Women's health check.
A GP-led women's health check that brings the age-appropriate preventive items into one considered appointment: breast health and awareness, PCOS and fertility review, contraception, menopause and midlife support, and general preventive care. Cervical screening is included where you're due, with self-collection as an option. Available at all three Aurora locations.
Preventive care, one appointment.
A GP-led Women's Health Check bundles what would otherwise be separate visits into one appointment. Cervical screening sits at the centre, but the check is designed to wrap in the age-appropriate preventive items drawn from the RACGP Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice (the “Red Book”).
The check typically covers:
- Cervical screening — HPV test, five-yearly, for women aged 25 to 74.
- Breast health & awareness — clinical check and BreastScreen referral where appropriate.
- PCOS & fertility — hormonal, menstrual, metabolic and preconception review. Where the hormonal picture is more complex, our endocrinologist consults alongside the Aurora team on reproductive endocrinology, PCOS, gestational diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy.
- Contraception — the full range including IUD and contraceptive implant.
- Menopause & perimenopause support — covered through our Menopause Support service.
- General preventive care — cardiovascular risk, bowel cancer screening, bone health, STI screening and immunisation review.
Cervical screening on its own can also be done as a self-collected sample during a standard consultation, with no additional private charge. Self-collection doesn't include the full comprehensive check described above; if you'd like the wider preventive review, book the Women's Health Check appointment instead.
Clinician-collected or self-collected.
- Who takes itYour Aurora GP
- HowSample taken from the cervix using a speculum
- DurationA few minutes, in the consultation
- FamiliarSame technique as a traditional Pap smear
- Who takes itYou do
- HowSwab inserted a short distance and rotated
- SettingPrivate space at the centre
- SpeculumNot needed
Both samples go to the same laboratory. Self-collection has increased screening participation among women who had previously avoided or delayed the test. If you've been hesitant to book because you find the traditional test uncomfortable or difficult, self-collection is a legitimate option and the outcome is clinically equivalent.
When you'll be recalled.
We add a reminder to your file and contact you as it approaches. You don't need to think about it in the interim.
We recall you for a repeat test to see whether your immune system has cleared the virus.
Colposcopy is a more detailed examination of the cervix and is a standard next step, not a diagnosis. Most colposcopies do not find cancer. Go to our OBGYN for colposcopy.
Every Aurora GP, every centre.
Confirmed at booking.
Women's Health Check appointment. The comprehensive check is a longer, privately billed consultation with a Medicare rebate on the eligible consultation item. Billing arrangements vary by practitioner; reception confirms the specific fee and gap at booking.
Self-collected cervical screening. A self-collected sample can be done as part of a standard GP consultation with no additional private charge. The Cervical Screening Test itself is Medicare-funded. Self-collection doesn't include the broader preventive review that comes with the Women's Health Check.
Common questions.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book directly with any Aurora GP.
What if I've had the HPV vaccine?
You still need cervical screening. The vaccine reduces risk of the HPV types that most commonly cause cancer, but it doesn't cover all types, and screening remains the standard of care.
Can I have the test if I'm pregnant?
Cervical screening can be done during pregnancy but is often deferred to the postnatal period unless there's a specific concern. Talk to your GP about timing.
Can I have the test during my period?
Yes, though heavy bleeding can affect sample quality. Light bleeding is usually fine. If you're on the heaviest days of your period, we may suggest rebooking.
What about women who have had a hysterectomy?
This depends on the reason for the hysterectomy and whether your cervix was removed. Your GP will confirm whether ongoing screening is needed for you.
What about women over 74?
The formal program ends at 74, but if you've never been screened or your most recent test was more than five years ago, screening may still be appropriate. Talk to your GP.
What if the test is abnormal?
Most “abnormal” results reflect an HPV finding rather than cancer. Your GP will explain your specific result and the next step, which is usually a repeat test in twelve months or a referral for colposcopy.
