Women's health
Women's health in Rutherford, with care that listens.
Bulk billed women's health care with five female GPs, from contraception and cervical screening to pregnancy, menopause and everything in between.
A women's health GP who knows you.
At Rutherford Doctors, women's health care is part of everyday general practice. Whether you need contraception, a cervical screening test, support through pregnancy or help with menopause symptoms, our GPs take the time to listen and explain your options clearly.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice on Hillview Street, caring for women and families across Rutherford, Aberglasslyn, Telarah and the wider Maitland area. All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed, and you can choose a female GP when you book.
Choose a female GP and a time that suits you.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Contraception
Choosing contraception is personal. Your GP can talk through how each option works, how effective it is, possible side effects and what suits your health and lifestyle.
The combined pill, the progestogen-only pill (mini pill), the vaginal ring and the contraceptive injection, which is given every 12 weeks.
The contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT), which lasts up to three years, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which last for years and can be removed at any time. LARC options are among the most effective forms of contraception.
The emergency contraceptive pill is available from pharmacies. A copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex is the most effective emergency option. Talk to your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Cervical screening
The Cervical Screening Test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of most cervical cancers. It is recommended every five years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74.
Choose a sample collected by your GP, or collect your own sample privately with a simple swab. Both are accurate ways to test for HPV.
The National Cancer Screening Register sends reminders when you are due, and your GP can check your history.
Unusual bleeding, discharge or pain should be checked by your GP straight away, rather than waiting for your next screening test.
Pregnancy and planning
From planning a pregnancy to early pregnancy care and the weeks after birth, your GP can support you and your family.
A pre-pregnancy check can cover folic acid, vaccinations, medicines, lifestyle and existing health conditions.
Your GP can confirm your pregnancy, arrange early blood tests and ultrasounds, and refer you to your preferred hospital or obstetrician.
Postnatal check-ups for you and your baby, including recovery, feeding, contraception and emotional wellbeing.
Periods and pelvic health
Heavy, painful or irregular periods are common, but they are not something you have to put up with. Your GP can look into the cause and talk through options.
Your GP may suggest blood tests or an ultrasound, and talk through treatment options, including hormonal IUDs for heavy bleeding.
If symptoms such as pelvic pain, irregular cycles or acne suggest conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, your GP can investigate and refer you if needed.
Leaking urine or pelvic heaviness are common after childbirth and in later life. Your GP can assess and refer to a women's health physiotherapist.
Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause bring changes that affect everyday life. In Australia, the average age of menopause is around 51, and symptoms can begin years earlier.
Hot flushes, night sweats, sleep changes, mood changes, brain fog, joint aches and vaginal dryness.
Your GP can talk through lifestyle approaches, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal options, including the possible benefits and risks of each for you.
Menopause is a good time to review heart health, bone health and screening.
Breast health
Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, and seeing your GP about any changes.
BreastScreen NSW offers free screening mammograms every two years for women aged 50 to 74. Women aged 40 and over are also eligible. No referral is needed.
A new lump, nipple changes or discharge, skin dimpling, or a change in size or shape should be checked by your GP.
If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, your GP can talk with you about your risk and screening.
Sexual health
Confidential, non-judgemental sexual health care for all women.
Testing for sexually transmitted infections is usually a simple urine test or swab, with blood tests where needed.
Unusual discharge, pain, sores or bleeding after sex should be checked.
Your GP can check whether HPV vaccination is recommended for you.
Mental health and wellbeing
Life changes such as pregnancy, parenting and menopause can affect how you feel. Support is available.
Your GP can listen, talk through options and, if appropriate, prepare a mental health treatment plan.
Low mood or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth is common. Speak with your GP early.
In an emergency call 000. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and PANDA on 1300 726 306.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Types of contraception.
A guide to the main options. Your GP will help you choose what suits your health, lifestyle and plans.
Implanon NXT
Contraceptive implant
A small flexible rod placed under the skin of the inner upper arm that slowly releases a progestogen hormone.
Inserted and removed by your GP in a short procedure with local anaesthetic. Periods may become irregular, lighter or stop.
Mirena, Kyleena
Hormonal IUD
A small T-shaped device placed in the uterus that releases a low dose of progestogen.
Often makes periods lighter, and is also used to manage heavy periods. Inserted by your GP during a short procedure.
Non-hormonal
Copper IUD
A small T-shaped device with copper that prevents pregnancy without hormones.
Periods may become heavier or more painful for some people. Can also be used as emergency contraception within 5 days.
Depo-Provera
Contraceptive injection
A progestogen injection given every 12 weeks.
Needs a repeat injection on time. Periods may become irregular or stop, and it can take time for fertility to return after stopping.
The pill
Combined pill
A daily tablet containing oestrogen and progestogen.
Can help regulate periods. Not suitable for everyone, such as some people with migraine with aura or certain medical conditions. Your GP will check.
Mini pill
Progestogen-only pill
A daily tablet containing progestogen only.
An option for people who cannot take oestrogen, including while breastfeeding. Some types need to be taken at the same time each day.
NuvaRing
Vaginal ring
A soft flexible ring placed in the vagina that releases oestrogen and progestogen.
Worn for three weeks, then removed for one week, or used continuously as advised by your GP.
Internal and external
Condoms
A barrier method that also helps protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Available from pharmacies and supermarkets. Can be used with another method for extra protection.
Morning-after pill
Emergency contraceptive pill
A tablet taken after unprotected sex, available from pharmacies without a prescription.
