What does an online women's sexual health clinic cover in Australia? A comprehensive online women's sexual health service covers cervical screening (the National Cervical Screening Program / NCSP, including self-collect HPV testing), the full range of contraception (combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch, ring, implant, IUD, depot injection, emergency contraception), morning-after pill, recurrent BV / thrush / UTI / cystitis, herpes, Mgen, vulvovaginal pain and dyspareunia, lichen sclerosus support, perimenopause and menopause hormone advice, fertility advice, and partner notification. Clinic365 covers all of the above through a single $59 Specialist GP consult, aligned with RACGP red-book screening, RANZCOG guidelines, and Therapeutic Guidelines.
Cervical screening (CST) in Australia. The Australian National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) replaced the old Pap smear with HPV-based screening in 2017 and added the option of self-collected sampling in 2022. Eligible women aged 25–74 have an HPV test every 5 years if results are normal. Self-collect is now offered to anyone in the program who prefers it — you swab yourself, the same accuracy as clinician-collected sampling for HPV testing. We can issue self-collect kits posted to your address, or refer you to any pathology lab in Australia (ACL, Sonic, Laverty, Dorevitch, QML, 4Cyte) for a clinician-collected sample. Abnormal results trigger referral to colposcopy at a public or private gynaecology service. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have NCSP-recommended earlier and more frequent screening through ACCHS services.
Contraception in Australia. The full Australian contraception toolkit is available by Specialist GP telehealth: combined oral contraceptive pills (numerous brands at PBS price), progestogen-only pills (e.g. for women who can't use oestrogen), the contraceptive patch (Evra), the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), the contraceptive injection (depot medroxyprogesterone), and oral pre-coital regimens. The contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT) and IUDs (copper IUD or hormonal IUD like Mirena/Kyleena) require in-person insertion — we issue the script and refer you to a sexual health clinic, family planning service, or trained GP for insertion. Family Planning Australia and the state family planning services (Family Planning NSW, SHQ in WA, Family Planning ACT, etc.) offer subsidised insertions. RACGP and ASHM guidelines guide our contraception choice based on your history (migraine with aura, smoking, breastfeeding, breast cancer history, etc.).
Emergency contraception. The morning-after pill (levonorgestrel) is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex, with reduced effectiveness up to 96 hours. Ulipristal acetate (an alternative emergency contraceptive) extends the effective window to 120 hours and may be preferred if you're closer to ovulation. Both are available by Specialist GP telehealth with eScript to any Australian pharmacy. If you're within the time window for a copper IUD (up to 5 days after unprotected sex or up to 5 days after estimated ovulation), this is the most effective emergency contraception (>99%) and we can refer you for same-day insertion at a family planning clinic.
Recurrent BV (bacterial vaginosis). Recurrent BV is defined as 3 or more episodes in 12 months and affects roughly 30% of Australian women who experience BV. The Monash StepUp trial (Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 2024) showed that simultaneous male partner treatment significantly reduces recurrence in heterosexual partnerships — a major shift in Australian guidance. We follow the StepUp protocol where appropriate (treating both partners with a nitroimidazole class antibiotic), use oral or vaginal first-line therapy guided by Therapeutic Guidelines, and apply a maintenance suppression regimen if recurrence persists. Boric acid, vaginal probiotics (Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii), and trigger management (lubricants, washing routines, condom use) are part of comprehensive recurrent-BV care.
Recurrent thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis). Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as 4+ episodes in 12 months. RACGP and Therapeutic Guidelines recommend a 2-phase approach: an induction phase (intensive antifungal treatment for 14 days, oral or topical) followed by a 6-month suppressive phase (weekly oral antifungal). About 90% of women complete the protocol with sustained remission. We also rule out non-albicans Candida (e.g. C. glabrata, which doesn't respond to standard azole-class antifungals), exclude diabetes if undiagnosed, review oestrogen status (perimenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy mimics thrush), and address contributing factors (hot baths, scented products, tight synthetic underwear, broad-spectrum antibiotic use).
