Fertility and the reproductive system - female

Ectopic pregnancy is caused by a fertilised egg not being able to move through the fallopian tube.

Fallopian tube cancer is one of the rarest gynaecological cancers.

The advantage of laparoscopy is that only a small incision is required, which is why it is also known as 'keyhole surgery'.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Many women with early stage ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms.

Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition associated with irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, reduced fertility, and increased risk of diabetes and mood changes.

A medical emergency can happen at any time during pregnancy, labour and birth. Some emergencies can be life threatening for pregnant women and their babies.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.

Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility and may permanently damage the fallopian tubes.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

If your mother took DES while she was pregnant with you, then you are a DES daughter or DES son.

A woman at high risk of a particular disease should be checked more frequently and/or at an earlier age.

Pelvic floor exercises are designed to improve muscle tone and prevent the need for corrective surgery.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.

Adjusting to the many changes that happen around puberty can be difficult for both parents and young people.

New life begins when a male sex cell (sperm) fertilises a female egg (ovum) within the female reproductive system.

Transvaginal mesh has been used for more than 20 years to manage problems for women such as prolapse and incontinence. While this treatment is successful for many women, some unfortunately have complications very soon after their operation or years later. For these women, the symptoms are serious and can be debilitating.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

Age affects the fertility of both men and women, and is the single biggest factor affecting a woman?s chance to conceive and have a healthy baby.

IVF (in-vitro-fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) are assisted reproductive treatment (ART) procedures in which fertilisation of an egg occurs outside the body.

Different methods of contraception available in Australia - includes LARC implants and IUDs, injections, contraceptive pills, condoms, diaphragm, vaginal ring, sterilisation, natural and withdrawal.

You can become fertile again very soon after a surgical or medical abortion, so it's important to start using contraception immediately if you wish to prevent any unwanted pregnancies.

This page shows you where to find translated information about the different methods of contraception (how to prevent getting pregnant) available in Australia

Ectopic pregnancy is caused by a fertilised egg not being able to move through the fallopian tube.

You can freeze your eggs for medical reasons or for reasons that are more to do with your life circumstances.

By donating eggs, sperm or embryos, you are giving someone the chance to start their own family.

The odds of a young fertile couple conceiving by having sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation are approximately one in five every month.

A range of feelings is normal after a miscarriage, and they often linger for some time.

Most molar pregnancies are diagnosed when bleeding early in pregnancy prompts an ultrasound scan.

Placenta praevia means the placenta has implanted at the bottom of the uterus, over the cervix or close by.

Placental abruption means the placenta has detached from the wall of the uterus, starving the baby of oxygen and nutrients.

There is no evidence that preeclampsia is caused by emotional stress, working too hard or not getting enough rest.

A medical emergency can happen at any time during pregnancy, labour and birth. Some emergencies can be life threatening for pregnant women and their babies.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.

Sometimes, a home pregnancy test may be positive when a woman isn’t pregnant.

Multiple births are more common due to the advancing average age of mothers and the rise in assisted reproductive techniques.

Compared with women in the healthy weight range, women who are carrying extra weight are less likely to conceive.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

Menopausal hormone therapy can reduce menopausal symptoms, but the benefits and risks need to be considered carefully.

Menopause is a natural occurrence and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Regular weight-bearing exercise and maintaining a diet rich in calcium from childhood will help reduce bone loss at menopause.

Menopause, the final menstrual period, is a natural event that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Weight gain at menopause can be managed using healthy eating and exercise; menopausal hormone therapy may also be beneficial.

Menopause is when you have your final period. There are different ways to manage menopausal symptoms, depending on their severity.

The symptoms of premature or early menopause are the same as for menopause at any age.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

Some women are more at risk of amenorrhoea (the absence of periods) because of emotional stress or changes in weight.

About heavy periods (menorrhagia or abnormal uterine bleeding). Details on blood loss, symptoms, causes, health effects, diagnosis, treatment and where to get help.

The female body shows several signs of ovulation and you may experience some or all of these signs.

Ovulation pain is usually harmless, but can sometimes indicate various medical conditions such as endometriosis.

Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.

Women of any age can experience painful periods and some women find periods are no longer painful after pregnancy and childbirth.

Most menstruating women have some form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The menstrual cycle is complex and is controlled by many different glands and the hormones that these glands produce.

If you think you could have toxic shock syndrome, stop using tampons immediately and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, treatments, prevention and where to get help.

Cosmetic genital surgery involves reshaping the labia, vulva or penis to alter their size or shape.

Cysts may be as small as a blister or large enough to hold litres of fluid.

Female genital cutting or circumcision (FGC) involves the cutting or altering of the external female genital organs.

Labial adhesions are more common during the nappy years, but poor hygiene may be a cause in older girls.

The advantage of laparoscopy is that only a small incision is required, which is why it is also known as 'keyhole surgery'.

Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.

The ligaments and muscles that support the pelvic organs sometimes stretch and cause these organs to drop down. This is called a ‘pelvic organ prolapse’. 

A rectocele is when the rectum protrudes into the vagina.

If you suffer from ongoing vaginal bleeding problems, see your doctor.

Some vaginal cancers have no symptoms in their early stages, and only cause symptoms once they have invaded other parts of the body.

Vaginal thrush is common. All about causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention and what to do if you keep getting vaginal yeast infections.

In its early stages, vulvar cancer often has no symptoms because the cancer is so tiny.

Vulvar conditions include skin complaints, infections, chronic pain and cancerous conditions.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

IVF (in-vitro-fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) are assisted reproductive treatment (ART) procedures in which fertilisation of an egg occurs outside the body.

A caesarean section is usually performed when it is safer for the mother or the baby than a vaginal birth.

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception.

A dilatation and curettage (D&C) is an operation performed on women to lightly scrape away the womb lining.

The conditions that prompt a hysterectomy can often be treated by other means, and hysterectomy should only be a last resort.

Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.

Uterine cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers.

Cervical cancer information including signs and symptoms, screening, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, HPV vaccine and where to get help. Tests are recommended for 25-74 year olds every 5 years.

Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening (every 5 years). Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women or people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have been sexually active.

The vaginal ring works in a similar way to the combined oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects one in 10 women. It can sometimes cause severe pain and might reduce your fertility. There are many treatment options available.

Fibroids are muscle growths found in the muscular wall of your uterus. Fibroids don’t usually cause problems and there are many treatment options available.

The advantage of laparoscopy is that only a small incision is required, which is why it is also known as 'keyhole surgery'.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.

The pelvic floor and associated supporting ligaments can be weakened or damaged in many ways, causing uterine prolapse.

Painful sex may be caused by a retroverted uterus.

Uterine inversion means the placenta fails to detach from the uterine wall, and pulls the uterus inside-out as it exits.

Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.