Women's reproductive health - where to find reliable information and services

• About 200,000 Victorian women have endometriosis. Some may experience symptoms (such as strong period pain and pelvic pain), while others have no symptoms at all.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 7 Victorian girls and women. Symptoms can differ among individuals and throughout different life stages.
• The Mirena (a hormonal intrauterine device) can assist women who have heavy menstrual bleeding.

Women's health needs change

Women's health needs change throughout life. Fertility, contraception, cervical screening and menopause are some of the things that you will be making decisions about as you move from one life stage to the next.

When looking for health information, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to go and how to find information that is accurate and reliable.

To help you understand and take care of your reproductive health, we have compiled this list of reputable sources in Victoria that include:

• Health websites and digital tools (such as mobile apps).
• Women’s health services and organisations.
• Phone lines to gain immediate assistance.
• Information in community languages.

Where to find reliable information about women's reproductive health in Victoria

• Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs throughout Victoria
• Health Translations Directory – health information in community languages
• Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health – for health information in community languages and access to health education for multicultural women
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – online health information for women through every life stage
• Monash University – Resources for women with PCOS
• 1800 My options – Tel. 1800 696 784 or interpreter service Tel. 13 14 50 – Victorian helpline for information about contraception, pregnancy and sexual health
• The Royal Women’s Hospital
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV). To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Ask PCOS – an app developed by world experts and women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Women's reproductive health information in community languages

The information is available for download in the following community languages:

• Arabic – صحة الجهاز التناسلي عند النساء
• Oromo – Fayyaa sirna hormaataa dubartootaa
• Simplified Chinese – 妇女生殖健康
• Somali – Caafimaadka taranka dumarka
• Vietnamese – Sức khỏe sinh sản của phụ nữ

Where to speak to health professionals or bi-cultural health workers

• Your general practitioner (GP) – who can also refer you to your local women's hospital
• Your pharmacist
• Multicultural Centre for Women's Health
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV). To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Community health services directory – find health services in your area
• Nurse-on-Call – Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days) – free confidential helpline for immediate expert health advice from a registered nurse