can confirm your pregnancy and refer you to the hospital for shared care.
Yes. All consultations are private and confidential, including those about sexual health, contraception, pregnancy and termination.