Educational Resources and Useful Links
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This section contains links to other useful websites that can provide reliable, up to date and evidenced based information on a wide range of women’s health related topics. We aim to provide a variety of useful resources that will empower women across the lifespan to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.
The following pages provide culturally appropriate and multilingual factsheets in a range of languages:
- Women's health topics - Health A-Z | Jean Hailes
- Individuals | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
- Health information | The Royal Women's Hospital (thewomens.org.au)
- Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | Cancer Council
- Multilingual resources | Cancer Council
- Languages | 1800RESPECT
- Multicultural Resources | SANDS - MISCARRIAGE STILLBIRTH NEWBORN DEATH SUPPORT
- Multicultural communities | Cancer Institute NSW
After Your Pregnancy Loss
It is normal to feel a range of emotions following your pregnancy loss. Your GP is a good resource to offer support however they may refer you to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) at John Hunter Hospital for ongoing care. The EPAS staff will help you through your grief and are able to refer you to the John Hunter Social Work Service should you need additional support.
Some ongoing bleeding and cramping pain is expected following a miscarriage. Please read the following factsheet for more information.
Factsheet
Catheter Care
If you have recently had surgery and have been informed that you will go home with a urinary catheter, there is some important information that you need to know.
Please read the following brochure for more information:
Cervical Screening
Cervical Cancer can be prevented by early detection of abnormal changes to the cervix and offering appropriate treatment. This is achieved by routine cervical screening.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 are invited to routine cervical screening every 5 years in Australia.
Cervical screening is a simple test performed by your GP, nurse or healthcare worker.
Learn more:
Factsheet
RANZCOG - Cervical Screening in Australia
Links
About the National Cervical Screening Program | Australian Government Department of Health
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix. You may be referred to the colposcopy clinic if your cervical screening test has returned an abnormal result. It is important to remember that this does not automatically mean you have cervical cancer.
A colposcope is a special kind of magnifying glass that allows the specialist doctor to have a closer look at the cells on the cervix.
If you have been referred to the colposcopy clinic and would like more information:
Factsheet
Contraception
Contraception means preventing a pregnancy from occurring. There are many contraceptive options available. These include:
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Condoms (male and female)
- Hormonal vaginal ring
- Diaphragm and cervical cap
- Contraceptive injection
- Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) – Hormonal implant, hormonal IUD’s and Copper IUD
- Fertility Awareness Based Methods
- Withdrawal
- Emergency contraception
- Female/ Male sterilisation
Contraceptive choice is a very personal decision and is different for each person. It is important to consider your individual needs, the effectiveness of each option against pregnancy, possible side effects, cost and availability, protection against sexually transmitted infections and how easily the contraceptive can be reversed.
For more information on the different contraception options:
Factsheet
CONTRACEPTION CHOICES.pdf (fpnsw.org.au)
Links
Contraception | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Contraception | The Royal Women's Hospital (thewomens.org.au)
Emergency Contraception | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Diversity of Gender and Sexual Orientation
LGBTIQ people experience poorer health outcomes compared to the general population which is driven by health issues that disproportionally affect the LGBTIQ community. Unfortunately LGBTIQ people experience a high level of social stigma, discrimination and social isolation which causes a great deal of mental and emotional distress.
NSW Health has made a commitment to improve the health outcomes of LGBTIQ people and communities by implementing a clear strategy to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable and ensuring every person has access to adequate healthcare.
For more information on the NSW LGBTIQ Health Strategy 2022 – 2027, follow the link:
lgbtiq-health-strategy.pdf (nsw.gov.au)
Maple Leaf House provides specialist holisitic healthcare to young trans and gender diverse children, adolescents and young people up to the age of 24 within the Newcastle region. For more information please contact:
Maple Leaf House
56 Stewert Avenue, Hamilton East NSW 2302
02) 40164980
For more information and resources that support trans and gender diverse people and their families in NSW:
Links
Resources - Parents of Gender-Diverse Children (Principle) (pgdc.org.au)
Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence is when someone uses violence or manipulation to control someone they are close to. Violence does not have to be physical. It can be in the form of verbal, psychological, emotional or sexual abuse. It can also involve social isolation or financial abuse. Children can also be exposed to domestic violence and this can have devastating impacts on a child’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service if you are experiencing any form of abuse from another person and need support.
