Women’s Health Teleconsult

A women’s health telehealth consultation is a secure video or phone appointment with an AHPRA‑registered GP, focused on health concerns that affect women throughout their lives.

A telehealth appointment provides a discreet and comfortable setting where you can speak freely with a doctor from your own home.

Doctors use these consultations to listen to your symptoms, ask relevant questions, and make a clinical assessment. Where appropriate, they can issue electronic prescriptions, refer you for blood tests or imaging, or connect you with a specialist.

The consultation follows the same professional standards as an in‑person visit. When the GP determines that an in‑person examination is clinically necessary, they will clearly explain the reason and assist you in arranging a suitable local healthcare provider.

• Period health: painful periods, irregular or heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, etc.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): uneasy symptoms before periods including drastic emotional changes, anxiety, unusual fatigue, etc.
• Contraception (birth control) and reproductive health: contraceptive pill prescriptions and reviews, emergency contraception (morning-after pill)
• Fertility planning and preconception advice: preparations before pregnancy
• Referrals for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
• Urinary and vaginal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Perimenopause and menopause: perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, when periods become irregular and symptoms like hot flushes may appear. Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a period, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Symptoms may include hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbance.
• Hormonal imbalance: irregular cycles, acne, excess hair growth
• Mental health: anxiety or low mood linked to hormonal changes
• Postnatal depression screening and support

Not all conditions can be fully managed online. If your doctor determines that a physical examination, cervical screening test, or urgent in-person care is required, they will tell you clearly and help you access the right service.

Do I need a face‑to‑face appointment for a women’s health issue like a UTI or can a telehealth consultation be enough?

Whether a telehealth appointment is appropriate depends on the clinical assessment conducted by the GP.

A wide range of women’s health concerns including UTIs, contraceptive (birth control) management, menopausal symptoms, and menstrual pain can often be managed effectively through a video or phone consultation.

The doctor will ask about the timing of your symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you are taking. If the doctor thinks a physical check (like an abdominal or pelvic examination) is necessary, they will explain why an in‑person visit is recommended and help you find a local GP or hospital.

If the GP determines an in-person examination is required, they will:

• Clearly explain the clinical reasons why a physical examination is necessary
• Outline the potential risks of proceeding without an in-person assessment
• Provide a referral to a suitable local GP, women’s health clinic, or hospital
• Where clinically appropriate, issue an imaging request (e.g., pelvic ultrasound) for you to complete before your in-person appointment

Please note that telehealth does not replace necessary physical examinations. Every AHPRA-registered doctor follows the same clinical standards whether they see you online or in person.