When your doctor says that your Pap test, or Pap smear, was abnormal, it means that the test found some cells on your cervix that do not look normal. APap test may be done as part of a woman's routine physical exam, because it's the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

- Condoms & diaphragms - Emergency contraception - The vaginal ring - Intra Uterine Device (IUD) - Contraceptive implants - Depo Provera Click here for more info.

Uterine fibroids may cause heavier-than-normal or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Polyps can cause irregular and/or prolonged bleeding. Polyps are small, benign growths on the lining of the uterus (uterine polyps). Why are my periods so heavy and long? Benign, or non-cancerous tumors in the uterus can cause heavy bleeding or long periods. Benign growths in the uterine lining (endometrium) can cause a heavy or prolonged period. These growths are made up of endometrial tissue and muscle tissue. Is heavy bleeding normal? The usual length of menstrual bleeding is four to six days. The usual amount of blood loss per period is 10 to 35 ml. Each soaked normal-sized tampon or pad holds a teaspoon (5ml) of blood. That means it is normal to soak one to seven normal-sized pads or tampons (“sanitary products”) in a whole period. Why am I bleeding heavier than normal? If the body has trouble forming clots heavy menstrual bleeding can result. Remember that occasional menstrual clotting — with clots smaller than 1 inch in diameter — is normal for some women. Other possible causes of abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding can include uterine cancer. How can I stop heavy bleeding? NSAIDs may also be used to treat heavy periods. NSAIDs have been shown to reduce blood flow by 20-50%. They're taken in tablet form from the start of your period or just before until heavy bleeding has stopped.

Fibroids are very common in women of reproductive age. They are benign growths that form in and around your uterus, either singularly or in groups. They can vary significantly in size from being smaller than a seedling and invisible to the naked eye, to being as large as 20cm in diameter or about the size of a rock melon. What causes fibroids? It's not known exactly why fibroids occur. "They probably have partly a genetic and partly an environmental cause," says Brisbane-based obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Graham Tronc, who helped found the Brisbane Fibroid Clinic in 2001. He explains that they generally don't appear until after women ovulate for the first time and they tend to decrease in size after women go through menopause. As a result researchers believe the hormones - oestrogen and progesterone - affect fibroids’ development and growth. Who is at risk of developing them? Fibroids about 40 per cent of Australian women have one or more fibroids and by the age of 50, up to 70 per cent have had fibroids. Factors that increase your risk of developing them include a family history of fibroids, the early onset of menstruation, obesity, diabetes, age (your risk of developing fibroids increases in your late reproductive years), having never been pregnant, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and and hypertension (high blood pressure). How do you know if you have fibroids? Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms and can go through life without even knowing they have them. Often, fibroids are detected incidentally during a routine gynaecological exam or while a pelvic ultrasound or surgical procedure is being performed for another condition. If symptoms do occur, you may experience heavy, long and painful periods, spotting between periods, pelvic pressure or discomfort during sex. The size and bulk of your fibroids may cause swelling in your lower abdomen and place pressure on your lower back, bladder or bowel. What are the health complications? One of the most common conditions is anaemia (a reduction in your red blood cells). This occurs if your fibroids cause an excessive loss of menstrual blood. Anaemia can lead to breathlessness, paleness, and feelings of fatigue. Other complications include bladder and bowel problems. These occur when large fibroids cause your uterus to bulge and press against your pelvic organs, causing feelings of fullness or discomfort, constipation or an increased need to urinate. How can fibroids be treated? Generally, if fibroids aren't causing any problems they don't require treatment and they simply need to be monitored. If they are large or cause unwanted symptoms, there are a number of treatment options you can discuss with your GP or gynaecologist. are very common in women aged 20 and older. They grow at varying rates until the onset of menopause, when they tend to decrease in size. By the age of 40, "The treatment of fibroids should depend on where the fibroid is, whether it is growing and if so, how rapidly, what the patient's symptoms are (if any), and whether she desires to conserve her fertility," says Graham. The contraceptive pill may be prescribed to treat symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding. Pressure symptoms caused by large fibroids may be relieved using a procedure known as uterine fibroid embolisation, which is performed under local anaesthetic. It involves an interventional radiologist threading a tube into the artery that supplies the fibroid with blood, and blocking it, which causes the fibroid to shrink. If surgery is required, your gynaecologist may be able to remove the fibroids but leave your uterus in place. This procedure is called a myomectomy and it can be performed vaginally – using an operating telescope that is inserted into the uterus through the cervix – or via abdominal surgery, where the fibroid is removed through a keyhole or open incision in the lower abdomen.

