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GARDASIL
The government has approved a free National Immunisation Program for GARDASIL, a series of 3 vaccinations over 6 months to prevent infection (a vaccine designed to prevent infection from some types of HPV - human papilloma virus, which may cause 70% of cervical cancers). The program commenced in April 2007 for:
12-13 year old girls in a school-based program, generally delivered in the first year of high school.
A catch-up group of 13-18 year old girls in a largely school-based program.
A further catch-up group of women up to the age of 26 in a community-based program generally delivered by a GP (available NOW).
Alternatively, GARDASIL is available on private prescription at an approximate cost of $35.00 per injection.
>Pap tests and cervical cancer vaccine information.
To access more information on Gardasil and a free reminder service (SMS or email) for vaccine times- www.cervicalcancer.com.au.
RU486
On 16 February 2006, the RU486 Private Members Bill passed through the Federal Parliament's House of Representatives. This means that the Federal Health Minister will no longer have the power to veto any application to allow RU486 to be used in Australia. He has therefore been stripped of his exclusive control over the drug.
Instead, the appropriate medical and scientific experts at the Therapeutic Goods Administration will have the power to assess RU486 and determine whether Australian women will have access to the drug. This process will take time and it is not yet known when the drug will be readily available to all women in Australia.
NuvaRing
NuvaRing is a new once-a-month method of low dose hormonal contraception. It contains hormones similar to the pill, but contains a lower dose. The vaginal ring may be inserted and removed by you. Benefits are once-a-month administration, high reliability, avoidance of daily fluctuations in hormone levels and therefore fewer side effects such as nausea, headache, breast tenderness and low incidence of weight fluctuations. It remains in the vagina for 3 weeks and a new ring is inserted 1 week later. Most women will have their period during the ring-free week.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia. It is often undiagnosed, but is easily treatable once detected by taking a short course of antibiotics. If untreated it may lead to more serious complications, eg infertility, chronic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy.
Tests have become more accurate at detecting Chlamydia (but still not 100%) which may be the reason for higher rates of the infection compared to previous times. Most people (men & women) with Chlamydia do not have any symptoms and are unaware they have the infection. Some people complain of burning when passing urine, a discharge from the vagina or penis, or pain with intercourse.
We screen and treat this infection at the time of a pregnancy termination in order to prevent post-operative infection and prevent longer-term problems already mentioned. We are also able to provide treatment for any sexual partners, in order to prevent re-infection.