Cervical Screening Tests are a very important aspect of women's health. These tests screen the health of the cervix and look for signs of  human papillomavirus (HPV),  a disease that can develop into cervical cancer. 

With recent changes to the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program, it can be hard to keep track of when you are due for a screening. The image below shows  the changes that have been made since late 2017 and the current time frame between cervical screening tests.

According to these new recommendations, all women should have their CST every five years. Initial tests should be conducted at either 25 years of age or two years after having sexual intercourse, whichever is later. 

Women who have an increased risk of developing HPV due to factors like family history and certain who are showing certain symptoms may need additional consultations to address these issues. For any information or questions regarding the frequency of your CST, feel free to call us on 3395 6099 and speak with our friendly nurse, Kaitlyn.

If you believe you may be due for a Cervical Screening Test, you can book online (for current patients only) or call us on 3395 6099. Our CSTs are performed by Dr Jessica De Lopera (Female GP) and our female RN, Kaitlyn. 

Close the Gap is a national initiative set in place by the Australian government to increase the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people. Through this initiative, ATSI people with chronic conditions can reduce the cost of their prescriptions and in some cases, fill their prescriptions for FREE. 

If you are of ATSI status and suffer from a chronic condition, please make an appointment with Bulimba Doctors online or call us on 3395 6099 to enrol in the Close the Gap PBS Co-Payment Measure.  

"Huh?", "Pardon me?" 
Ear wax buildup is a normal function of the human body. It provides lubrication and  protection to your eardrum and has antibacterial properties. This said, a large amount of ear wax can be detrimental to your health, causing symptoms like: 

• Hearing loss
• Ear Pain
• Itchiness 
• Dizziness 
•  Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) 

So what are the best treatments for too much ear wax? While your first instinct might be to reach for a cotton bud, this is not recommended for ear cleaning. Cotton buds can push the wax further into your ear canal or damage your eardrum. Eardops are often used as the first line treatment for ear wax. They soften the ear wax so that it can clear from the ear canal naturally. Proving more effective than no intervention, eardrops are a first line of treatment. 

Should the wax buildup be too great or if eardrops are unsuccessful; a safe, efficacious way to remove ear wax is by microsuction.  Microsuction uses vaccum technology to remove ear wax, removing the discomfort and mess of water based treatments like ear syringe. It also employs the use of a microscope so the doctor can observe the ear canal whilst performing the procedure.  

Dr Vince Ladewig GP provides microsuction at Bulimba Doctors for a standard consult fee and bulk bills the procedure fee. To book in for a microsuction appointment, please call Bulimba Doctors on 3395 6099 or book online via Hotdoc.