Women's Health Queensland Wide
Organisation
Organisation Profile
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About
Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. - Areas Of Interest Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Vulvar Cancer Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Depression Postnatal Depression Osteoporosis Infertility Miscarriage Trying To Conceive Endometriosis Fibroids HPV Menopause Pelvic Pain Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Thrush Vulval Conditions
Answers contributed by Women's Health Queensland Wide
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How is vulvodynia treated?
Treatment for vulvodynia is focused on relieving the discomfort experienced. Symptoms may be reduced by following the following general vulval care tips: Switch to hypoallergenic versions of products like toilet paper and laundry detergent as ... read more -
How do you diagnose vulvodynia?
The term vulvodynia literally means pain of the vulva. The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) describes vulvodynia as vulval ‘discomfort, pain, irritation, burning or rawness in the absence of visible or ... read more -
What is HPV and what is the prognosis for it?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects the body’s skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 types of the human papillomavirus and some of these are sexually transmitted and infect the ... read more -
How does psoriasis affect the vulva?
Women with psoriasis of the vulva often have the skin condition elsewhere on their body. Psoriasis is an immune system disorder. Symptoms include scaly, red plaques (although on the vulva these are generally less well ... read more -
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
The main symptom of lichen sclerosus is severe itching. Scratching can result in broken skin, burning or stinging, pain during sex and/or urination. Lichen sclerosus is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It affects women ... read more -
Is there a fertility treatment available?
There are several treatments available to treat infertility. These include microsurgery, ovulation induction or assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation). The treatment chosen will depend on the results of any tests carried ... read more -
How many women in Australia undergo IVF treatment?
In September 2010 a report looking at IVF treatment in Australia showed 3.5% of babies were born with the help of this technology. This was an increase of 10% per year between 2004 and 2008. ... read more -
Is IVF treatment for infertile women an option for becoming pregnant?
Yes. IVF is one of the options that doctors may use to help a women to become pregnant. It is, however, only one of many medical procedures that may be undertaken in order to help ... read more -
Does infertility impact both men and women?
Yes, both men and women are impacted by infertility. 1 in 6 couples will experience difficulties conceiving as a result of ovulatory, tubal, semen or combined factors. Sperm production is a very complex process and ... read more -
What are the treatment options for my infertility?
Whether or not infertility is permanent depends on the cause. In some cases, if the cause is treatable then it can be cured. If the cause is not treatable then the problem is often overcome ... read more -
Can abortion result in difficulty conceiving later down the track?
According to the Royal Australian and New Zeland College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists there is no evidence to support an association between termination of pregnancy and infertility.For more information Queensland women can call the Health ... read more -
What are the signs or symptoms of Chlamydia?
Most people with chlamydia will not have any symptoms. This means that it can go undiagnosed for a long time, potentially leading to serious complications. If symptoms are present they may be overlooked as they ... read more -
I have Chlamydia what are the treatment options and how to do I make sure I don’t get it again?
Chlamydia is usually treated with a single antibiotic dose. If complications have occurred from the infection (e.g. PID) a longer antibiotic treatment may be necessary. To avoid re-infection it is important to treat current sexual ... read more -
How serious is an STI or STD?
There are at least 25 different types of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and genital warts. Some STIs have no symptoms, and the very serious concerns are for the long standing, ... read more -
What are best way to prevent STDs?
The best protection from chlamydia and other STIs, whatever your sexual preference, is to always practice safe sex. Barrier protection (condoms, dams) should always be used when having sex with a partner whose previous sexual ... read more -
What are the symptoms of an STD or STI?
The symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) are many and varied. Many STIs don’t have symptoms so it is important to get checked regularly, especially if have engaged in unsafe sexual activity, sexual activity ... read more -
Where do you get tested for STD’s or STI’s and how do they test for it?
Any GP or local hospital will be able to carry out testing for STIs. All consultations are confidential. You can also have a sexual health check up at a sexual health clinic or family planning ... read more -
When should you get tested for an STD or STI?
