According to the latest study of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), 86 % of women use different methods to prevent unintended pregnancies. Some of the common methods include a condom, oral contraceptive pills (OCP), and an intrauterine device (IUD).  Other hormonal birth control methods also offer the same non-contraceptive benefits as OCP.

The contraceptive implants (Implanon insertion) are one of the long-term hormonal birth control options for women. It uses the contraceptive rod (matchstick size) under the upper arm skin.

What Is Implanon and How Effective Is It?

 As mention earlier, Implanon is one of the hormonal methods women use to avoid pregnancy.  It is a soft 4cm contraceptive bar that releases progesterone (sex hormone) into the body. It is the same hormone that your ovary produces during the menstrual cycle.

A gynaecology trained GP inserts implanon under the skin of the upper arm where it slowly releases progesterone hormone to prevent pregnancy. Plus, the hormone blocks the release of eggs from the ovary. 

According to the CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Implanon insertion is an effective and reliable birth control method. The method is considered extremely effective as only one out of a hundred women who use Implanon get pregnant.

More than half a million American women rely on the contraceptive bar as a safe method to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptive rod not only releases the sex hormones but also thickens the cervical mucus. This condition prevents sperms (male sex hormones) from entering the uterus.

Who Can Use Implanon, and Who Cannot?

Implanon insertion can offer you effective results as soon as you are sexually active but want to prevent unintended pregnancies. However, it is not appropriate for all women. Although you can consult any medical professional to take guidance, a gynecology trained GP is the best person to guide you on whether or not Implanon is the right option for you.

She may discourage the use of contraceptive rod if you have;

• An allergy to an implant component
• Breast cancer (or have suffered from breast cancer in the past)
• Undiagnosed genital bleeding
• Had a heart attack, or blood clot
• Liver disease or tumour 0r Gall bladder disease.
• Seizures or epilepsy

According to The Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians, some common side effects of Implanon insertion include;

• Numbness
• Bruising
• Minor bleeding
• Pain
• Tingling
• Scarring at the skin where the contraceptive rod is implanted
• Weight gain

What is Good about Implanon?

 Following are the benefits that make Implanon an effective long-term method;

• It makes periods less painful
• It can last up to three years
• It can be a good replacement of hormone estrogen – pills that contain both progesterone and estrogen.
• It can be removed easily
• As it’s a progesterone only products it does not have those oestrogen related side effect.

What is Possible Side Effect?

The possible side effects include;

• Bloating
• Headaches mood changes
• Irregular vaginal bleeding patterns

These side effects are temporary.

Does Implanon Affect Pregnancy?

No, Implanon does not affect pregnancy.  It is harmless and safe for the women who conceive with it. They can both remove the contraceptive rod or eliminate the pregnancy.

Where Can I Get Implanon Done?   

Wellcare Medical Centre Kingston is one of the best options for you if you are looking for an Implanon insertion. Our competent and experienced team of Gynecology trained female GP and Registered Nurse has expertise in woman health.  We ensure that our patients receive the best treatment options. 

You can reach us at our women’s health clinic in Logan. We will help you with any queries related to your health and wellbeing. We are conveniently located on the main road at 497 Kingston Road Kingston 4114   

Please contact us at 07 31334483 for consultation.

Please head to our website for more information about our services: https://www.wellcaremedicalcentre.com.au/obstetric-gynecology-services/

Menopause is a condition in women that marks the end of their period cycle. It occurs when women stop ovulating. During menopause, women’s ovaries (mature eggs) no longer produce female sex hormones called estrogen.

Menopause typically refers to “the end of the menstrual cycle.” It is one of the natural events when women are in the last stage of their reproductive years. Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are the three key hormones that play an important role in menopause. When the levels of estrogen hormone change, they may cause a lot of menopausal symptoms in women.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), commonly called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is one of the treatments used to reverse the symptoms associated with estrogen lack. HRT medically replaced estrogen to help women manage menopausal symptoms. Many gynecologist refer this HRT as alternative to artificial steroids that are used to stop ovulation.

How Does HRT Benefit You?

HRT precisely relieves many menopausal symptoms that include sweats, irritability, vaginal dryness, hot flushes, joint aches, and mood swings.

Types of HRT

• Estrogen Therapy

As mentioned earlier, estrogen is one of the main hormones that are suppressed during menopause. Women, particularly who have undergone uterus removal surgery (hysterectomy), are prescribed estrogen therapy (1).

However, for women with a uterus, estrogen therapy alone is not beneficial. It may overstimulate the uterus’s cell lining. The condition is linked to increasing the risk of uterus cancer in women. Progesterone is included in the therapy to eliminate the risks associated with overstimulation.

• Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy is for women who experience fatigue, weakness, and loss of libido after estrogen therapy. The therapy is very helpful in restoring the testosterone levels in women.

• Menopausal Status

Medical professionals prescribe sequential therapy that includes cyclical progesterone and regular estrogen doses to the women in the premenopausal phase.

Postmenopausal women, on the other hand, undergo a combined therapy that uses daily progesterone and regular estrogen doses.

How Does HRT Work?

HRT is an effective treatment to balance the low level of estrogen in women that may cause several symptoms. HRT replaces estrogens for a certain period. As a result, the treatment helps women avert or control the symptoms.