Recurrent UTI (cystitis). Recurrent uncomplicated UTI in women is defined as 2+ infections in 6 months or 3+ in 12 months. Our approach uses culture-confirmed treatment (avoid empirical treatment of recurrent infections, which drives resistance), discusses risk-factor management (hydration, post-coital voiding, vaginal oestrogen if perimenopausal, diaphragm or spermicide review), and considers prophylactic strategies including post-coital antibiotic prophylaxis or low-dose continuous prophylaxis where appropriate. Cranberry products and D-mannose have weak supportive evidence; methenamine has stronger recent evidence and is being increasingly used in Australia. Vaginal oestrogen is highly effective in postmenopausal women and underused.
Vulvovaginal pain and dyspareunia. Painful sex affects up to 1 in 7 Australian women and is often dismissed by busy clinicians. Causes include vulvovaginal atrophy (oestrogen-related, common postmenopause and on combined oral contraceptives), vulvodynia (provoked or unprovoked vestibulodynia), endometriosis, pelvic floor hypertonicity, lichen sclerosus or lichen planus, recurrent thrush, post-childbirth pelvic floor changes, and vaginismus. Our consult takes a full pain history and arranges referrals as needed: pelvic floor physiotherapy (Australian Physiotherapy Association lists trained practitioners), gynaecology (RANZCOG-accredited specialists), pain medicine (Faculty of Pain Medicine ANZCA), or psychosexual therapy (ASSERT — Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists). Some causes need in-person examination and we refer accordingly.
Lichen sclerosus. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the vulva (less commonly the perianal region) in women, with peak incidence around menopause but also in pre-pubertal girls and reproductive-age women. It causes itch, soreness, painful sex, and progressive architectural change (loss of labia minora, fusion of clitoral hood, introital narrowing). Untreated, it carries a small but real risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnosis is clinical with biopsy where uncertain. Treatment is with potent topical corticosteroids (typically clobetasol propionate 0.05%) under specialist guidance. We support ongoing management, monitor response, and refer to vulvar dermatology or gynaecology for diagnostic confirmation and complex cases. The Australian Society for Vulval Dermatology (Vulval Disorders Society of Australasia) lists trained practitioners.
Perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause typically starts in the early-to-mid 40s and lasts 4–10 years before menopause (defined as 12 months with no period). Symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, vaginal dryness, joint aches, and changes to libido or sexual function. RACGP and the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) provide Australian guidance on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Our consult covers symptom assessment, risk-benefit discussion of MHT (including the WHI re-analysis that revised earlier risk concerns), choice of preparation (oral, transdermal, body-identical micronised progesterone, vaginal preparations for genitourinary syndrome of menopause), and non-hormonal options (SSRIs/SNRIs for vasomotor symptoms, gabapentin, CBT). Initial scripts are issued; complex cases or contraindications get referred to a menopause-trained specialist.
Pregnancy planning and antenatal care. RANZCOG and the Australian STI Management Guidelines recommend preconception screening (HPV/cervical screening up to date, rubella and varicella immunity, chlamydia screening if under 30, hepatitis B vaccination status), folic acid supplementation, iodine supplementation, lifestyle review (alcohol, smoking, BMI), and review of any existing medications for teratogenicity. Antenatal STI screening at the first visit and again in the third trimester for high-risk women is standard, with universal antenatal syphilis screening at booking and 28 weeks now national policy given rising congenital syphilis. Major Australian obstetric services (Royal Hospital for Women Sydney, Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Mater Mothers' Brisbane, KEMH Perth, Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital) coordinate ongoing care.
Free walk-in alternatives at state public sexual health clinics. Every Australian state has free, government-funded sexual health services for women: Sydney Sexual Health Clinic (NSW), Melbourne Sexual Health Centre at 580 Swanston St Carlton (VIC), Brisbane Sexual Health (QLD), Cairns Sexual Health (QLD regional), Adelaide Sexual Health (SA), Royal Perth Hospital Sexual Health (WA), Canberra Sexual Health (ACT), Hobart Sexual Health (TAS), Clinic 34 (NT). Family Planning networks across every state offer subsidised contraception, including IUD/implant insertions. ACCHS provide culturally-safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. We tell you about these in every consult.
Cost. $59 Specialist GP consultation. Pathology bulk-billed with Medicare or direct-billed for OSHC and most major insurers. Self-collect cervical screening kit posted free; pathology lab CST is bulk-billed. Contraception scripts at PBS prices. Free state sexual health clinics and Family Planning services are listed above as alternatives if you can't pay.
