What is Antenatal Care ?

In antenatal care, your GP will provide care during your pregnancy until you are referred to the hospital at around 15 weeks of pregnancy, at which point the obstetric team at the hospital will supervise your care until delivery. By doing so, you can have continuity of care throughout your pregnancy and be cared for by your GP. Your GP will often know you before you become pregnant and will also look after you and your baby after the birth.

Who is suitable for antenatal care?

If you have what is deemed to be a low-risk pregnancy, then it would be appropriate for you. The hospital may monitor your pregnancy from the beginning based on your medical history, current condition, or any conditions that develop during your pregnancy that would be considered high-risk. Early in pregnancy, you will be referred to the hospital whilst still receiving GP care until the hospital takes over the care.

What appointments does antenatal care involve?

If you have just learned that you are pregnant, you will often be seen by a GP at Assure Health. A GP will then arrange for initial blood tests and any pregnancy scans that may be required. Approximately 15 weeks into your pregnancy, you will be referred to the hospital of your choice and scheduled to see a midwife or obstetrician.

Which Assure Health Clinics offers pregnancy care?

Antenatal care is available at:

The implant is immediately reversible on removal. The benefits of this form of contraception are that you do not need to remember to take an oral contraceptive pill each day, and it won’t interfere with your sex life. There are also no ongoing effects on your fertility levels.

The device is pre-loaded in a disposable applicator for easy insertion. The device releases a small amount of the hormone etonogestrel continuously into the bloodstream. The contraceptive effect lasts for up to three years.

How does the contraceptive implant work?

Essentially, it prevents an egg from being released from the ovaries. It causes changes to the cervical mucus that makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb.

What are the common side effects from the contraceptive implant?

Contraceptive implant users may experience irregular, absent, infrequent, frequent, and, in rare cases, heavier menstruation.

What is the contraceptive implant insertion process?

Insertion is simple and usually takes 15 minutes or less. To numb the area, we use local anaesthetic, similar to what the dentist uses, and the procedure is completely painless. The contraceptive implant is preloaded into a device and inserted into your non-dominant arm.

During what time of my cycle should I have an implant inserted?

Implants are usually inserted in the first three days of your cycle, but they can be placed at any time during your cycle as long as there is no pregnancy.

What do I need to do on the day of insertion?

Pregnancy tests are always performed on the day of insertion to ensure you’re not pregnant. The Assure Health clinic can conduct on-the-spot pregnancy tests.

What is the aftercare following contraceptive implant insertion?

After inserting the device, the insertion point is closed with steri-strips and waterproof dressings. There is no stitching required.

Wounds normally heal within two days, and bruising is to be expected, but bandages are applied to speed up the healing process.

You will receive aftercare instructions and a device card with the date of insertion – but don’t worry, we understand forgetfulness might be a problem for you, so we also send you a reminder in three years when the device is due to be changed.

How easy is it to remove the contraceptive implant?

Surgical removal is very similar to implant insertion. We use a local anaesthetic to numb the area, just like a dentist would. The contraceptive implant is removed through a small incision made at the insertion site. The wound is simply dressed with steri-strips and normally heals in two to three days without stitches.

How often does a contraceptive implant need to be replaced?

Three years is the recommended lifespan for a contraceptive implant. However, you can remove the contraceptive implant at any time after insertion.

What are the side effects of a contraceptive implant?

It is estimated that 20% of patients stop having their period while the contraceptive implant is in place. The effects are not harmful to your health. According to the National Prescribing Service (NPS), the most common side effects after implant insertion are:

• Acne
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness and pain
• Weight gain
• Irregular bleeding
• Emotional lability
• Libido decreased

It is not uncommon for women to experience irregular bleeding right after the contraceptive implant insertion for up to six months. Typically, this is in the form of spotting over an extended period of time and will subside within six months. You can use the pill on top of the contraceptive implant to help manage bleeding issues. Usually, this works very well and is safe.

What is the cost of contraceptive implant insertion at Assure Health? Is it bulk billed?

The cost of fitting the contraceptive implant at Assure Health Clinics is in keeping with our usual fee structure at the clinics. It is possible for eligible patients to bulk bill; however, the contraceptive implant device can vary in price from the pharmacy.

Is contraceptive implant removal bulk-billed at Assure Health Clinics?

Removing the Contraceptive implant is, again, in keeping with our usual fee structure at Assure Health. Click here to see the fee schedule at each Assure Health Clinic.

Does a contraceptive implant cause weight gain?

Contraceptive implant studies show a weight gain of 1.5% following implant placement, but interestingly, this trend is the same for patients with an IUD inserted into the womb. Therefore, weight gain after a contraceptive implant is only partially caused by the contraceptive implant device. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are always recommended.

Which Assure Health Clinics offer contraceptive implant services?

Contraception implant fittings and removals can be arranged at:

The IUD is an example of a long-term contraceptive that you can use, and a GP can fit it at Assure Health Clinics.

What is the intrauterine device and what does it look like?

An IUD is a hormonal contraception device that provides long-term birth control. An implanted T-shaped device releases progesterone when it is inserted into the uterus.

The intrauterine device sits inside the womb and prevents any fertilised egg from implanting in the lining of the womb.

How does the intrauterine device work?

The intrauterine device prevents pregnancy in two ways:

• It thickens the mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from reaching or fertilising the egg.
• It thins the uterine lining and partially suppresses ovulation.

How effective is the intrauterine device at birth control?

Intrauterine devices have a success rate of over 99% in preventing pregnancy. Moreover, it is 100% reversible and can be easily removed by your doctor.

Which patients are not candidates for intrauterine devices?

You should not use an intrauterine device if:

• You have breast cancer or have had breast cancer.
• Have uterine cancer or cervical cancer.
• You are suffering from liver disease.
• There are abnormalities in your uterus that make placement difficult.

How much does an intrauterine device cost at Assure Health?

Click here to see the intrauterine device fitting/removal fees at Assure Health Clinics. To fit the device, you will need to pick up the intrauterine device from the pharmacy before your appointment.

How is the intrauterine device inserted?

The insertion takes approximately 30 minutes and is carried out by one of our experienced women’s health and fertility GPs. We have a special room set up for fitting intrauterine devices, and your doctor will explain the procedure to make you feel comfortable and reassured.

You can rest assured you are in good hands because all of our GPs who perform intrauterine device insertions are well trained in all aspects of women’s health.

It is very similar to having your pap smear. We spray a local anaesthetic spray on the cervix before fitting the intrauterine device. You might want to take some pain relief before you come, which will help ease any mild discomfort after the procedure.

Which Assure Health Clinics offer intrauterine device insertion and removal?

Intrauterine device insertion and removal are available at the following Assure Health clinics:

Cervical screening: Why is it important?

Having routine screenings is your best defence against cervical cancer, which is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Every woman between the ages of 25 and 74 should have regular screenings. 

How does a cervical screening test (CST) differ from a PAP test?

Australia replaced the Pap Smear with the Cervical Smear Test (CST) in December 2017. Compared to the old pap smear test, the cervical smear test is more accurate, and you need it less often. Pap smear testing was recommended every two years, but a normal CST result only requires repeating every five years.

Cervical smears test for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), while pap smears detect only cell changes in the cervix.

When should I have a Cervical Screening Test?

Routine 5-yearly CSTs are recommended for all women aged 25-74. Please book a telehealth consultation with your doctor to determine if you need a CST. In some cases, you may need routine screening more frequently, and your doctor will advise you accordingly. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex.    

How much is cervical screening?

Click here to see the fees at each Assure Health clinic. Mixed billing is available for eligible patients.