For NSW – Domestic Violence Line 1800 811 811
Links
Domestic violence and abusive relationships - signs, effects and support | healthdirect
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
What is domestic and family violence? | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au)
Ectopic Pregnancy
The term “ectopic” means in the wrong place. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg settles in a location other than the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube.
Although the egg is fertilised, an ectopic pregnancy is not capable of survival. It is diagnosed by pregnancy test, pelvic examination or ultrasound scan.
Risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Previous pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- History of fertility treatments
- A previous ectopic pregnancy
- Any operation on the fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Smoking
Signs and symptoms include:
- Pregnancy symptoms such as a missed period, morning sickness, breast tenderness
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- Cramps on one side of the pelvis
- Shoulder tip pain
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- If the fallopian tube ruptures: sudden severe abdominal pain, dizziness and or collapse can occur rapidly.
The treatment for ectopic pregnancy depends on how severe your symptoms are, how advanced your pregnancy is and whether or not your fallopian tube has ruptured.
For more information on Ectopic pregnancy and management
Fact Sheet
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus (womb) is found in other areas of the body. Most commonly this tissue is found in the pelvis. Endometriosis can cause significant pain during a period cycle but can also affect fertility. Other symptoms include pain with sex, back pain, pain during other times of the menstrual cycle, pain with bowel motions and fatigue.
Learn more:
Fact Sheets
Endometriosis_pamphlet.pdf (ranzcog.edu.au)
Links
Endometriosis | The Royal Women's Hospital (thewomens.org.au)
Emergency Contraception
If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse or there have been issues such as a missed pill or broken condom, emergency contraception is available at pharmacies to help prevent pregnancy.
For more information:
Links
Emergency contraception (worldssl.net)
Emergency Contraception | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Fertility and Pregnancy – OHSS
Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy within 12 months of unprotected intercourse in people under 35yrs of age or within 6 months for people over 35yrs of age. Infertility can effect up to 15% of couples.
Infertility can be affected for many reasons. If you are experiencing difficulties falling pregnant, you should first make an appointment with your GP so they can undertake investigations.
Learn more:
Links
Fertility & pregnancy | Jean Hailes
Your Fertility - Facts About Fertility & How To Improve Your Chance
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)
Fertility and Infertility | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Fibroids
Fibroids are non cancerous growths that develop in and around the muscle layer of the womb (uterus). Fibroids are common later in reproductive years and often get smaller once women go through menopause.
Most fibroids remain small and don’t cause many problems. However larger or multiple fibroids can cause symptoms such as:
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- pelvic and lower back pain, particularly during a period
- pain during intercourse
- difficulty with passing urine or a bowel motion
Fibroids are more common in women over the age of 35, obese persons, if you’re first period commenced early in life, have never given birth, have a family history of fibroids, have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Learn more:
Links
Uterine fibroids - symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) or Molar Pregnancy
Gestational Trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare form of pregnancy that occurs in 1 out of every 1200 pregnancies. It is also known as a molar pregnancy.
The most common form of GTD is known as hydatiform mole. This describes an abnormal growth of the placenta. A placenta is the part of the pregnancy that feeds the baby all its required nutrients to grow inside of you. As the placenta grows abnormally, it produces high levels of pregnancy hormones that makes the woman feel pregnant.
Sadly a molar pregnancy does not continue as the baby does not develop at all.
For more information on Molar Pregnancy please see below:
Factsheet
Links
Gestational-Trophablastic-Disease.pdf (ranzcog.edu.au)
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease - Molar Pregnancy (health.qld.gov.au)
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is described as prolonged or excessive blood loss that has an impact on your quality of life. It is difficult to determine whether your bleeding is too heavy because everyone experiences periods differently.
Some signs of excessive heavy bleeding include:
- Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or less
- Passing clots greater than the size of a 50c piece
- Losing more than 80mls of blood (equates to 5-6 tablespoons of blood)
- Having to change your pad or tampon through the night
- Bleeding through clothing
- Bleeding for more than 7-8 days.
