Sexual & Reproductive Health

This module on menstrual irregularities defines common menstrual problems including abnormal menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual dysphoria. It includes classification systems, diagnostic criteria, and clinical guidelines for management and treatment of each condition. It offers resources and guidance for treating women presenting with associated symptoms or meet the diagnostic criteria for these disorders. Each condition is discussed including specific guidelines and treatment aims. Screening tools, indications for additional investigations and appropriate examinations are recommended for diagnosis of each condition. The module discusses prevalence, common symptoms and possible patient impacts of menstrual irregularities.

This module recognises that pelvic pain experienced by women can significantly impact their quality of life. Given the complex anatomy of the pelvis and lower abdomen, pelvic pain presents a diagnostic challenge that requires clinical awareness to ensure the detection of serious conditions including endometriosis and ovarian cancer. This module provides practitioners with clinical reasoning models to effectively assess and diagnose acute, chronic, or recurrent pelvic pain including diagnostic models and management guides. Three case studies on women of different ages and conditions illustrate the application of Murtagh’s self-posed questions. There are separate units focused on endometriosis and ovarian cancer and the summary provides a systematic approach to identify, diagnose and manage the various forms of pelvic pain.

This module discusses the uses, effectiveness, and options for contraception and expands on the role of general practitioners in this area. It creates a detailed framework for making decisions about contraceptives including how to counsel patients about options, recommended examinations, information gathering, patient preferences and other factors to consider. Multiple options for contraception, comparisons of efficacy, delay in return to fertility and STI protection are discussed. Referencing the MEC guidelines, content delineates precautions and contradictions to consider when determining the suitability of contraceptive methods for individual patients. It discusses the differences of combined hormone contraceptives and progesterone-only pills and expands on the risks, side effects, benefits, contraindications, and implementation procedures for each approach. The module provides guidance for contraception at menopause and emergency contraception.

This module discusses the role of general practitioners in contraceptive counselling including comprehensive information on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). The nature of LARCs means that there is no difference between typical and perfect use.  Their contraceptive effectiveness is outlined. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use are applied to three types of LARC and includes important contraindications. It also presents discussion about the use of LARCs including how a clinician can reasonably exclude pregnancy and institute emergency contraception when warranted. Because of the suitability of LARCS for adolescents, content includes issues of consent and identifies key points of legislation related to informed consent. It also considers the termination of unintended pregnancy from request through to clinical referral. Finally, there is a discussion about the “quick start” method of contraception for women at higher risk of unintended pregnancy.  

This module commences with the description of the different phases of the menstrual cycle and natural family planning methods options. These include fertility awareness, lactational amenorrhoea and withdrawal methods, their effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages and contraindications. Unit two outlines contraceptive needs in women with intellectual disability including legal considerations. Unit three addresses the complexities for women who are culturally and linguistically diverse, including the clinical challenges associated with this group. Statistics, factors influencing contraceptive choices and GP management recommendations are included. Key points of diagnosis, investigations, management, expected response and potential side effects are suggested. This unit also lists resources including public funded interpreter information. Information is provided for GPs working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. At the end of this module an overview of new contraceptive products is given.

This module examines the prevalence, presenting symptoms, contributing factors and underlying problems associated with PCOS. Common features, risk factors and indications for further investigation to diagnose this condition are outlined. A framework for applying diagnostic criteria including presenting symptoms, specific criteria for diagnosis, and the process for eliminating other potential causes and conditions is provided. Tools and resources for screening and management of the condition are included. The module concludes by outlining symptoms of complications to look for and provides instructions for detection and management of these symptoms. 

This module discusses urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapses. Content outlines the types of incontinence, symptoms, diagnosis, prevalence, the causes and the risk factors. Prolapses covered are the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, cervix or uterus and the apex of the vagina. Managing these presentations includes taking a detailed medical and obstetric history, investigating risk factors, physical examination and further investigation options. Questionnaires are provided as a guide for these consultations. