Some people develop 'thinning' of the bones, called osteoporosis. A treatment that can help with this is a medicine called aclasta, which is delivered by infusion into one of your veins (through a needle) to help rebuild the structure of your bones. This treatment takes 15-30 minutes and is done every 18-24 months.

New Zealand's cervical screening programme is for all women aged 25-69 years, and aims to prevent cervical cancer. Having a cervical smear involves a small plastic speculum being inserted into your vagina, and a small sample of the cells of your cervix (which sits at the top of your vagina) removed with a small brush. Most women find this a painless procedure. The test looks for cells that might later develop into cancer cells. You are very welcome to bring a support person with you.

Videos about the cervical screening programme are available on the Health Navigator website. 

During a consultation you can discuss any general medical or injury related problem you may be experiencing. 

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Screening

From 12 September 2023, HPV screening will be introduced as the primary test as part of the NZ National Cervical Screening Programme

most people can choose how their test is done. The options are:

1. A self-test swab sample taken from the vagina (not the cervix) which is tested for HPV
2. A clinician-taken vaginal swab sample which is tested for HPV, or 
3. A clinician-taken cell sample from the cervix, previously referred to as a smear test, which is tested for HPV. This option also allows for a cytology test to be done if HPV is detected without needing to return for a further test.

Self-testing is not appropriate for everyone (for example, people who have symptoms or require a co-test for follow up after treatment). A self-taken vaginal swab is just as good as a clinician-taken sample for detecting HPV. 

Link to more information: https://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/

If the iron levels in your blood are low your clinician may recommend a course of iron tablets. If iron tablets have given you side effects or we need to quickly increase your iron levels, then you may require an infusion of the iron medication (ferinject) into one of your veins (through a needle), over about 15-30 minutes.

An IUS (also known as a Mirena or intrauterine system) is a small device that is inserted into a woman's womb to try and prevent pregnancies for up to five years. It releases a small amount of hormone every day, and is also a treatment for heavy periods (it can make periods much lighter and in some women may stop their periods all together). The procedure involves an internal vaginal examination, and some women find insertion of the IUS a little uncomfortable. This usually takes just a few minutes. You may be eligible for funding so that the insertion is free or has a small co-payment. The Mirena device will need to be put on a prescription in advance and brought to the practice (so there will be a charge for the prescription with the pharmacy). It is important that you discuss this with your doctor or nurse before booking an appointment, as it is sometimes important what time in your menstrual cycle the IUS is inserted.

Note: Phoenix Urgent Doctors perform removal only. 

Jadelle is a long-term contraceptive that can prevent you from getting pregnant. Two small implants (rods) are inserted into your inner upper arm by a small procedure. We also remove Jadelle implants. If you require new rods to be inserted (as they have been present for five years but you would like them re-inserted for ongoing contraception), we are able to do that at the same time.

Some people may be eligible for Jadelle to be inserted or removed for free.

During a men's health check we discuss things related specifically to men's health, such as prostate screening and sexual health, as well as things covered in a general check up.

If you have mole you are worried about, or a skin lesion that is changing or not getting better, it is important to get it checked by a doctor or a specially trained nurse. They may recommend that it be removed. Removal involves a small injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area and then a small procedure is performed to remove the mole or lesion. Some of our medical centres are able to offer more complex skin surgery - please discuss this with one of our doctors. Payment is usually required for minor surgery procedures, and varies depending on the procedure. This can also be discussed with one of our doctors.

We have partnered with MoleMap to offer skin check services. Find out more about the MoleMap service and pricing.

If you are well but would like a general check on your health then it is good to come and discuss this with a GP. Areas that are often covered include risks of heart attack or stroke in the future, general lifestyle advice, general mental health, family history of specific medical conditions, and preventative screening such as prostate testing, cervical smears and mammograms.

You can book a sexual health check to discuss any concerns regarding sexual health, symptoms or possible exposure to symptoms. We are here for full, frank, open and confidential discussions and testing.

If you smoke, or vape with nicotine, and feel that the time is right for you to try and quit we are here to help you. There are many different options available to help you stop smoking. Please feel free to book an appointment with a doctor or one of our trained nurses to give you help and advice.

Vasectomy (sometimes called male sterilisation) is a permanent form of contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is a small surgical procedure that takes around 40 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic, so you are awake throughout the procedure but do not feel the pain. Vasectomy is very reliable and in most cases will prevent future pregnancies. You will be required to do two sperm tests a few months after the procedure to ensure that it was successful, before using this method for contraception.

During a women's health check we discuss things related specifically to women's health, such as period problems, sexual health, contraception, cervical smears and mammograms.