Learn more:
Factsheet
RANZCOG - Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Links
Heavy periods | The Royal Women's Hospital (thewomens.org.au)
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a minor procedure that is used to look inside the uterus (womb). Hysteroscopy is completed in the operating theatres under a general anaesthetic.
A hysteroscopy may be offered to investigate certain problems such as:
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
- Infertility
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Finding an intrauterine device
For more information
Links
Incontinence
There are two main common types of urinary incontinence which can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is when you leak urine or wet yourself during activity. SUI is very common affecting approximately 1 in every 3 women.
Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder, giving you the urge to regularly go to the toilet and not making it in time.
Urinary incontinence is caused by the weakening of the support system within the pelvis that holds the bladder and urethra in place which then allows for urine to escape.
Women that are pregnant, have had children, been through menopause, have a prolapse, suffer from constipation, are overweight, smoke or have a chronic cough are more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence.
Learn More:
Factsheet
Stress-Urinary-Incontinence-KK19
Links
Incontinence prevention, management & support | Continence Foundation of Australia
Incontinence & Bladder Weakness | Jean Hailes
Bladder health 101: tips to improve bladder control | Jean Hailes
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is also known as keyhole surgery. A great deal of gynaecology surgeries are now performed laparoscopically. It is an operation that is attended in the operating theatres under a general anaesthetic that allows the gynaecology specialist to look at the pelvic organs including uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper portion of the cervix.
You may be recommended to undergo a laparascopy if you have the following:
- Suspected ovarian cysts
- Infertility
- Pelvic pain
- Suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
Laparoscopy may also performed in certain types of surgeries such as tubal sterilisation, hysterectomy, removal of fibroids or treatment of prolapse and incontinence.
For more information please read:
Links
Menopause
Menopause represents the end of a woman’s reproductive life. This means the woman has a final menstrual period as the ovaries no longer release any eggs. Menopause usually occurs between 45 – 60 yrs of age. Most women experience menopause at the expected age but some women can experience premature menopause which occurs before the age 40. This can be caused for various reasons such as primary ovarian insufficiency, surgery where the ovaries have been removed or some cancer treatments.
Women can experience a range of symptoms when going through the early stages of menopause (known as perimenopause) as the ovaries begin running out of eggs. Symptoms include hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, night sweats, difficulty sleeping and pain with sex. There are a range of options to help with these symptoms.
Learn more:
Factsheet
Menopause-pamphlet.pdf (ranzcog.edu.au)
Links
Miscarriage and Pregnancy loss
Miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy stops growing. Miscarriage is very common in the few weeks of pregnancy and unfortunately there is usually no identifiable reason why a miscarriage occurs.
A miscarriage can be diagnosed at different stages of the pregnancy. Sometimes women first develop symptoms of pain or bleeding unexpectedly, or examination findings such as blood tests or ultrasound may find a pregnancy has stopped growing.
Eventually the pregnancy will pass through the womb either naturally, taking medication or having surgery.
Following the loss of a pregnancy it is very common to experience grief and have lots of questions. Your GP is always a good place to obtain information about miscarriage or the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) offers support to women experiencing pregnancy complications up to 18 weeks gestation. Your GP can refer women to EPAS for ongoing care during their miscarriage period.
For more information:
Fact Sheet:
Pregnancy Loss (ranzcog.edu.au)
Supportive links:
Miscarriage | The Royal Women's Hospital (thewomens.org.au)
The Pink Elephants Support Network - Home
Miscarriage | SANDS - MISCARRIAGE STILLBIRTH NEWBORN DEATH SUPPORT
Guiding Light - Red Nose Grief and Loss | Supporting you on your journey after the death of a child
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially serious complication of fertility treatment, especially with in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
OHSS can range from mild to severe symptoms. Mild OHSS is common and usually resolves itself overtime however more severe cases require hospital admission with specialist care.
Symptoms can include abdominal swelling, pain, nausea/vomiting, and in more severe cases difficulty breathing, severe thirst and dehydration, forming of blood clots.
