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"Medical Abortion" is now available at Gynaecology Centres Australia
Mifepristone (RU486) is the first of the medical abortion drugs that has been used in many countries overseas for the purpose of providing safe termination of pregnancy, and for enhancing the effects of misoprostol - a second drug that is used to promote the dilatation (opening) of the cervix (neck of the uterus).
While mifepristone has been widely used in many countries including the USA, UK, NZ, India and China, mifepristone is currently considered experimental and is unapproved for use in Australia unless prescribed by a doctor who has been granted permission by the TGA as an "authorised prescriber". Doctors who work for Gynaecology Centres Australia have obtained this authorisation.
Women now have the choice of how they would like to terminate a pregnancy. Of course, eligibility of this method of termination will be assessed by the medical practitioner, as not all women may have the choice, depending on medical history or weeks of gestation.
Medical abortion may only be chosen if the pregnancy is less than 9 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. There are a few medical problems which may exclude women from making this choice and these may be discussed with the consulting doctor.
It is important to note that a minimum of 2 doctor's visits are required 2 weeks apart and bleeding and pain are variable. There are 2 different types of medication taken 24-48 hours apart. After the second medication is taken, the pregnancy usually miscarries within 30 minutes to 48 hours later, causing cramps and bleeding. The intensity of the cramps and bleeding are variable. It is impossible to predict when the miscarriage may occur and this may interfere with your normal activities. This method is approximatley 95% successful and it is important to remember that approximately 5% of patients may require a surgical termination of pregnancy if the medical method fails. It is not known what effect the medication may have on the normal development of a pregnancy and therefore a surgical procedure is necessary if this method fails. A second visit is mandatory 2 weeks after the first visit to ensure the medication has been successful. An ultrasound is done at this time to determine the success. If you have any further questions about this method of pregnancy termination, please call or email us. More comprehensive information may be found on this website. Please go to "Medical Terminations". It is advisable to read this information carefully before making your choice.
> Email Gynaecology Centres Australia
> Comparison of Medical and Surgical Abortion
GARDASIL
The government had approved a free National Immunisation Program for GARDASIL, a series of 3 vaccinations over 6 months to prevent infection (a vaccine designed to prevent infection from some types of HPV - human papilloma virus, which may cause 70% of cervical cancers). The program has reached it's deadline and the vaccine is no longer free. However, GARDISAL is available on private prescription at an approximate cost of $135 per injection and may be given by your general practitioner or the doctor's nurse.
>Pap tests and cervical cancer vaccine information.
To access more information on Gardasil and a free reminder service (SMS or email) for vaccine times- www.cervicalcancer.com.au.
CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia. It is often undiagnosed, but is easily treatable once detected by taking a short course of antibiotics. If untreated it may lead to more serious complications, eg infertility, chronic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy.
Tests have become more accurate at detecting Chlamydia (but still not 100%) which may be the reason for higher rates of the infection compared to previous times. Most people (men & women) with Chlamydia do not have any symptoms and are unaware they have the infection. Some people complain of burning when passing urine, a discharge from the vagina or penis, or pain with intercourse.
We screen and treat this infection at the time of a pregnancy termination in order to prevent post-operative infection and prevent longer-term problems already mentioned. We are also able to provide treatment for any sexual partners, in order to prevent re-infection.