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Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is common and has many possible reasons. Pain that is severe, getting worse, or affecting your daily life is always worth taking to a GP — you do not need to wait until it is unbearable.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. It affects roughly 1 in 7 Australian women and people assigned female at birth. Diagnosis often takes years, so a clear symptom record genuinely helps.

Ovarian cysts

Most ovarian cysts are small, harmless and come and go with the cycle. A few cause pain, and rarely a cyst can twist (torsion), which is an emergency.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle wall of the uterus. They are common, often silent, and treatable when they cause heavy bleeding or pressure.

Pelvic floor problems

The pelvic floor can be too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated. Pelvic health physiotherapy helps a large proportion of people, including pain with sex and leaking.

Bladder and urinary causes

Burning, urgency and lower tummy pain are often a urinary tract infection, but recurrent symptoms with negative tests can point to other bladder conditions.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is infection and inflammation of the upper genital tract, often from untreated chlamydia, gonorrhoea or Mycoplasma genitalium. It is treatable, and prompt antibiotics protect future fertility.

Chlamydia

The most commonly notified STI in Australia. Often has no symptoms, which is why routine testing matters for anyone under 30 or with a new partner. Easily treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea

A bacterial STI that can infect the cervix, urethra, throat and rectum. Rates are rising in Australia. Treated with antibiotics, usually an injection, and resistance is monitored closely.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium (often called M. gen) is a sexually transmitted bacterium that is not always part of a routine Australian sexual health check. If you have had a 'full screen', that usually means chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV — M. gen may not have been included. It is something to discuss with a clinician rather than assume, either way.

Trichomoniasis

A parasitic STI that is uncommon in most Australian cities but more common in some remote communities. It is curable with antibiotics.

HIV

HIV is now a manageable long-term condition when treated. Treatment can make the virus undetectable and untransmittable. Prevention options in Australia include PrEP and PEP.

Syphilis

Syphilis is rising in Australia, including in women of reproductive age, and it can affect pregnancy. It is curable with penicillin, and it is included in standard blood testing.

Genital herpes (HSV)

Herpes is very common and often carries more stigma than medical seriousness. Many people have no symptoms or mild ones. Antivirals shorten and reduce episodes.

HPV and cervical screening

HPV is extremely common and usually clears by itself. Australia's Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV first, every 5 years from age 25 to 74, and self-collection is available.

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable and can be transmitted sexually and at birth; hepatitis C is mainly blood-borne and is now curable with short tablet courses.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting periods, ovulation, skin, hair and metabolic health. Australian guidelines are clear that diagnosis needs a careful assessment, not a single scan.

Heavy or irregular periods

A period is heavy if it interferes with your life. Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause always deserves review.

Puberty and first periods

Puberty usually starts between 8 and 13, and everyone moves through it at their own pace. Breasts, body hair, discharge, growth spurts and periods all arrive in their own order — early or late compared to friends is almost always still normal.

Trying to conceive

Most couples conceive within a year. Knowing your fertile window and getting early review when there are risk factors makes a real difference.

Pregnancy and postpartum

The first year after birth changes your body, sleep and identity. Physical recovery and mental health both deserve real care, not just a six-week tick.

Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause can start years before periods stop, and symptoms are often hormonal rather than 'just stress'. There are effective options, and choices are yours to make with good information.

Mood, anxiety and your cycle

Mood can shift with hormones, pain, sleep and life load. Tracking helps separate a cycle pattern from something ongoing that deserves its own treatment.

Learning about my body

Knowing your baseline makes everything else easier. Normal changes across a cycle are wide, and 'normal for you' is the most useful measure.