Victoria's hub for health services and business
A gateway to the strategies, policies, programs and services delivered by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Victorian government portal for older people, with information about government and community services and programs.
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Androgen deficiency in women and its treatment is controversial, and more research is needed...
If your mother took DES while she was pregnant with you, then you are a DES daughter or DES son...
A woman at high risk of a particular disease should be checked more frequently and/or at an earlier age...
Pelvic floor exercises are designed to improve muscle tone and prevent the need for corrective surgery...
It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings...
Adjusting to the many changes that happen around puberty can be difficult for both parents and young people...
New life begins when a male sex cell (sperm) fertilises a female egg (ovum) within the female reproductive system...
It is not difficult to avoid catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs)...
Transvaginal mesh has been used for more than 20 years to manage problems for women such as prolapse and incontinence. While this treatment is successful for many women, some unfortunately have...
The menstrual cycle is complex and is controlled by many different glands and the hormones that these glands produce...
Heavy or abnormal periods may be an indication of other health problems...
Some women are more at risk of amenorrhoea (the absence of periods) because of emotional stress or changes in weight...
Women who are athletes or who exercise a lot on a regular basis are at risk of developing athletic amenorrhoea, which is the absence of periods...
Women of any age can experience painful periods and some women find periods are no longer painful after pregnancy and childbirth...
The female body shows several signs of ovulation and you may experience some or all of these signs...
Ovulation pain is usually harmless, but can sometimes indicate various medical conditions such as endometriosis...
Most menstruating women have some form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)...
If you think you could have toxic shock syndrome, stop using tampons immediately and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital...
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can reduce menopausal symptoms, but the benefits and risks need to be considered carefully...
Menopause is a natural occurrence and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years...
The use of complementary therapies to manage menopausal symptoms is popular, but the sources of information available to consumers are of variable quality and reliability...
Regular weight-bearing exercise and maintaining a diet rich in calcium from childhood will help reduce bone loss at menopause...
Menopause, the final menstrual period, is a natural event that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years...
Weight gain at menopause can be managed using healthy eating and exercise; HRT may also be beneficial...
The symptoms of premature or early menopause are the same as for menopause at any age...
All women should have access to accurate information about abortion so they can make their own informed decisions...
Victoria’s pregnancy, birth and maternal services, help from planning a pregnancy through to giving birth and caring for a newborn...
Age affects the fertility of both men and women, and is the single biggest factor affecting a woman?s chance to conceive and have a healthy baby...
IVF (in-vitro-fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) are assisted reproductive treatment (ART) procedures in which fertilisation of an egg occurs outside the body...
Whether you have a surgical or medical abortion you can become fertile again very soon after the abortion, so it's important to start using contraception immediately if you wish to prevent any...
The method of contraception you choose will depend on your general health, lifestyle and relationships...
Ectopic pregnancy is caused by a fertilised egg not being able to move through the fallopian tube...
A range of feelings is normal after a miscarriage, and they often linger for some time...
Most molar pregnancies are diagnosed when bleeding early in pregnancy prompts an ultrasound scan...
Placental abruption means the placenta has detached from the wall of the uterus, starving the baby of oxygen and nutrients...
Placenta previa means the placenta has implanted at the bottom of the uterus, over the cervix or close by...
An obstetric emergency may arise when a woman is pregnant, or during her delivery.In this case, extra care is needed. A woman may need a lot of tests and treatments, and extended hospital stays. She...
There is no evidence that pre-eclampsia is caused by emotional stress, working too hard or not getting enough rest...
Sometimes, a home pregnancy test may be positive when a woman isn’t pregnant...
Multiple births are more common due to the advancing average age of mothers and the rise in assisted reproductive techniques...
Compared with women in the healthy weight range, women who are carrying extra weight are less likely to conceive...
Women should become familiar with the normal look, feel and shape of their breasts, so they will notice any abnormal changes...
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women...
There are different types of breast cancer, and around 70 per cent are sensitive to the female sex hormone oestrogen...
The vast majority of breast changes are not breast cancer, but you should always see your doctor if you notice changes in your breasts...
Breastfeeding positioning and attachment come naturally to some babies and mothers, but many need time and practice to get it right...
Most women who have breast implants will be able to have regular screening mammograms...
Complications can occur with all types of breast implants, but recent improvements have made breast implants safer...
Breast implants are inserted under the skin to create larger breasts...
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body...
Fallopian tube cancer is one of the rarest gynaecological cancers...
Many women with early stage ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms...
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition associated with irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, reduced fertility, and increased risk of diabetes and mood changes...
Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility and may permanently damage the fallopian tubes...
All women aged between 25 and 74 are advised to have Cervical Screening Tests every 5 years, new tests help identify HPV or cervical cancer...
The cervical screening test protects up to 30 per cent more women than the Pap test...
The vaginal ring works in a similar way to the oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy...
Endometriosis is a painful condition that may be treated with medications or surgery...
Often, fibroids do not cause any problems, but they are occasionally associated with infertility, miscarriage and premature labour...
The pelvic floor and associated supporting ligaments can be weakened or damaged in many ways, causing uterine prolapse...
Painful sex may be caused by a retroverted uterus...
Uterine cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers...
Uterine inversion means the placenta fails to detach from the uterine wall, and pulls the uterus inside-out as it exits...
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina...
Bladder prolapse is when the bladder bulges into the vagina...
Cosmetic genital surgery involves reshaping the labia, vulva or penis to alter their size or shape...
Cysts may be as small as a blister or large enough to hold litres of fluid...
Female genital cutting or circumcision (FGC) involves the cutting or altering of the external female genital organs...
Labial adhesions are more common during the nappy years, but poor hygiene may be a cause in older girls...
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when an infection spreads from the vagina to the cervix and fallopian tubes...
A rectocele is when the rectum protrudes into the vagina...
If you suffer from ongoing vaginal bleeding problems, see your doctor...
Some vaginal cancers have no symptoms in their early stages, and only cause symptoms once they have invaded other parts of the body...
A caesarean section is usually performed when it is safer for the mother or the baby than a vaginal birth...
Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that a woman can choose if she is sure that she does not want children in the future...
A dilatation and curettage (D&C) is an operation performed on women to lightly scrape away the womb lining...
The conditions that prompt a hysterectomy can often be treated by other means, and hysterectomy should only be a last resort...
Need to find a doctor in your local area? Take a look at the general practitioners entry in the health services directory.
Want to know more about the medications you are taking. Search and find information sheets on over 4,000 prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Find out more about over 170 common surgeries including risks, benefits and after care.