For more information on OHSS
Links
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The organs of a woman’s pelvis contain the uterus, vagina, bladder and bowel. Throughout a woman’s lifespan the supporting ligaments and tissue supporting these internal organs can become weak as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, menopause and age, constipation, excessive weight, smoking and/or chronic cough or inherited risks. This weaking can result in the pelvic organs dropping down out of place.
Learn more about different types of pelvic organ prolapses and treatment options:
Factsheet
Pelvic-Organ-Prolapse-KK19.pdf (ranzcog.edu.au)
Links
Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Women | Continence Foundation of Australia
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries. PID is usually caused by having unprotected sex with a partner that has a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Often partners may not know they have an infection as they may not have symptoms.
On rarer occasions PID can occur as a result of a gynaecology procedure or following the insertion of an intrauterine device.
If left untreated, PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes which can cause problems with fertility in the future.
Learn More:
Links
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Periods
The menstrual cycle is a cycle controlled by female hormones that causes a regular bleed, also known as menstruation or a period. Menstrual cycles are different for each person and can vary from 21-38 days. However there are factors that can affect the length of time between cycles. These include:
- Excessive exercise
- Stress
- Weight loss
- Travel
The volume and length of bleeding also varies from one person to another.
The role of the menstrual cycle is to ultimately prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. When a pregnancy has not occurred, a period follows. In Australia, women will experience approximately 450-500 periods in a lifetime.
For more information on Periods:
Links
About the menstrual cycle | Jean Hailes
Periods | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
About periods | The Royal Women's Hospital (thewomens.org.au)
Period Pain
Painful periods is also known as dysmenorrhoea. It is very common for women to experience pain during a period, and more common in adolescents and women in their 20’s. Most often period pain can be managed with simple remedies such as heatpacks, some herbal remedies or over the counter pain medication. Period pain often resolves on its own without any intervention.
More severe cases of period pain that stops you from being able to complete daily activities or attending school may need further investigation as there may be other causes for period pain. You should make an appointment to see your GP if you experience severe period pain.
For more information:
Links
Period Problems | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Pain and symptom diary (jeanhailes.org.au)
Pelvic pain: know the different causes and when to seek… | Jean Hailes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal problem that affects approximately 8-13% of Australian women.
Women that are diagnosed with PCOS have high levels of male hormones produced from the ovaries which can lead to problems with irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth to face and body and is also one of the leading causes of fertility problems.
Women with PCOS are also at higher risk of developing other problems such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Higher risk of heart disease and cholesterol
- Cancer of the uterus (womb)
- Anxiety and Depression
- Sleep apnoea
- Problems with weight management
- Problems with sex and relationships
For more information:
Links
All about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Jean Hailes
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) | healthdirect
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Post Menopausal Bleeding
A women is considered to be menopausal when there has been an absence of menstrual bleeding for 12 months. After this time any bleeding at all is not normal.
Up to 1 in 10 women experience bleeding after menopause (also known as post menopausal bleeding) and most often this is nothing to be concerned about. However it is important for any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause to be investigated as it sometimes can be a sign of cancer in the cervix or uterus (womb).
There are a few reasons why post menopausal bleeding may occur. These include:
- Inflammation to the lining of the uterus (womb) or vagina
- Thinning of the lining of the uterus
- Polyps (benign growths) in the cervix or uterus
- Thickening of the lining of the uterus as a result of being on hormone replacement therapy
- Abnormal changes to the cervix or uterus
For more information:
Links
Pregnancy options
Unplanned pregnancies are common in Australia with approximately 50% of all pregnancies being unplanned. It is normal to feel mixed emotions when finding out that you are pregnant unexpectedly.
Often individuals or couples are left to make the difficult decision if the pregnancy should continue. A range of support services are available to help make decisions on unplanned pregnancies.
Learn more:
Links
Abortion | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Unplanned pregnancy | healthdirect
Unplanned pregnancy in Australia - Children by Choice
Considering Abortion? Unplanned Pregnancy? - Pregnancy Counselling Australia
Preventing Blood Clots
Sometimes blood can pool inside of veins which can cause a blood clot. Blood clots are a leading cause of preventable death in Australia. Being in hospital increases the risk of developing a blood clot particularly if you have had surgery or aren’t able to move around as usual.
