Women's Health
All our medical centres offer comprehensive women’s healthcare services. We understand the importance of feeling comfortable discussing private and sensitive topics when you come to see us. All visits are confidential, as per our obligations.
Breast screening
In New Zealand, nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. It's likely someone you know has been affected, and our hearts go out to you.
It’s essential to detect breast cancer early. Early detection can make all the difference, as it means treatment will be most effective. Up to 92% of breast cancers are survivable when found early.
The Breast Cancer Foundation recommends checking your breasts once a month for any lumps or changes in appearance, including up to the collarbone and under the armpits. For more information, take a look at the Breast Awareness Guide.
If you have any concerns, book an appointment with your GP. They’ll perform an initial check and refer you for screening scans if necessary. Eligible women aged 45 to 69 can also receive a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is recommended for all women or people with a cervix. From September 2023, the cervical screening test changed to an HPV (human papillomavirus) screening test, as 95% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV. It is a very effective way of detecting cell changes so that we can intervene early before cancer occurs.
There are three options for the screening test: self-test vaginal swab, vaginal swab with clinician assistance, or a speculum swap test from the cervix (same as the smear test). The lab tests for 14 high-risk types of HPV. If none of these are detected, you’ll be asked to retest again in 5 years. This is a very safe interval, as cervical cancer takes 10-20 years to develop. If HPV is detected on your vaginal swab, you’ll need a follow-up check. Depending on the type of HPV found, you may need a speculum exam and cervical sample (previously the smear test), or you may be referred to a specialist for colposcopy.
Cervical screening may be free for some women and people with a cervix who meet the eligibility criteria.
Contraceptive advice
There are a variety of contraceptive or birth control methods that prevent pregnancy. Each method has pros and cons. Your chosen method will come down to personal preference, and how your body feels. We recommend talking through the available options with a GP. If one method is giving you negative side effects impacting your life, please come back and see us, so that we can look at another option for you.
Contraception types include the pill, IUD, Depo Provera injection and contraceptive implant. Compare the different types contraceptive options.
Some contraceptives may be subsidised, chat with a GP during the appointment to find out more.
Health assessments
As we get older it’s important to have a routine health assessment at a medical centre. A GP or Nurse Practitioner will check things such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain that is affecting your daily life, this could be a sign of Endometriosis which affects 1 in 10 women and teenage girls. Book an appointment with your GP in the first instance.
If you are managing a chronic condition, you will need to visit your GP at least annually to review your medication and do a regular check on your overall health.
Lifestyle guidance
If you have concerns about your overall health and well-being, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Our friendly GPs can offer lifestyle guidance on nutrition, exercise, mental health, pathways to quit smoking and more. Our medical centres take a holistic approach to supporting you, where our GPs often work in conjunction with their clinical colleagues, including Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) and Health Coaches (HCs).
Pregnancy
If you are planning for pregnancy, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a GP or nurse practitioner. They’ll discuss any medical conditions or family history that may impact your pregnancy. They will also offer pre-pregnancy advice, such as lifestyle changes and supplements.
It’s also important to see a GP if you suspect you may be pregnant (whether planned or unplanned). GPs offer pregnancy advice and how to access support, such as finding a midwife.
Pregnancy loss is devastating and takes an emotional and mental toll. If you’re struggling, please reach out to us for support, our team are here for you and your family. Likewise, if you are struggling to conceive, come and have a chat with a GP, who will be able to guide you on the next steps and available options.
For more information about pregnancy visit your GP.
Menopause and perimenopause
Menopause is when a woman’s and people with a cervix’s menstrual periods stop. During menopause, your body makes less oestrogen and progestogen, and your ovaries stop releasing eggs. It usually occurs between 45-55 years old, with the average age in NZ being 52. Though it’s a normal transition in life 70% of women have significant symptoms.
Perimenopause is the year(s) leading into your period stopping completely, where you’ll notice a change to period regularity and flow. Common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, sweats, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, sleep problems and mood changes. These are side effects of the hormonal changes happening in your body. If symptoms are impacting your life, book a GP appointment to discuss the many treatment options.
How to access our services
Book an appointment
Easily book an appointment with us online, if you're an enrolled patient. Alternatively, contact your closest medical centre to book a consult today.
Resources and education
There are some great resources and tools available online. Here are our top recommendations:
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