In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens along with Dr Rebecca Goadby interview Dr Alison Creagh, renowned for her expertise in intimate partner violence and contraceptive management. Alison addresses managing the side effects of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), focusing on contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Alison discusses the common issue of unpredictable bleeding with contraceptive implants, providing detailed insights into identifying potential causes, assessing the pattern of bleeding, and discussing management options with patients. She highlights the significance of ruling out abnormal causes and offers a range of strategies, including reassurance, combined pill usage, anti-inflammatory and hormonal options, and considering alternative contraceptives, if necessary. Additionally, she provides guidance on addressing weight gain, headaches, loss of libido, and concerns around fertility associated with long-acting contraceptives, dispelling myths and offering practical advice to reassure patients.

Their discussion then delves into challenges related to IUD insertions, addressing potential pain, bleeding, and cramping post-insertion. Alison outlines strategies for pain management during insertion, discusses the normality of bleeding patterns post-insertion, and shares management options for heavier bleeding or cramping.

The conversation concludes with Alison demystifying fertility concerns associated with LARCs, providing clarity on the rapid return to normal fertility post-discontinuation of contraceptive methods.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Rebecca Goadby welcome Dr Alison Creagh to discuss the differences between older progesterone-only pills - such as levonorgestrel and norethisterone - and the newer drospirenone ones. Alison outlines how the older pills primarily work through cervical mucus and, to some extent, blocking ovulation, while the newer drospirenone pills are more effective at blocking ovulation and have a wider window of time for pill intake. The impact on bleeding is also highlighted, with the drospirenone pills leading to more regular bleeding during the withdrawal section.

Discussing the cost and payment options for the different pills, with the older pills being more cost-effective for those with healthcare cards, while the newer ones are more forgiving in terms of timing. Additionally, contraindications and missed pill windows for the two types of pills are explored, with specific attention to potassium levels in relation to the newer drospirenone pills.

Alison further delves into the advice for the missed pill window and the potential side effects for both types of progesterone-only pills. The variability in individual responses to these pills is highlighted, as well as the potential need to try different types if hormonal side effects arise.

The episode concludes with Sean Stevens thanking Alison Creagh for her valuable insights and highlighting the important takeaways from the discussion.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at Talking HealthTech.

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens is joined by Dr Alison Creagh, a GP specialising in women's health and sexual and reproductive health, with over 20 years of experience in this field. Alison sheds light on the issue of intimate partner violence and its impact on the health of those affected, particularly women. She discusses how intimate partner violence differs from domestic violence and emphasises the importance of GPs in addressing this prevalent issue.

Delving into why patients may be reluctant to discuss intimate partner violence with their GPs and offers insights into how GPs can effectively broach this sensitive topic with their patients. Alison provides practical guidance on identifying potential signs of intimate partner violence and outlines gentle and effective approaches for GPs to initiate conversations with their patients.

Furthermore, Alison shares valuable resources and support services available to GPs and patients dealing with intimate partner violence, emphasising the need for confidentiality and sensitivity in handling such cases. Concluding with the discussion on additional learning opportunities and resources for GPs to further their understanding and approach in addressing intimate partner violence.

Resources for Getting Help on Intimate Partner Violence across Australia:

National

1800 RESPECT

Counselling, information and referral for people experiencing abuse, friends and family and health

professionals.

1800 737 732

MensLine Australia

For men with concerns about abuse, including those who are abusive.

1300 789 978

White Ribbon

Lists national helplines available according to needs.

whiteribbon.org.au/helplines

ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

02 6280 0900

NSW

NSW Domestic Violence Line

Counselling and referrals for women experiencing DV

1800 656 463

NSW Department Communities and Justice

Online information source, with quick exit buttons

https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/children-and-families/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence.html

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services

Provide information, advocacy and referrals for women and children, and support accessing restraining orders

legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-program

NT

Domestic, family and sexual violence page from NT government

Lists local support services according to region

nt.gov.au/law/crime/domestic-family-and-sexual-violence/get-help-for-domestic-family-and-sexual-violence

QLD

DVConnect Womensline

Support, accommodation, counselling and referrals for women experiencing family or domestic violence

1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline

Support, counselling and referrals for men affected

1800 600 636

Government Domestic & Family Violence page

Information about services available

qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/domestic-family-violence

Domestic Violence Prevention Centre

Counselling, practical support, safety planning and referrals

07 5532 9000

SA

Domestic and family violence & sexual assault support services

Listings of supports available for specific issues

sa.gov.au/topics/family-and-community/safety-and-health/domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault/support-services

Domestic Violence Crisis Line

Crisis counselling, support and accommodation referrals

1800 800 098

TAS

Family Violence Counselling and Support Service

Information, support, safety planning, assistance with police, referrals

1800 608...