In the media

19 December 2017
Everything You Need To Know About The Contraceptives Creating Controversy In Australia At The Moment
Gina Rushton, Buzzfeed

Australian gynaecologists and obstetricians have this week defended long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCS) after some users described severe side-effects they had suffered.

17 December 2017
Hormonal IUD horror stories spark concern about side-effects of contraceptive option
Ali Moore, Daily Life

Experts say that most women find IUDs to be both safe and effective. But for the small group of women who do experience harmful side effects, it is imperative that they are believed and that their concerns are taken seriously, says Dr Deborah Bateson from Family Planning NSW.

13 December 2017
Your vagina cleans itself: why vagina cleaning fads are unnecessary and harmful
Dr Deborah Bateson, The Conversation

A staggering variety of so-called feminine hygiene products seek to help with “vaginal odour” and discharge, and “keep you fresh”. From deodorants to cucumber cleanses, scented “panty liners”, and the newest fad “vaginal steaming”. These products actively promote the view that women’s vaginas should be discharge-free and either have no smell at all or exude the whiff of rose petals or vanilla pods.

28 November 2017
Your ultimate guide to choosing and using contraception
Francesca Wallace, Vogue Australia

From the pill to the implant to IUDs and well, everything in between, the options for contraception are endless. Here, Medical Director of Family Planning NSW, Dr Deborah Bateson, breaks down exactly what’s what, how to use it and why it might be the best for you.

10 September 2017
Death by embarrassment. It shouldn't happen to women - but it does
Paula Goodyer, Sydney Morning Herald

"Vulval cancer is relatively rare but it happens – about 300 women are diagnosed each year – and I've seen women with quite advanced vulval cancer who've been too embarrassed to tell their doctor about symptoms. There might be a lot of explicit images of women's genitals online yet young women are often still uncomfortable about seeing a doctor, says Dr Deborah Bateson, Medical Director of Family Planning NSW.

29 August 2017
A Practical Guide To Finding A Contraceptive That Works For You
Matilda Dixon-Smith, Junkee

“People don’t necessarily have all the information they need about the options for contraception,” explains Dr Mary Stewart, the Senior Medical Officer in Research and Education at Family Planning NSW. “The pill is very much in people’s minds when it comes to contraception in Australia.”