Women’s Health

Cervical screening starts at age 25 (replacing the old Pap smear test, which started at 18). If your first test is ‘normal’, you only need to be retested every 5 years.

All Australians with a cervix can now choose to self-collect their own sample for cervical screening under supervision using a cotton swab.

It’s just as effective at detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer, though self-collection isn’t suitable if you’re having symptoms like unusual bleeding or discharge.

👉 Read Dr Achala Manchanda’s post on cervical screening tests.

Yes, in Australia you can get the contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill by booking a telehealth consultation with your GP.

If it’s safe and appropriate, your doctor can prescribe or renew your oral contraceptive and send an electronic prescription to your phone.

Patients often choose to also discuss long-acting options like IUDs or implants during such appointments.

Copper devices cost $70-$120 and don’t require a prescription.

An IUD insertion procedure at Doctors of South Melbourne costs $282 out-of-pocket¹. However, you’ll need to start the process with a standard 15-minute² pre-insertion appointment to assess your eligibility.

In line with best-practice guidelines, most reputable GP clinics also require you to attend a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is going according to plan and that the IUD strings are in the correct position.

The initial and follow-up appointments are charged at our regular appointment rates.

👉 Read Dr Jeanne North’s post on IUD insertions.

1. The ‘out-of-pocket fee’ is the final cost to you after deducting your Medicare rebate.
2. Patients who are new to the clinic require a 30-minute ‘long’ appointment.

No, you don’t need a referral to see a women’s health GP or attend a women’s health clinic.

However, a GP referral is usually required to claim a Medicare rebate when seeing a gynaecologist or other medical specialist.

Your GP can also help you access the most appropriate specialist care.

Cervical screening starts at age 25 (replacing the old Pap smear test, which started at 18). If your first test is ‘normal’, you only need to be retested every 5 years.

All Australians with a cervix can now choose to self-collect their own sample for cervical screening under supervision using a cotton swab.

It’s just as effective at detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer, though self-collection isn’t suitable if you’re having symptoms like unusual bleeding or discharge.

👉 Read Dr Achala Manchanda’s post on cervical screening tests.

Yes, in Australia you can get the contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill by booking a telehealth consultation with your GP.

If it’s safe and appropriate, your doctor can prescribe or renew your oral contraceptive and send an electronic prescription to your phone.

Patients often choose to also discuss long-acting options like IUDs or implants during such appointments.

Copper devices cost $70-$120 and don’t require a prescription.

An IUD insertion procedure at Doctors of South Melbourne costs $282 out-of-pocket¹. However, you’ll need to start the process with a standard 15-minute² pre-insertion appointment to assess your eligibility.

In line with best-practice guidelines, most reputable GP clinics also require you to attend a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is going according to plan and that the IUD strings are in the correct position.

The initial and follow-up appointments are charged at our regular appointment rates.

👉 Read Dr Jeanne North’s post on IUD insertions.

1. The ‘out-of-pocket fee’ is the final cost to you after deducting your Medicare rebate.
2. Patients who are new to the clinic require a 30-minute ‘long’ appointment.

No, you don’t need a referral to see a women’s health GP or attend a women’s health clinic.

However, a GP referral is usually required to claim a Medicare rebate when seeing a gynaecologist or other medical specialist.

Your GP can also help you access the most appropriate specialist care.