Useful Links

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

254-260 Albert Street
East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
(t) +61 3 9417 1699
(f) +61 3 9419 0672
email: ranzcog@ranzcog.edu.au
web: www.ranzcog.edu.au

Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia & New Zealand

Level 2, 4 Cato St
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Tel: (+61 3) 9822 8522 Fax: (+61 3) 9822 8400
E-mail: secretariat@cssanz.org
web: www.cssa.org.au

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

PO Box 481
Carlton South VIC 3053
Australia
(t) +61 3 9639 8330
(f) +61 3 9639 8340
Email: admin@pacfa.org.au
Web: www.pacfa.org.au

Dr Jackie Smalldridge MBBS; FRCOG; FRANZCOG

Gynaecologist
Auckland Gynaecology Group
20 Titoki Street
Parnell, Auckland
New Zealand
(t) +64 9 358 8181

G.A.I.N. Inc (Gynaecological Awareness Information Network) www.gain.org.au

GAIN is a community-based organisation of dedicated women who have endured the trauma of being diagnosed and treated for gynaecological conditions.
Many women afflicted with gynaecological conditions feel alienated and isolated. They often suffer in silence, afraid of what they don't know, and lack the courage to share their anguish.
GAIN was established to:

• Assist women to find the information they need to make the 'right' health choices for them and to provide support as they face these challenges.
• Encourage healthcare professionals to be more sensitive and responsive to the needs of women with gynaecological problems and the effects on their sexuality.
• Provide community education to promote awareness of gynaecological health, diseases and associated illnesses in the hope of early detection and proper diagnosis.
• Improve the efficiency and efficacy of resources available.
• Establish an Australian National Gynaecological Awareness Day.
   

Vulvodynia and Vestibulitis (V.V.S.) Support Group

Vulvodynia is means "painful vulva". The term can cover a wide variety of vulvar pain syndromes.
Vestibulitis (Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, or V.V.S.) is typically pain and inflammation of the vestibule, or opening to the vagina and the tissues immediately around the vaginal opening. Pressure is felt as pain, and touching with a cotton bud may produce a "cut glass" feeling. The diagnosis is made only after 6 months of persistent symptoms. Vestibula pain may occur before any sexual contact.

Symptoms may range from none unless the area is touched, e.g. by attempted use of a tampon, or by sexual penetration, to frequent vulval awareness whilst sitting, walking, bicycling or horse riding. Tight clothing will aggravate it also. There may be times of improvement and worsening.

A small number of women have formed a support group in Melbourne for Vulvodynia and Vestibulitis. We meet once a month, share information and keep in touch by email.

Any women with vulvodynia or vestibulitis are welcome to contact

Bodil +61 3 9434 4404 or Sue via suedynia@yahoo.com.au

click here for V.V.S Support Group information

Australian Psychological Society Ltd

PO Box 38
Flinders Lane PO
Melbourne VIC 8809
Australia
(t) 1800 333 497 within Australia
+61 3 8662 3300 outside Australia
(f) +61 3 9663 6177
Email referral@psychology.org.au
Web www.psychology.org.au