Women’s Health
Women’s Health at BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic
Women’s health needs change across different stages of life—from first periods and contraception through to pregnancy planning, perimenopause and menopause. At BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic in Cheltenham, our GPs provide women’s health care that is practical, respectful and focused on helping you understand your options at each step.
We see women and girls from Cheltenham, Mentone, Highett, Moorabbin, Hampton, Sandringham, Beaumaris and the wider Bayside and south-east Melbourne areas, as well as patients who travel from across Victoria for women’s health and GP care in our Cheltenham clinic. and the wider Bayside and south-east Melbourne areas, as well as patients who travel from across Victoria for women’s health and GP care in our Cheltenham clinic.
What Do We Mean by Women’s Health?
Women’s health care at BayMed covers a wide range of concerns, including:
- Period concerns (painful, heavy, irregular or absent periods)
- Contraception and family planning
- Cervical screening tests (Pap smears under the current guidelines)
- Breast checks and breast symptom review
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal concerns
- Perimenopause and menopause symptom management
- Sexual health, STI screening and vaginal symptoms
- Pregnancy planning, early pregnancy support and postnatal care
- Mental health concerns related to hormones, fertility, pregnancy or life transitions
Your GP will tailor the appointment to your age, symptoms, and what you most want to address.
Common Women’s Health Services at BayMed
Contraception & Family Planning
Contraception & Family Planning
We can talk through different contraception options—such as the pill, mini-pill, implant, vaginal ring, injections and intrauterine devices (IUDs)—and help you choose a method that fits your health, preferences and lifestyle. Your GP can also review your current contraception if you’re having side effects or thinking about a change.
Cervical Screening Tests
Regular cervical screening tests look for changes caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) before they develop into more serious problems. Your GP can:
- Explain when you’re due for screening under the current guidelines
- Perform the test in a calm, step-by-step way
- Arrange follow-up if your result needs further assessment
If you’ve been putting off a cervical screening test because of anxiety or a past experience, let us know so we can talk through ways to make the process easier.
Breast Checks
Breast changes are common, and most are not cancer—but it’s still important to have them checked. Your GP can:
- Examine new lumps, pain, nipple changes or skin changes
- Show you what to look for with self-checks
- Arrange imaging (such as ultrasound or mammogram) when needed
- Coordinate any referrals if further review is required
Period & Hormone Concerns
Painful, heavy, irregular or unpredictable periods can affect work, study, sport and everyday life. Your BayMed GP can help with:
- Assessment of period pain, heavy bleeding or cycle changes
- Screening for conditions like PCOS or endometriosis (including arranging blood tests or imaging where appropriate)
- Practical treatment options—from lifestyle strategies and medications through to referrals when needed
You don’t need to “put up” with symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Symptoms around perimenopause and menopause can include hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, weight changes, brain fog and vaginal dryness.
Our GPs can:
- Explain what’s happening in your body
- Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal options where appropriate
- Review your overall health risk profile (heart health, bone health, breast health)
- Work with you on a long-term approach to feeling well in this stage of life
Sexual Health & Vaginal Symptoms
Many women find it difficult to talk about sexual health or vaginal symptoms—but these issues are common and highly treatable.
Your GP can help with:
- STI screening and treatment
- Vaginal discharge, irritation, itching or pain
- Painful intercourse, low libido or sexual discomfort
- Vulval skin conditions
Conversations are confidential and non-judgemental, and you’re welcome to bring questions you’re not sure how to ask elsewhere.
Fertility, Early Pregnancy & Postnatal Care
If you’re thinking about pregnancy or have recently found out you’re pregnant, a women’s health GP can:
- Provide pre-pregnancy checks and advice, including folate, vaccinations and medication review
- Talk through lifestyle factors that support a healthy pregnancy
- Support early pregnancy care and arrange appropriate referrals
- Offer postnatal check-ups (including mental health, feeding issues and contraception after birth)
We can also help coordinate care if you’re undergoing fertility treatment with a specialist.
What to Expect at a Women’s Health Appointment
A typical women’s health visit at BayMed might include:
- History and concerns
Your GP will ask about your main concerns, menstrual history, relevant medical history and any symptoms you’ve noticed. - Examination (if needed)
This may include checking your blood pressure, weight, breast or pelvic exam, or a cervical screening test, depending on what you’ve agreed to. - Tests and follow-up
Your doctor may arrange blood tests, imaging, STI screening or referrals if appropriate. - Plan and next steps
You’ll leave with a clear explanation of what we’ve found so far, what we’re going to do next, and when you should book a review.
You can always ask for another appointment if you’d prefer to address things in stages rather than all at once.
Women’s Health GP in Cheltenham – When to Book
Consider booking a Women’s Health appointment at BayMed if you:
- Are due (or overdue) for a cervical screening test
- Have new breast changes, lumps or persistent pain
- Are struggling with periods, hormone symptoms or mood changes
- Want to review your contraception or plan for pregnancy
- Are experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms that are affecting daily life
- Have sexual health concerns or vaginal symptoms you’d like checked
Book a Women’s Health Appointment in Cheltenham
If you’d like to talk about any aspect of your health in a women-focused setting, you can book a Women’s Health appointment at BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic in Cheltenham.
Bookings can be made online or by calling our reception team. If there’s something specific you want to address—such as a cervical screening test, contraception review or menopause discussion—feel free to mention this when you book so we can allow enough time for your visit.
