Dear Doc Kate 2

As always, the lovely Dr Kate is in the house ready and waiting to answer all your medical concerns. This month she discusses the problem of over-produced prostaglandins and the dreaded period pain!

Dr Kate specialises in women's reproductive health and is a representative of MSIA - Marie Stopes International Australia. As the resident doctor at FEMAIL, she is here to advise and answer all your medical queries.

MSIA is part of the http://www.mariestopes.org.au Marie Stopes International partnership which works in 39 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe. Collectively they are a movement advocating for reproductive rights and providing services that improve and save peoples lives, making a real difference. Marie Stopes in Australia, plays a pivotal role in facilitating this within the Asia Pacific region.

So if you have a question or a concern - go to:

Dear Doctor




Dear Curious,

The main forms of contraception that are not permanent include condoms, diaphragms, IUD's, Pills - the combined or minipill, Injectables and Implants.

The choice of which one is right for you comes down to the one which is most safe, effective and convenient for you. The problem with smoking and taking the combined pill has really only been seen in women who are over 35 years. For women under this age the combined pill is an effective and safe contraceptive. There are other options to taking the combined (i.e. estrogen) pill - like taking the minipill (progesterone only) - but this is not as effective as the combined however, or injectables or implants that do not contain estrogen. You'll have to go through all the different options if you're not happy with what you have at the moment to see which one is going to be best for you.




Dear Concerned,

In order to conceive you basically need the right number of sperm, at the right place and time, to meet with an egg, and for patent tubes for the sperm and egg to meet. Usually women who are not taking contraceptives ovulate midway between their periods - which helps people know when to have sex when they are trying to conceive! Some women take a few months to begin ovulating again after stopping the pill and if you have irregular periods - it can be hard to know when you are ovulating.

You can find out if and when you are ovulating - by charting basal body temperature and cervical mucus (a good way to know your body better!) as well as by a simple blood test.

If you are not ovulating there are many causes as to why - one of the most common ones is Polycystic ovary syndrome. Menopause is extremely rare for women your age, most women go through menopause from age 46-51 years.




Dear Mum-to-be,

I suggest that you call the doctors in your area and see if there are any who do obstetrics also. Many doctors have been specifically trained and have a Diploma in Obstetrics, and are experienced at providing care for women during pregnancy. You might have to "try" a couple and make sure you find one you and your partner like.