WOMEN'S HEALTH

Woman talking with her GP at a women's health appointment in Bulimba

Women's Health in Bulimba

From your first cervical screening test to contraception, pregnancy, menopause and beyond, the GPs at Oxford Street Medical Centre Bulimba look after women's health at every stage of life. We take the time to listen, explain your options properly and help you make the decision that suits you, not just the quickest one.

We have female and male doctors, so you can see whoever you feel most comfortable with. If you'd prefer a female GP, just let reception know when you book.

Cervical screening

The Cervical Screening Test has replaced the old Pap smear. If you're aged 25 to 74 and have ever been sexually active, you're due for a test every five years, even if you've had the HPV vaccine.

You can have your GP collect the sample, or you can choose to collect it yourself in a private space at the clinic. Self-collection is just as accurate for detecting HPV and many women find it easier. Your GP will talk you through both options.

Any of our GPs can do your cervical screening test.

Contraception

There's no single best contraceptive, only the one that's right for you. Whether you're starting out, switching or having problems with your current method, we can go through the options and help you decide:

  • The pill (combined and progestogen-only)

  • Contraceptive implant (Implanon)

  • Hormonal IUDs (Mirena and Kyleena) and the copper IUD

  • Contraceptive injection

  • Emergency contraception

  • Contraception after having a baby or during perimenopause

Implanon insertion and removal is done onsite by Dr Bruce Maybloom and Dr Paul Bryan.

IUD insertion and removal (Mirena, Kyleena and copper IUDs) is done onsite by Dr Bruce Maybloom.

You'll usually have a consultation first to make sure the method suits you and to arrange a prescription for the device, then the insertion is booked as a separate appointment. Please mention what you're booking for so we can allow enough time.

Planning a pregnancy

Thinking about having a baby? A pre-pregnancy check is a good place to start. We'll review your general health, any medications, your vaccinations and folate, and talk through anything that might affect your pregnancy. If you've been trying for a while without success, we can start investigations for you and your partner and refer you on if needed.

Pregnancy and antenatal care

Once you're pregnant, our GPs can confirm the pregnancy, organise your early blood tests and scans, and refer you to your chosen hospital or private obstetrician.

If you're planning to have your baby at Mater Mothers' Hospital, you may be able to have most of your routine pregnancy check-ups here in Bulimba through the Mater GP Maternity Shared Care program, with visits to the hospital for scans, specialist appointments and the birth. Dr Paul Bryan, Dr Patricia Porras Rodriguez and Dr Kavina Sivakumaran are aligned Mater GP Shared Care providers.

Our female GPs also provide antenatal and postnatal care alongside your hospital or obstetrician.

After your baby arrives

The weeks after birth can be a lot. We provide postnatal checks for you and your baby, including the six-week check, childhood immunisations, help with feeding and sleep, contraception after birth, and support if your mood isn't what you expected. We also have a lactation consultant and clinical psychologists onsite.

Breast checks

If you've noticed a lump, pain, a change to your nipple or anything that doesn't feel right, don't wait for your next screening. Book in and have it checked. We can examine you, arrange imaging if needed and refer you on quickly.

Women aged 50 to 74 are invited to a free BreastScreen Queensland mammogram every two years, and women from 40 can also attend. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, talk to your GP about your personal risk and whether earlier or extra screening makes sense.

Periods, pelvic pain and hormones

Heavy, painful or irregular periods aren't something you just have to live with. We assess and manage:

  • Heavy or painful periods

  • Irregular or missing periods

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Endometriosis symptoms and referral

  • PMS and PMDD

  • Low iron caused by heavy periods, including iron infusions onsite

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections and thrush

Sexual health

Confidential STI testing and treatment, HPV vaccination and sexual health advice, without judgement. Testing is simple and often just a urine sample or swab.

Perimenopause and menopause

Hot flushes, poor sleep, brain fog, mood changes and joint aches are all common in your 40s and 50s, and effective treatments are available. Our GPs provide personalised menopause care including menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) and non-hormonal options. Read more on our Perimenopause and Menopause page.

Unplanned pregnancy

If you're facing an unplanned pregnancy, our GPs can talk you through all of your options in a confidential, non-judgemental way. We provide medical termination of pregnancy at the clinic. See our Medical Termination of Pregnancy page for details.

Our doctors

Female GPs with an interest in women's health: Dr Kavina Sivakumaran, Dr Patricia Porras Rodriguez, Dr Tania Macdonald, Dr Nazli Amini and Dr Jill Warlow.

Dr Paul Bryan and Dr Bruce Maybloom also have a particular interest in women's and sexual health and perform Implanon and IUD procedures.

Consulting days are listed on each doctor's page.

Book an appointment

Call Oxford Street Medical Centre or book online. For a first contraception, pregnancy or menopause visit we recommend a longer appointment so there's time to go through everything properly. Our consultation fees are on our Fees page.

We're on Oxford Street in the heart of Bulimba, with free onsite parking and lift access, and we see patients from across Bulimba, Hawthorne, Balmoral, Morningside, Norman Park and the surrounding Brisbane suburbs.

BOOK NOW