Sexual health: How your GP can help
Your GP can help you manage a range of sexual health concerns, from STIs to contraception, all the way through to unplanned pregnancy, menstruation, and sexual dysfunction. Sexual health care at our family clinic in Byron Bay is discrete, compassionate, and always confidential, and online booking is available.
What are some common sexual health concerns?
One of Australia’s most well-known actors, Hugh Jackman was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in 2013 and has since been treated for several skin cancers. He now urges other Aussies to be sun-safe and get checked.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Getting an STI check is an important part of maintaining your sexual health. You should consider getting tested if you have a new sexual partner, have had unprotected sex, have symptoms of an STI (such as unusual discharge, pain during sex or urination, itching, or sores or bumps on the genitals), or have multiple sexual partners. Common STIs include:
- Chlamydia: The most commonly reported STI in Australia, especially among young adults.
- Gonorrhoea: Increasing in prevalence, with rising antibiotic resistance being a concern.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Often presented in the context of genital warts or cervical screening (Pap smears).
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Genital herpes is a frequent presentation, often requiring ongoing management.
- Syphilis: Particularly concerning in certain populations, including men who have sex with men and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Contraceptive advice and management
- Oral contraceptives: Discussions on initiation, side effects, and ongoing management.
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): Includes intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants.
- Emergency contraception: Consultations following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
- Contraceptive counselling: Tailoring contraceptive options to your individual needs and preferences.
Pregnancy-related issues
- Unplanned pregnancy: Counselling and options, including support for continuing or ending the pregnancy.
- Antenatal care: Early pregnancy management, including screening for infections and other health concerns.
- Fertility issues: Consultations about difficulties conceiving, including basic investigations and referrals to specialists.
Menstrual and hormonal disorders
- Menstrual irregularities: Such as amenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, or painful periods.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Management of symptoms like irregular periods, hirsutism, and infertility.
- Menopause: Symptoms management, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Sexual dysfunction
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Common in older men and those with comorbidities like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
- Low libido: Addressed in both men and women, often linked with psychological or relationship factors.
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse: Common in postmenopausal women and those on certain medications.
Screening and prevention
- Cervical screening: The National Cervical Screening Program for detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer.
- HIV screening: For at-risk populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, and those with multiple partners.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): For HIV prevention in high-risk individuals.
Visiting your GP for sexual health concerns doesn’t need to be embarrassing. The team of doctors at The Bright Side Medical & Skin Cancer Centre in Byron Bay can provide discrete, compassionate, and confidential support to help keep you healthy and safe. You can book an appointment by phoning us on 6680 7788 or alternatively book online.
