Looking for confidential sexual health care in Coolangatta and the wider Gold Coast & Tweed Valley? Our women’s health GPs provide respectful, judgement‑free STI testing, treatment and prevention, support for vaginal discharge, cervical screening, contraception and safe‑sex advice. Female GPs are available on request. On‑site pathology and trusted local referral pathways.
Book online now or call 07 5599 1400. Same‑day appointments are set aside for urgent concerns.
When to seek urgent care
- Severe lower abdominal/pelvic pain with fever or vomiting
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing large clots
- Positive pregnancy test with pain/bleeding (possible ectopic pregnancy)
- Severe genital ulcers or rapidly worsening swelling/redness
If any of the above apply, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Common symptoms we assess
- Changes in vaginal discharge (colour, amount, odour, consistency)
- Itch, soreness or irritation of the vulva/vagina
- Pain with sex (dyspareunia) or pelvic pain
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Stinging when passing urine (dysuria)
- Genital ulcers, lumps or rashes
What different discharges can mean (general guide)
| Typical description | Possible cause |
| Thick, white, curd‑like; may itch | Vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush) |
| Thin, grey‑white with fishy odour | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) |
| Green‑yellow, frothy; inflamed vaginal tissue | Trichomoniasis |
| Purulent discharge; cervicitis | STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium |
Who should have an STI screen?
- Anyone requesting a check‑up or who thinks they may be at risk
- Sexually active people under 30
- If you have a new partner or more than one partner
- If you are a contact of someone diagnosed with an STI
- Before IUD insertion, during antenatal care, or prior to termination of pregnancy
- If you belong to a higher‑risk group (your GP can advise)
What to expect at your appointment
- A respectful, routine sexual history (you can decline any question) and discussion of your concerns.
- Targeted examination only if needed—with a chaperone available.
- Tests may include: urine or swab NAAT for chlamydia and gonorrhoea; trichomonas testing where indicated; Mycoplasma genitalium if symptomatic or a contact; and blood tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. We’ll also do cervical screening if due.
- Partner management and contact tracing advice if a test is positive; we can help with notifications.
- Clear follow‑up plan and reminders. For some infections, we recommend a repeat test in 3 months to check for reinfection.
Treatment and self‑care
- Evidence‑based treatment when results show an infection, plus advice on when you’re no longer contagious.
- Avoid douching and perfumed products; choose gentle, unscented skin care for the genital area.
- Use condoms or dental dams to reduce STI risk; talk to us about contraception that fits your needs.
- Vaccinations: ask about HPV and hepatitis B if you’re not up to date.
- HIV prevention: we can discuss PrEP and how to access PEP after a potential exposure.
Conditions we commonly diagnose and treat
Physiological discharge — often varies with the menstrual cycle or pregnancy; we provide genital skin‑care advice.
Candidiasis (thrush) — itching and curd‑like discharge; treated with topical or oral antifungals; further assessment if symptoms persist or recur.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) — thin, fishy discharge; managed with guideline‑based therapy and recurrence prevention tips.
Sexually transmitted infections — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma genitalium, genital herpes; tested and treated per Australian guidelines with partner management.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — pelvic pain, bleeding and fever; prompt treatment and follow‑up reduce complications.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — dryness, irritation and pain with intercourse; options include non‑hormonal moisturisers/lubricants and, if appropriate, vaginal oestrogen or MHT.
Other causes — cervical ectropion or polyps, dermatological conditions (e.g., lichen sclerosus), foreign bodies; we assess and refer when needed.
When we arrange specialist review
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms despite appropriate treatment
- Suspected PID, complex dermatological conditions or concerning lesions
- Abnormal cervical screening results or postcoital bleeding requiring colposcopy
- Unexplained, offensive or blood‑stained discharge with negative initial tests
