Every woman needs to have an ongoing relationship with a GP to maximise her health.
It is crucial that you have a GP you can talk to and who you feel listens to you. If you don’t have a regular GP, try asking your friends, family, colleagues or maternal child health nurse for a recommendation. It’s important that you find a GP who you can relate to and who relates to you.
It’s also important that all women, including young women, have their own Medicare Card so they can access health care without others knowing if they choose to. Make sure you have one, and if you have a teenage daughter, help arrange one for her.
How your GP can help you keep well depends on your personal circumstances. But here are some examples:
- If you smoke, your GP can provide very effective counselling and medicine to help you quit.
- If you developed diabetes when you were pregnant or are at high risk of developing diabetes, your GP will order regular blood glucose tests.
- If you have had heart disease such as angina or a heart attack, your GP will prescribe medicine to decrease the likelihood of it recurring, will regularly test your blood pressure, lipids and glucose, and will give you advice about your activity and weight.
- If you have broken a bone easily or have other risk factors for osteoporosis, your doctor will organise a test for your bone density.
- If you have a family history of a particular illness or condition, your GP will suggest blood tests to see if you inherited the gene.
- If you are planning pregnancy, your GP will give you special dietary and supplementation advice, organise tests and arrange vaccination as required.
- If you are at increased risk of glaucoma, your GP may refer you for an eye check including an eye pressure test.
- If you are a childcare or healthcare worker, you may need additional immunisation.
- If you are at higher risk of depression or other psychosocial problems, your doctor may ask you some questions about these things.
The more your GP knows about you and your history, the more they will be able to help you.
Related information
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.