A safe place to discuss your sexual health concerns
Sexual health checks & screening for Young People in Hobart, Tasmania
- A ‘free’ health service (bulk billed to Medicare)
- Ages 12 - 25 (inclusive & until your 26th birthday)
- All genders welcome
- A safe, non-judgemental & supportive environment
- Private & confidential
Sexual Health checks for Young People in Hobart
Dr Alison Edwards provides sexual health checks, tests and screenings. Plus advice selecting appropriate contraceptive treatments, including prescriptions where appropriate and Implanon (The Bar) insertions.
Whilst you might know your sexual health by different names and terminology, below is an outline of how we can help you and your body:
Sexual Health Checks & Screening & Treatment
Including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis.
Cervical Screening (Pap Smear Test)
For Young People starting at age 25, testing for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). This can be done as a self collected vaginal swab for most people.
Period Problems
Irregular periods, heavy or painful periods
Contraception Support & Prescriptions
Including the oral contraceptive Pill, Implanon (The bar) insertion, removal and replacement, Nuvaring, Depo injections, IUD removals (please note we are currently unable to do IUD insertions).
Pregnancy Testing & Options
Pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, unintended pregnancy and termination options and referrals. Antenatal referrals, pregnancy planning and fertility concerns.
Sexual health issues & safe sex discussions
We’re here to support you and your body with any other sexual health issued you’d like to discuss including things like safe sex practices, condom use, sexual safety and relationships.
Vaginal and vulval issues & genito-urinary concerns
Including vaginal discharge, thrush, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), abnormal bleeding including heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, irregular periods, bleeding after sex, or breakthrough bleeding.
PrEP
Pre exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention.
Sexual difficulties
Including painful sex, low libido, erectile dysfunction.
Gender issues
People who identify as gender diverse or trans, non-binary or anywhere on the gender spectrum are welcome and supported. Referrals for gender affirming care.
A confidential appointment
Booking a sexual health check or test is And because of confidentiality, we ask that you phone to make an appointment to visit our practice where you can speak in a safe and private environment with Dr Alison.
Phone to make an appointment
Please start by phoning our helpful receptionist to make an appointment.
Visit our practice
Arrive to your appointment 5 minutes early, at our Hobart practice within the Headspace building.
Test, checks & screening
During your appointment we might carry out appropriate tests, or help you book a follow up time for required screening.
Follow up phone call
We’ll always follow up with a text notification of normal test results, or a phone call if your results need discussion or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual health concerns can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming.
Our FAQ may ease your concerns, but please reach out and book an appointment. We are here to provide clear professional support and advice in an understanding environment.
Remember that no question or concern is too small, too personal or “too weird” to ask, so feel comfortable raising any issue you would like to discuss.
Do I need to bring my parents
No. You are welcome to book an appointment and meet Dr Alison on your own. We do not need parental/ guardian permission to do STI testing / or to prescribe contraception etc
Is my appointment confidential
Yes. Everything we discuss is confidential and private.
Safety Exception: In very rare situations, if there is serious concerns about your safety or the safety of others, we may be legally required to take steps to protect you, but this will generally discuss this with you first.
Do I have to pay
No. your appointment and pathology testing is bulk billed under Medicare so there will be no out of pocket expense to you.
Do I need to bring my Medicare card?
No. It’s helpful if you do have your Medicare card or a screenshot of it, but we can also look it up for you.
How do I get my results?
We can discuss your preference at your appointment but you will generally receive a text if your results are normal, or a phone call if your results need discussion.
Can I book a telehealth appointment?
Yes. you can book a telehealth appointment to speak with Dr Alison via the headspace Hobart number on (03) 6231 2927.
Can you be my usual GP?
No unfortunately we are not a full GP service, and you will need a regular General Practitioner.
Can I have an STI without having any symptoms?
Yes absolutely. Chlamydia can occur without symptoms in over 70% of women and 50% of men.
What are the symptoms of an STI?
Many STIs don’t produce symptoms, but symptoms may include:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- Pain when urinating
- Sore, bumps or ulcers
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
What are the most common types of contraception / birth control
Oral contraceptive pill, Implanon (the bar), IUD (Mirena, Kyleena and copper), Nuvaring, Depo injection, Condoms.
A free services, with no out of pocket expenses
All of our sexual health checks, advice and screening services are provided free of charge, with no out of pocket expenses. What this means is that all fees are billed to Medicare.
If possible you can provide your Medicare card or number
However, we can look this up if you’re unsure what your Medicare number is or if you don’t wish to ask your parents for this information (for example); as our service is fully confidential which means you don’t need to ask for parental permission to make an appointment.
Meet Dr Alison
A General Practitioner (GP) in Hobart with special interest in Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Dr Alison (she/her) has been a General Practitioner for 25 years and has worked at headspace for over 14 years.
She is passionate about providing sexual health and reproductive services to Young People in Hobart in a friendly relaxed environment.
Make an appointment
Our sexual health consultation and screening service works just like your regular doctor, and is available for ages 12 – 25 (inclusive & until your 26th birthday).
Please phone to make an appointment, where you’ll meet with Dr Alison in our Hobart practice to have a conversation about you and your body.
Please phone to make an appointment with 'Dr Alison'
Available Hours
Tuesday – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday – 9:00 am to 6:00pm
Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00pm