In the past the most common hysterectomy was done by an incision (cut) through the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy). Now most surgeons can perform laparoscopically assisted or vaginal hysterectomies (performed through the vagina rather than through the abdomen) for quicker and easier recovery

Yes we do. Please refer to our Fertility section for more detailed information.

Yes you can. Please refer to our Fertility section for more detailed information.

Yes we can. Please refer to our Fertility section for more detailed information.

Yes we do. Please refer to our Fertility section for more detailed information.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. It affects about 1 in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age. Causes of infertility are many and varied and involve male, female or a combination of factors. Click here for more information.

Maximising Natural Fertility. Women are naturally more fertile in their 20's than their 30's however there is a trend for couples to leave plans for pregnancy until later in their adult lives as compared to previous generations. Since 2000, 30-34 year olds consistently have the highest birth-rate of all age groups

Timed Intercourse is the process of monitoring your ovarian cycle via ultrasound, and having intercourse around the time (2-3 days around a positive ovulation indication or at a basal body temperature (BBT) rise).

A family medical history can identify people with a higher-than-usual chance of having common disorders, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, and diabetes. These complex disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. Click here for more information.

Recurrent miscarriages might indicate a specific cause of pregnancy loss. The Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic at the Women's provides care to women who have suffered three (3) or more consecutive (one after the other) miscarriages. Click here for mroe information.

Pregnancy exercise for beginners. You probably can start an exercise programduring pregnancy, even if you've been a dedicated couch potato until now. Keep in mind that pregnancy isn't the time to try to lose weight, nor is it a good idea to begin a high-intensity exercise routine if you were previously inactive. Most exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy, as long as you exercisewith caution and do not overdo it. The safest and most productive activities are swimming, brisk walking, indoor stationary cycling, step or elliptical machines, and low-impact aerobics (taught by a certified aerobics instructor).

During pregnancy you need more iron because the volume of your blood increases and your baby's blood is also developing. For an iron rich diet: include at least two serves of meat, chicken, fish, legumes or nuts every day, eat wholegrain breads, cereals and green leafy vegetables regularly. Click here for more information.

Airline travel. When you're pregnant, the safest time to travel is during your second trimester (18 to 24 weeks), when your risks for miscarriage and preterm labor are lowest. During your third trimester, it's best to stay within 300 miles of home, in case of sudden changes that need medical attention. Click here for more information.

Rest and Relaxation During Pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of many, many bodily changes. These changes take energy and can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Especially in the first three months and the last six weeks, when these changes are most dramatic, your body will need more rest. Click here for more information.

Our maternity teams offer professional care and guidance to help with your breastfeeding and lactation - both during your hospital stay and once you return home with your new baby. Breastfeeding is a skill which is learned by both the mother and baby. If you choose to breastfeed, we're here to help you. That’s why you’ll find such a wide range of breastfeeding and lactation support services on offer at our hospital. Dr Pregs Midwife Support We support you by providing the best information and guidance available, whatever choice you make to suit you and your baby’s needs. - Build the knowledge and skills of breastfeeding mothers - Support you and your baby to achieve successful breastfeeding - Aim to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding - Difficulty attaching your baby to the breast - Sore, cracked or inverted nipples - Too much or too little milk - Mastitis - Engorgement and/or breast pain - Unsettled/unhappy baby - Baby not gaining weight - Refusal of breast by your baby - Difficulty expressing milk - Breastfeeding twins - Breastfeeding a premature baby

Your journey with Dr. Pregs is just starting before and after the birth of your child. Dr. Pregs is a specialist in post delivery care for mums, especially during their first 40 days post birth. The first 40 days are seen as a confinement period, meant for you to recuperate, gain strength and bond with your new baby.

What is lochia? Every new mum bleeds after having her baby. This will be the case whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean section. This bleeding is called lochia. t's how your body gets rid of the lining of your uterus (womb) after birth. The blood may come out in gushes or flow more evenly like a heavy period. Click here for more information.

Sleep deprivation and maternal exhaustion can contribute to mothers developingpostnatal depression or anxiety, according to the Post and Antenatal Depression Association. Baby sleep problems usually involve babies older than six months not settling or waking at night over a prolonged period. If your baby's ... Even after the first six months or so, baby sleep habits and behaviour vary a lot. ... Lack of sleep can make it harder for you to cope with the day-to-day demands of caring for your baby. Click here for more information.

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