Aboriginal Reproductive Health: A Collaborative Approach to Understanding and Improvement

This study, led by the University of Newcastle, was undertaken to investigate the reproductive health service gaps and needs of the Walgett community, to contribute an evidence base for improved reproductive health outcomes.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited, Walgett Dharriwaa Elders Group, and the wider Walgett community.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.

The liver is an important part of the body's digestive system and performs functions such as digesting fats and filtering toxins. About 25% of people with hepatitis C will clear the virus (recover) over time and 75% of people will develop chronic hepatitis C. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). In some cases, this may develop into liver cancer.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to serious disease of the liver. It is the most common liver infection in the world. The liver is an important part of the body's digestive system and performs functions such as digesting fats and filtering toxins.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries. If it is not treated early, PID can cause scarring to your fallopian tubes, especially if you get it more than once. This can cause infertility (inability to have a baby) or complications in pregnancy including ectopic pregnancy (where pregnancy occurs outside the uterus). Untreated PID can also cause ongoing pelvic pain.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas (commonly known as ‘trike') is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It can cause infection of the vagina or cervix (neck of the womb) in women and the urethra (urine passage) in both women and men. Trichomonas is one of the most common STIs in some parts of the world but it is not as common in Australia.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria. If untreated, it can cause serious irreversible damage. Syphilis is not common in Australia but is increasing in men who have sex with men and some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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