Can be taken up to 3 or 5 days after sex, depending on the type. Talk to your pharmacist or GP as soon as possible.
Effectiveness figures are approximate typical-use rates from Australian family planning guidance. Typical use reflects how methods work in everyday life, including missed pills or late injections.
Not sure which method suits you? Talk it through with a GP.
IUD insertion and removal.
Intrauterine devices are one of the most effective forms of contraception. Here is what to expect at Rutherford Doctors.
Hormonal IUD
Mirena and Kyleena
Release a low dose of progestogen. They often make periods lighter, and a hormonal IUD may also be used to manage heavy periods or as part of menopausal hormone therapy, as advised by your GP.
Non-hormonal IUD
Copper IUD
Contains no hormones and can last up to 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. It can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
See your GP if you have
- Severe or worsening pelvic pain
- Fever, or unusual or smelly discharge
- Strings you cannot feel, or that feel longer
- A positive pregnancy test
Step by step
- 1Consultation
Your GP talks through your options, your medical history and whether an IUD suits you, and explains the possible benefits, risks and side effects.
- 2Before the procedure
You collect the IUD from a pharmacy with a script. Your GP may suggest a pregnancy test and STI testing, and talk about timing and pain relief options.
- 3Insertion
In a private treatment room, a speculum is used and the IUD is placed through the cervix into the uterus. The procedure usually takes a few minutes. Cramping is common, and you can ask to pause at any time.
- 4Straight after
You can rest before you leave. Cramping and light bleeding or spotting are common for the first few days to weeks.
- 5Follow-up
A check-up is usually recommended about six weeks after insertion. Your GP will show you how to check the strings and what to watch for.
Ask for a longer appointment for IUD insertion.
IUD removal and replacement
An IUD can be removed at any time if you want to stop or change contraception, or when it reaches the end of its recommended lifespan. Removal is usually quick, and a new IUD can often be placed at the same appointment. If you do not want to become pregnant, talk to your GP about starting another method before removal.
Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
The implant is inserted under the skin of the inner upper arm after numbing with local anaesthetic, and takes a few minutes. Removal uses a small cut under local anaesthetic, and a new implant can be inserted at the same time.
Costs
Consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. IUDs and implants are bought from a pharmacy with a script, and many are subsidised on the PBS. Consumables for some procedures may attract a fee. Reception will confirm any cost before your appointment.
Book an IUD or implant consultation
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building, so blood tests and other samples can often be collected straight after your appointment. Most pathology is bulk billed.
Procedures and tests in clinic.
What to expect before, during and after. Your GP will talk through the possible benefits, risks and costs with you first.
Implanon NXT
Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
A small, flexible rod placed just under the skin of the inner upper arm. It releases a hormone that prevents pregnancy for up to three years.
Your GP talks through whether the implant suits you, and you collect the implant from a pharmacy with a script.
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and the implant is inserted through a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
You may have some bruising or tenderness. Bleeding patterns can change. Removal is also a quick procedure under local anaesthetic.
Mirena and Kyleena
Hormonal IUD insertion
A small T-shaped device placed in the uterus. It releases a low dose of hormone and lasts for years, depending on the type. It may also reduce heavy periods.
A consultation to discuss suitability and timing, and a script to collect the device from a pharmacy. Your GP may suggest pain relief before the appointment.
The device is placed through the cervix during a short procedure. Some cramping is common.
Cramping and spotting can occur for a few weeks. Your GP will arrange a check-up and explain what to watch for.
Clinician or self-collected
Cervical screening
A five-yearly HPV test for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74.
Book a standard appointment. You can choose a clinician-collected or self-collected sample.
A clinician-collected sample takes a few minutes using a speculum. A self-collected sample is taken privately with a swab.
Most results show no HPV and you are due again in five years. Your GP will explain any follow-up.
Confidential tests
Pregnancy and STI testing
Pregnancy tests, early pregnancy blood tests and sexual health testing, with 4Cyte Pathology collection in the same building.
Book an appointment and let reception know if it is urgent.
Your GP talks with you about your health and arranges the right tests.
Your GP will explain how you will receive your results and any next steps.
Consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Contraceptive devices are bought from a pharmacy with a script, and consumables for some procedures may attract a fee. Reception will confirm any cost before your appointment.
Booking a procedure? Choose a longer appointment so there is time to talk first.
Care for every stage of life.
Select a life stage to see the checks and care worth talking to your GP about.
Due for a check? Book a women's health check-up.
Our female GPs.
Tap a GP to read their profile, or book with them directly.
No preference? Book the first available female GP.
Women's health questions.
Can I see a female GP at Rutherford Doctors?
Yes. Dr Zahraa Alassaf, Dr Comfort Ogidi, Dr Maryia Badshah, Dr Sharon Liu and Dr Agga Nabukeera are female GPs. Choose your GP when you book online through HotDoc, or ask reception.
Are women's health consultations bulk billed?
All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, such as contraceptive devices bought from a pharmacy and consumables for some procedures, may attract a cost. Reception will confirm any fees before your appointment.
Do you insert Implanon and Mirena?
Yes. Contraceptive implant and hormonal IUD insertion are available. Dr Zahraa has a special interest in Mirena and Implanon insertion. Ask for a longer appointment when you book.
How often do I need cervical screening?
Every five years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74, unless your GP recommends otherwise.
Can I collect my own cervical screening sample?
Yes. Self-collection is available to everyone eligible for cervical screening.
Can I bring a support person or ask for a chaperone?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a support person, and you can ask for a chaperone for any examination.
This page provides general information about women's health services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