It is important to visit a doctor if you suspect you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Because many people with an STI may not have any symptoms, regular sexual health check ups are ... read more -
What is a sexually transmitted disease or infection?
Sexually transmitted or transmissible infections (STIs) are infections generally acquired by sexual contact. STIs used to be known as sexually transmitted disease (STDs) or venereal disease (VD). The organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections may ... read more -
What are the signs or symptoms of thrush?
Approximately 10-20% of women with vaginal thrush do not have any symptoms. If present, symptoms are often worst in the week before menstraution. Symptoms can include: A thick white or creamy vaginal discharge (may be ... read more -
Can thrush be prevented?
There are a number of practices that are said to reduce a woman’s chances of getting thrush. While in some cases there is limited scientific evidence about their effectiveness, many women believe they are helpful. ... read more -
What causes thrush?
Thrush can develop as a result of the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives or steroids. It is also more prevalent in women with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, a weakened immune system, a history of allergies or ... read more -
How is thrush diagnosed?
Women who suspect they may have a vaginal infection should visit their doctor. A doctor will examine the genital area to look for signs of other conditions and take a swab of vaginal discharge for ... read more -
How is thrush treated?
Treatment for thrush involves the use of anti-fungal creams, vaginal pessaries and/or oral medication. Many of these treatments are now available over the counter (i.e. no prescription required). Women who choose to self-treat with over ... read more -
What natural rememedies can be taken to treat thrush?
There are a number of practices that are said to reduce a woman’s chances of getting thrush. While in some cases there is limited scientific evidence about their effectiveness, many women believe they are helpful. ... read more -
What is thrush and what are the different types if thrush?
Vaginal thrush (also called candidiasis) is caused by the overgrowth of yeast-like fungi called Candida which naturally exists in the vagina. This overgrowth can occur when the balance of naturally occurring organisms in the vagina ... read more -
What’s the difference between a sexually transmitted disease STD and a sexually transmitted infection STI?
Sexually transmitted or transmissible infections (STIs) are infections generally acquired by sexual contact. STIs used to be known as sexually transmitted disease (STDs) or venereal disease (VD). The organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections may ... read more -
Do you self-diagnose and treat thrush?
Women who chose to self treat with over the counter preparations should see their doctor if symptoms persist or recur as they may have a different condition (e.g. bacterial vaginosis, dermatitis, lichen sclerosis, genital herpes) ... read more -
Why are 40% of Australian women still not having regular Pap Smear tests?
Cost is unfortunately a consideration for many women when it comes to decisions re their health. Many women put off having a Pap smear for this reason. In rural Queensland women can have a Pap ... read more -
What is the difference between thrush and a Urinary Tract Infection?
Hi Nicky, Here is some information re UTIs which I think will be helpful and I hope you recover soon. Just click on the link. Kind regards, Brenda http://www.womhealth.org.au/factsheets/cystitis.htm read more -
What is the difference between thrush and a Urinary Tract Infection?
Hi Narelle, UTI stands for urinary tract infection or otherwise known as 'cystitis'. This common condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Symtoms include; -Frequent painful urination- often burning sensation -Urgent need to urinate, ... read more -
I am 24 years old with severe PCOS. Can I have children naturally?
Hi Amy, If you are living in Queensland it may be helpful to contact our health information line where you can speak to a Women's Health Educator about PCOS. The staff on this service are ... read more -
Any success stories out there who are TTC??
Hi, The best way women with PCOS can improve their fertility is by maintaining a healthy weight. If overweight, weight loss alone greatly improves fertility. For example; obese women who lose 5 -10% of their ... read more -
What is Chlamydia?
Hi Narelle, Symptoms can include: -pelvic pain -pain and heavy periods -deep pain with vaginal sex -bleeding between periods or after sex -frequent and burning urination -unusual vaginal discharge. For more information on Chlamydia, take ... read more -
Trying to fall pregnant
Hi, Most health professionals will not consider any investigations for you or husband until you have been trying for over 12 months. It however, also depends on your age. If you are over 35 years, ... read more
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