Sexual Health
& Contraception
Screenings
We offer confidential screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) tailored to your needs, whether you have symptoms, a new partner, a change in sexual activity, or would simply like routine screening for peace of mind. Testing may include urine tests, vaginal, rectal or throat swabs, blood tests, or a cervical sample. We also explain timing, results, treatment if needed, and partner management in a clear and supportive way.
Cervical screening checks for HPV, the virus that can lead to cervical cancer over time. For most women in Australia, screening is recommended every five years from age 25 to 74. We can offer clinician-collected or self-collected screening where appropriate and explain what the result means and what happens next.
If you want to better understand your cycle, use fertility awareness methods, or start thinking ahead to pregnancy, we can help. This may include talking through cycle tracking, timing for conception, how fertility changes with age, and when it may be worth discussing options such as egg freezing.
Contraception
Contraception is not one-size-fits-all, so we take time to help you choose an option that fits your body, your goals, and your stage of life. We can talk through condoms, the combined pill, the progesterone-only pill, hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs including Mirena, Kyleena, and copper IUDs, the contraceptive implant Implanon, the vaginal ring, and Depo Provera. We explain how each option works, what to expect, and the main benefits, risks, and side effects.
The hormonal IUD, the copper IUD and the contraceptive implant (Implanon) are among the most effective contraception available, and amongst some of our favourites that we recommend to our patients. However with telehealth, prescribing these is a little more tricky! Placing an IUD or implanon is a procedure, and a procedure needs a room. As part of our contraception discussions we will explore if one of these LARCs (Long acting reversible contraceptives) would be the right choice for you. If we are able to recommend a local inserter we will, or if its a viable option you can have yours done at our Sydney sister clinic, where Dr Sarah Farrell inserts IUDs and Dr Jo Mackson inserts implanon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual Health
No. The pill is one of the most studied medications in history, and for most women it's safe to take for years. Like any medication it has risks and side effects, which is why it's prescription-only, but much of what you'll see online about the pill "wrecking your hormones" isn't supported by evidence. However the pill doesn't suit everyone, so that's why a personalised contraceptive review is always a good idea.
Insertion is uncomfortable for most women and painful for some, usually for a short time. We're honest about this because you deserve to plan for it. At SWW we offer local anaesthetic and the green whistle (Penthrox), an inhaled pain relief you control yourself during the procedure, and we talk you through what to take beforehand. Most women describe strong cramping that settles within a day or two.
It depends on the device. A Mirena lasts eight years for contraception, or five years when used as the progestogen part of menopausal hormone therapy. A Kyleena lasts five years, and copper IUDs last between five and ten depending on the type. All are more than 99 per cent effective and fully reversible. We insert and remove IUDs in our clinic, with a consultation first to work out which device suits you.
If you're sexually active and aged 15 to 29, an annual STI check is recommended, and at any age you should test with a new partner, after unprotected sex, or if you have symptoms. Most STIs cause no symptoms at all, which is exactly why testing matters rather than waiting for something to feel wrong. A standard check is a simple urine test or self-collected swab, plus in come cases a blood test for infections like HIV and syphilis, as well as other swabs if required. These are all covered by Medicare.
There's no single best contraceptive, only the best one for your body, your stage of life and your priorities. The options range from the pill and the hormonal IUD to implants, injections and barrier methods, and they differ in effectiveness, side effects and what they do to your bleeding. A long consultation lets us match the method to you, not the other way around.
Yes. While fertility declines with age it doesn't switch off, and you can still conceive during perimenopause (wether you intend to or not). The general advice in Australia is to continue contraception until two years after your final period if it happens before 50, or one year after if you're over 50. Some options, like the hormonal IUD, can also double as part of menopausal hormone therapy.
Contraception
You can book a telehealth consultation or directly with our Greenwich clinic and no referral is required. We will take time to understand your concern, explain any recommended tests or treatment options, and create a plan that feels manageable and right for you.