Women's health clinics are becoming more popular than ever before − and for good reason. Offering women-specific treatments and other services in a compassionate and comfortable environment, women’s health clinics make it easier for many women to seek the healthcare they need. This is because many women feel more comfortable receiving care at these types of facilities due to the higher percentage of female physicians. Read on to discover some of the services you can expect from women’s health clinics and abortion clinics in Melbourne.

 General Health Services

One of the main benefits of choosing a women's health clinic is that these facilities offer diagnosis, treatment and referrals to specialists all in one convenient location. This makes it easier for you to get the care you need in a timely manner. As a result, there’s less guesswork involved and more convenience when it comes to general health services. Women's health clinics also minimise the hassle associated with traditional medical centres, with many also providing on-site specialists. 

 Annual Exams

One of the most popular services offered by women's health clinics is the annual exam. This process is designed to provide an overall look at a woman’s health. It includes all the core components found in a standard physical examination, such as the following: 

• Vital signs
• Head and neck exam
• Checking the body for abnormalities 
• Laboratory tests 

An annual exam offered by a women’s health clinic will also look for conditions that primarily affect women. For example, osteoporosis is one such condition that mostly affects women. In a women's health clinic, you can get the tests you need to check up on your bone health and receive dietary advice to prevent bone deterioration. 

Specific Women’s Health Care

A women's health centre can also provide female-specific services such as pap smears, pelvic exams and mammograms. 

• A Pap smear is necessary for all women over the age of 21 in order to detect cervical cancer. It’s recommended once every three years for women who have a healthy immune system. However, you may require one more frequently if you have a pre-existing condition or have suffered from cervical cancer in the past. 
  
   
• The pelvic exam consists of inspecting the vagina, cervix and vulva for any abnormalities such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This is done in a private, courteous and respectful manner and is typically conducted by a female physician.
  
   
• Mammograms are used to detect breast cancer and are typically only required once every couple of years. Most physicians recommend starting mammograms around the age of 50, but if you have a family history of breast cancer, you may benefit from having mammograms at an earlier age. 

 Family Planning Services

Family planning is a key service offered by women's health clinics and abortion clinics in Melbourne. Family planning services revolve around helping to prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as helping women who are currently pregnant to remain healthy. Family planning can involve helping couples conceive, providing pregnancy counselling and general fertility services, and performing abortions.