“GPs are always the best first point of reference. If they think you need more specialised assistance, then they will make a referral to the appropriate specialist” Anne continues.

“The GP is also the first and last point of contact in the process” Anne affirms. 

Once you’ve seen the specialist, your GP will do the final check-up to ensure treatment is complete, or to monitor the progress of any ongoing treatment.

“If you get an abnormal Pap smear result” for example, “then you will be referred to a practice like ours.” 

The three sides in the practice, to provide a wholistic approach to women’s health, are pregnancy, gynaecology and physiotherapy.

“Our practitioners have specialist training in gynaecology and obstetrics, with a special interst in pelvic floor treatments, in pelvic floor strengthening techniques, pelvic pain and endometriosis” Anne illustrated. 

Endometriosis is one of Dr Omar Adham’s specialties and he is a laparoscopic surgeon.

To explain this key-hole surgery, “a small camera is inserted into the abdomen and pelvis to enable investigation and treatments through small incisions rather than having to have open surgery.”

Many procedures can be done as laparoscopic treatment rather than open surgery now. One major benefit is that “Patients recover much more quickly than they would have previously.

Meanwhile, obstetricians specialise in care during pregnancy and birth, from fertility right through to post-natal health.

“On the obstetrics side of things we have two very experienced doctors available. Both work at public and private hospitals.”

Just to give a few examples, “They can look after ladies with low and high risk pregnancies, including blood pressure problems, gestational diabeties, and premature labour when the bub comes too early.

“We have a fully-equipped procedures room that means you don’t necessartily have to go to a hospital for minor treatments.

“We have a highly-skilled team of nurses who are all either current or former midwives. They are are able most days to speak to expectant mothers and answer their questions, or even just have a chat and reassure them if they’re feeling anxious, outside their scheduled appointment times. There are four of them who share the work.”

In other areas, “The continence and pelvic organ prolapse work is a big part of our practice.

“Many women have an issue and it can be treated with physiotherapy and in a conservative way. It doesnt always need surgery, but we can offer this form of treatment as well.

“We offer a wide range of investigations and treatment of continence issues.

“Some patients have complicated problems that need further investigation with urodynamics, a way of studying and measuring the way the bladder works.

“The doctors work in conjunction with a specialised pelvic floor physiotherapist, and offer a range of medical and surgical options.”

Another condition is menorrhagia (a very heavy period) “which can occur for many reasons and can be treated in many ways both medically and surgically, including the insertion of hormonal IUDs (intrauterine device).”

The practice also helps women with the management of menopause.

Something that has been introduced in to practice is the Mona Lisa Touch.

It’s for women suffering the symptoms of vaginal atrophy including itching, burning and dryness, loss of lubrication, laxity and pain during sexual intercourse.

It can also be beneficial to women who have had treatment for cancer and are on drugs that have similar side effects.

To give it an honest description, “it’s a slightly uncomfortable but generally painless procedure.

“The whole thing takes about five minutes, and patients can go about their business immediately afterwards. It takes about three to four treatments, over about four or five months months, to have its full effect.”

For more information visit www.womenshealthonstrickland.com.au.