 Does Age Affect HRT

Age can be a vital factor when it comes to prescribing women HRT as it might have risks that outweigh its potential benefits. For example;

• Women aged 45 between 50 years are good participants of HRT as there is less than minimal risk.
• Women aged between 50 to 60 years can also benefit from the HRT due to low risk.
• Women aged 60 years are offered individualised treatment as the therapy may have risks.
• Women aged 70 years are not recommended HRT as it may involve high risk

Does HRT have any Therapeutic Alternative?

Tibolone – an oral synthetic steroid is a remedial alternative to HRT. The synthetic medication contains progestogen, androgenic, and estrogenic qualities.

Besides this, testosterone supplementation is another therapeutic alternative that menopausal women with low sex drive can use. However, it is not effective enough when used alone.

Women with thinning of bladder and vaginal wall are prescribed vaginal estrogen with ongoing HRT. However, you need to seek medical consultation before opting for this remedial alternative

Final Thoughts

Overall, HRT is an effective treatment for women suffering from various menopausal symptoms. Wellcare Medical Centre Kingston, you get quality treatment for all health-related issues for women. We have an experienced and trained team of Gynaecology trained female GP, dieticians, and nursing staff to help you deal with HRT and other menopause problems. They will guide you in the best way after assessing your medical history, and other factors like age and overall health.

Contact us on 07 31334483 and for further information please head to our website to find out more about our services. https://www.wellcaremedicalcentre.com.au/healthy-woman-clinic/

We are located at 497 Kingston Road Kingston 4114.

One of the many wonderful things about deciding to quit smoking  is that you start to reap the benefits of quitting immediately. It doesn’t matter how long you have smoked, as soon as you quit, your body begins to repair itself. Generally speaking, within just 6hrs of quitting your heart rate has slowed down to a healthier rate, and your blood pressure becomes more stable. Just one day after quitting, oxygen can travel more freely to your heart and muscles, and you may notice your fingertips are actually warmer.

After just one week, your sense of taste and smell will improve, and heighten your pleasure associated with using these senses. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, which fight diseases and help to protect you from cancer, will be more prevalent in your blood. As time goes by, you’ll notice a host of other benefits such as easier breathing, more energy, and more money in your bank account!

You might be most moved by the fact that when you quit smoking you are protecting your loved ones from the harmful effects of secondary smoke. Secondhand smoke contains at least 250 toxic chemicals of which more than 50 are known to cause cancer. Babies and children are at the most risk from the health risks associated with second hand smoke and
even if you don’t smoke near them, they can still be exposed to the harmful chemicals from the smoke that is absorbed by your hair, skin and clothes.

So when you quit smoking you immediately lower the chance of your children; developing asthma, having lower functioning lungs, getting ear infections, and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and meningococcal disease.

At Wellcare we are passionate about helping people quit smoking. We want to lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and lung cancer, and we want you to feel great and enjoy life. Our Quit Smoking Clinic is run by a dedicated team of experts who tailor a program to your individual needs. Everyone quits smoking their own way, and we will work with you to find the best path that works for you.

Some frequently asked questions we get by patients starting their quit smoking journey withus:

1) Will I put on weight when I quit smoking?

First of all we should point out that you would have to put on an estimated extra 40kg of weight to equate to the risk of heart disease from smoking. The average amount of weight gained for people quitting smoking is only 4-5kg over 5 years. Many people actually lose weight and some people have no significant change in their weight when they make this positive lifestyle change.

Smoking is a highly addictive habit and while on their journey to quit, some people report that they feel more hungry. Eating can be used as a reward system to satisfy a withdrawal craving, and it can also mimic the habit of putting something in your mouth. Also, as we mentioned above, your sense of taste and smell will improve, which makes food taste better.

But never fear, there are tried and tested ways to avoid weight gain while quitting smoking:

• Add more exercise into your routine. You should really aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Examples of moderate exercise include; walking quickly or jogging, swimming, cycling, and playing casual team sports, etc. Any more than that is a bonus, and will be even more helpful in keeping weight gain at bay.
• When you get a craving try putting some safe non-edible object in your mouth. People have reported this simple substitution for putting something in your mouth can be a powerful way to control cravings. Reported oral substitutes include; toothpicks and sugarless gum.
• If the urge to snack is overpowering, eat some raw veggies or other low fat and low sugar treats. Keep these healthy alternatives stocked up and readily available, and don’t keep sugary temptations in the pantry.

Will I get grumpy or depressed when quitting smoking?

Smoking is a highly addictive habit and when you quit you experience withdrawal from the nicotine drug. You may also feel a sense of loss due to the removal of a sense of reward and pleasure from your routine. These factors can combine to make you feel irritable and depressed, and they do make it harder to quit smoking.

The clinical staff at Wellcare may prescribe some medicine to assist with the emotional effects of quitting smoking, and increasing your exercise and healthy eating are also great ways to bolster your mood during the quitting journey.

3) Should I use e-cigarettes to help me quit smoking?

There is some research to suggest that people who use e-cigarettes as an aid to quit smoking, try to quit smoking more often, and are more successful. This evidence has significant limitations though, such as being survey based, and not accounting for extraneous factors that might have impacted on the findings.

Beyond the discussion around whether e-cigs (also known as vaping) do or do not assist people to quit cigarettes, the problem with e-cigarettes is that they still contain cancer-causing chemicals, and can still increase your risk of heart disease. At Wellcare we recommend other safer methods of quitting smoking.

The dedicated team at Wellcare are committed to you quitting smoking for good. Book an appointment with our supportive, expert team now, to start the journey that will change your life forever.