Dr Dean Conrad

15/06/2026

This week is World Continence Week

World Continence Week aims to raise awareness of bladder and bowel issues, chronic pelvic pain, and other conditions that impact the lives of patients and carers

Led by the World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP), this global campaign raises awareness about incontinence and its impact on daily life.

Over 5 million Australians — that’s 1 in 4 people aged 15 or older — live with bladder or bowel incontinence. Yet many continue to suffer in silence.

If you're experiencing symptoms of incontinence, please know:
- You’re not alone
- It’s not just “part of ageing”
- Help is available — and you deserve it

Reach out for a consultation or follow along this week for helpful insights and updates.

09/06/2026

This month, we’re shining a light on pelvic organ prolapse to break the stigma and start the conversation. If you have symptoms, help is available.

In this post we discuss what factors increase your risk of POP.

While it can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:

- Pregnancy and va**nal childbirth
- Ageing and menopause
- Chronic straining (e.g. constipation, heavy lifting)
- Obesity
- Family history of prolapse
- Previous pelvic surgery (like hysterectomy)

POP is more common than many realise, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Knowing the risk factors can help with early recognition — and the good news is, there are effective treatments available.

03/06/2026

June is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness Month

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the tissues and muscles that support the pelvic organs become weakened, allowing the bladder, uterus, bowel, or top of the va**na to drop down and create a bulge or feeling of pressure.

It is far more common than many women realise. In fact, up to half of women who have given birth will experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime.

Many women describe symptoms such as va**nal heaviness, a dragging sensation, a noticeable bulge, or changes in bladder and bowel function. These symptoms can gradually worsen over time and may start to affect exercise, work, social activities, and intimacy.

One of the biggest challenges is that many women assume these changes are simply part of ageing or something they need to put up with after having children. They often don't realise that effective treatment options are available.

Treatment may include pelvic floor physiotherapy, pessaries, or surgery, depending on the severity of symptoms and your individual goals.

If you've noticed a va**nal bulge, pelvic pressure, or changes in bladder or bowel function, it may be worth having a conversation with your doctor.

You don't have to suffer in silence, and you don't have to accept symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.

31/05/2026

Happy Global Day of Parents!

Becoming a parent has given me a completely different perspective on the families I care for every day as an obstetrician. The joy, the exhaustion, the worry, the love, the constant balancing act. It is something you can understand professionally, but feel very differently once you live it yourself.

Today is a reminder of just how important parents and caregivers are, not only to their children, but to our communities as a whole.

The United Nations officially recognised June 1 as the Global Day of Parents in 2012, acknowledging the vital role parents play in raising and nurturing the next generation.

This year’s theme, “Together for Parents”, reflects something I think many families feel deeply. Parenting was never meant to be done alone. Support from partners, grandparents, friends, healthcare workers, workplaces, and communities can make an enormous difference.

To all the mums, dads, step-parents, carers, and guardians, thank you.

For the sleepless nights.
For the sacrifices no one notices.
For the quiet moments of reassurance.
For showing up, even when you are exhausted.

Your impact reaches further than you probably realise.

26/05/2026

Let’s Talk About Menstrual Bleeding
As a gynaecologist and obstetrician, I see many women who silently struggle with heavy or irregular periods, believing it's just “part of being a woman.” But here’s the truth: not all bleeding is normal, and you don’t have to just live with it.

Signs you should speak to your doctor include:
– Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour
– Periods lasting longer than 7 days
– Needing to use double protection
– Passing large clots
– Fatigue or symptoms of anaemia
– Bleeding between periods or after s*x

These symptoms could be linked to conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, hormonal imbalances, or other medical issues that can be diagnosed and treated.

Your period is your body’s monthly report card—if something feels off, it’s worth checking in.

Let’s break the stigma and normalise conversations about menstrual health. You deserve care, answers, and support.

20/05/2026

YES — many women with PMOS, also known as PCOS, absolutely can and do fall pregnant.

While PMOS can affect ovulation and make conception more challenging for some women, it does not mean infertility.

In fact:
• Many women conceive naturally
• Others benefit from lifestyle changes or ovulation tracking
• Some may require fertility support or medical treatment

PMOS affects every woman differently, which is why personalised care is so important.

The term PMOS, or PolyMetabolic O***y Syndrome, is being used by some specialists because the condition involves far more than just “cysts” on the ovaries. It reflects the important metabolic and hormonal factors that can influence fertility and overall health.

The key is early assessment, understanding your cycle, and addressing factors such as:
• Irregular ovulation
• Insulin resistance
• Weight and metabolic health
• Hormonal balance

If you’ve been struggling to conceive, know that there are many effective treatment options available, and you are not alone.

If you have concerns about your fertility, irregular periods, or hormonal symptoms, speak with your gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

18/05/2026

May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month

A time to raise awareness, improve understanding, and advocate for better care for the many people living with chronic pelvic pain, a condition that is often misunderstood, under-diagnosed, and too often dismissed.

Pelvic pain affects around 1 in 5 women at some stage in their lives. For many, it has a significant impact on daily activities, relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Chronic pelvic pain is more common than asthma or back pain, yet many patients still face long delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Pelvic pain is often complex and multifactorial. Common contributing factors include endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, musculoskeletal causes, and bowel or bladder-related conditions.

Importantly, pain itself can become a condition in its own right, and needs to be recognised and managed as such, not just as a symptom of another diagnosis.

As a gynaecologist, I see the impact of this every day. Many patients have spent years searching for answers before they are finally heard.

This month is about:
• Breaking the stigma around pelvic pain
• Encouraging people to seek help early
• Promoting evidence-based care
• Advocating for better education, research, and access to treatment

Pelvic pain is real, and no one should feel they have to just live with it.

16/05/2026

14/05/2026

For many years, we’ve used the term Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) to describe one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women.

However, experts are increasingly recognising that the name can be misleading. Not everyone with PCOS actually has “cysts” on their ovaries, and the condition involves far more than just the ovaries themselves.

This is why some specialists have started using the term PMOS, or PolyMetabolic O***y Syndrome.

Why the shift?
The term PMOS aims to better reflect the broader metabolic and hormonal impacts of the condition, including:

• Insulin resistance
• Weight changes and difficulty losing weight
• Irregular periods
• Fertility challenges
• Acne and excess hair growth
• Increased long-term risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

The evolving terminology highlights that this is not simply a “gynaecological issue”. It is a whole-body metabolic and endocrine condition that deserves comprehensive care.

Importantly, it also helps validate the experiences of women who may not have “polycystic ovaries” on ultrasound but still experience significant symptoms.

Early diagnosis, education, and personalised treatment remain the key to improving symptoms and long-term health outcomes.

If you’re struggling with irregular cycles, hormonal symptoms, or fertility concerns, don’t ignore the signs. Support and treatment options are available.