If you have unprotected sex, you may get pregnant. Even if it was just once. There are a variety of birth control options. The commonest option is the "pill" or the hormonal contraceptive pill. Other options are 3 monthly injections (Depot-contraceptive injections), implanted device (Contraceptive Implant). Some women can also have a device left inside the womb (intra-uterine contraceptive device - IUCD). In Family Medicine Umina Beach, we are able to offer you most options. We can explain any option that may be suitable for you and get you started. (Make sure you are not pregnant before commencing any birth control measures, except condoms)

Birth control options (except condoms) do not protect you from getting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

You can potentially acquire a sexual infection even with just a one off sex. It is recommended that you have a sexual infection check each time you start a new relationship if you were on a long term relationship or once every 3-6 months if on short term relationships. You can also contract certain infections with only oral/anal sex. If you have never had sex, then you wont need a sexual health check.

• Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancer. Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancers (of course in conjunction with the vaccine)
• The national cervical screening program starts when you hit 25 yrs of and is once every 5 years until you turn 74.
• This is a screening program, however, if you have complaints such as unusual bleeding or discharge, or painful sex a cervical screening and a PAP smear may be required. Do not wait until your next due session.
• You can find more information here.
• Notify our reception to make appointment for a Cervical Screening test as we need to book you for a longer appointment. Please do not make an online appointment.

• Come and see us as soon as you know you are pregnant.
• Book for a long appointment.
• Stop smoking if you are a smoker.
• Stop drinking.
• DO NOT stop exercising.
• We would generally organise a battery of tests. These help us how to plan your pregnancy
• We can also discuss and explain to you all possible options.

1. Contraceptive Pill (Combined):

• Continue taking the pill as per routine until you leave home for getting on the long distance flight.
• For very long flights such as going to Europe or to the Americas, you may need to have an extra pill midway in your flight and once you reach your destination, resume taking your pill at the same time you normally take at home (at the local time zone)
• If you have not had a pill during travel and the time difference between the last dose (you had at home) and the next pill (you had at destination) has been over 36 hrs, then, you have missed a pill. Follow what you normally do when you have missed a pill.
• Being on combined contraceptive pill and long haul flights are 2 independent risk factors for blood clots. Drink plenty of fluids (Non alcoholic) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) prevention exercises during your flight.

2. Mini Pill (Progesterone only pill)

• More time sensitive than the combined pill.
• Continue taking the pill as per routine until you leave home for getting on the long distance flight.
• For very long flights such as going to Europe or to the Americas, you may need to have an extra pill midway in your flight and once you reach your destination, resume taking your pill at the same time you normally take at home (at the local time zone)
• If you have not had a pill during travel and the time difference between the last dose (you had at home) and the next pill (you had at destination) has been over 30 hrs, then, you have missed a pill. Follow what you normally do when you have missed a pill.

3. Long acting contraceptions (Depot Injections, Contraception implant, Intra-Uterine devices)

• These are not generally affected with travel. Ensure if they are not due for replacement/ repeat administration while you are away. If you are not sure when you are due for replacement/ repeat injection, refer to the administration card or contact us (if implanted/ administered by us)

Unfortunately there is no 100% guaranteed method to avoid menstrual bleed to ruin your holidays. However there are measures that work quite often.

 Not on any contraceptives. If you are not on any hormonal birth control measures, and if you have very regular cycles, then you could plan your holidays to fall between your cycles. Remember, some times the long travel/ time zone changes could confuse your body's regulatory centres and you could start with your periods.

1. On the combined pill. You can miss the sugar pill and keep taking the hormone pill. But if you are some one who never misses the hormone pill, you could get withdrawal bleed during holidays. So may want to consider having a planned periods (break from hormone pills atleast 3-4 weeks before your holidays)
2.  If on the minipill. Continue taking the pill regularly with no breaks. If you start bleeding, you may over-ride with taking extra pills.

There is no set age. It depends on what you want to see the doctor about. If you have an understanding of your condition and you need to seek help, in most circumstances you can see the doctor by yourself.

In most circumstances you have your right to privacy. Which means what your visit to us is about or your conditions would be under wraps and would not be revealed to anyone. However, there are certain situations where we may have to break our agreement. Those circumstances are generally to protect you if we feel you could be in harms way.