People at risk of developing a blood clot include:
- Patient’s over 60 years of age
- Obesity
- Previous blood clot
- Family history of blood clots
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth
- Patient’s with cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment
- Patients on the contraceptive pill
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Patient’s with a chronic illness or blood disease.
For more information:
Links
Preventing Blood Clots - Information for patients & carers (nsw.gov.au)
Reproductive Cancers
Cancer is a disease of the body’s cells causing abnormal cells to grow and invade our normally healthy tissue and organs.
Most cancers begin in an organ known as the primary site. Sometimes cancer cells can break off and spread to other tissues or organs via the bloodstream or lymph nodes. This is called metastasis.
There are some cancers that are specific to the reproductive organs.
For more information follow these useful links:
Cancer of the Cervix
Cervical cancer | Cancer Institute NSW
Cervical cancer (canceraustralia.gov.au)
Cancer of the Ovaries
Ovarian Cancer Australia - Ovarian Cancer Support Resources & Fact sheets | OCA
Ovarian cancer (canceraustralia.gov.au)
Ovarian cancer | Cancer Institute NSW
Cancer of the Uterus
Uterine cancer | Cancer Institute NSW
Uterine sarcoma (canceraustralia.gov.au)
Cancer of the uterus (womb) | Jean Hailes
Cancer of the Vagina
Vaginal cancer | Cancer Institute NSW
Vaginal cancer (canceraustralia.gov.au)
Cancer of the Vulva
Vulval cancer (canceraustralia.gov.au)
Vulvar cancer | Cancer Institute NSW
Cancer of the Fallopian Tube
Sex and Intimacy after Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can greatly impact a person physically, emotionally and mentally. Some treatments of cancer can have significant side effects and affect a woman’s appearance which can lead to poor self-esteem and body image issues, ultimately impacting on relationships. For some people this may be temporary while others may find these issues to be long term.
Cancer and the treatments for cancer can also affect a person’s fertility. Some cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the organs that are needed to produce a pregnancy such as the ovaries. Your treating team will discuss your options prior to starting treatment if there are concerns for fertility.
For more information:
Links
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is a legal term that describes any unwanted sexual behaviour that is enforced upon another person without consent.
This can include inappropriate kissing, touching, showing indecent images as well as penetration of a person with either a body part or object.
Sexual assault is a crime in Australia and you have the option to report any sexual assault to police. It is also your choice to seek medical care after a sexual assault but it is important to remember that presenting to hospital or seeing a doctor does not mean that you have to make a police report.
Support services are available to persons experiencing sexual assault. NSW Health Sexual Assault Services are located in all local health districts across NSW and provide free advice and counselling, information and support, medical care, forensic examination and court preparation.
Local NSW Health Sexual Assault Services can be found below
Links:
Sexual assault and rape - helplines, definition, reporting | healthdirect
Responding to sexual assault – a practical guide | Jean Hailes
What is sexual assault? - Women's Legal Service NSW (wlsnsw.org.au)
Sexual Health
Sex and sexuality are an important part of women’s health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Finding healthy relationships is an important process and is built on mutual respect, trust and compromise which enables both parties to be in control of their sex life.
Practicing safe sex can greatly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), and also reduces the chance of unplanned pregnancy.
For more information:
Links
Violence against Women
Family and domestic violence - Services Australia
What is domestic and family violence? | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au)
Domestic violence and abusive relationships - signs, effects and support | healthdirect
Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
The vulva is a woman’s external genitalia. The vagina is the internal tube that connects the uterus (womb) to the outside of the body. There are a number of conditions that can affect the vagina and vulva. Most conditions are easily treated but some symptoms may be more serious and need further investigation.
More information on symptoms and conditions can be found below.
Links
Vulva & vagina (jeanhailes.org.au)
Vulval & vaginal irritation | Jean Hailes
Vulval & vaginal conditions | Jean Hailes
Common Vaginal & Vulval Conditions | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)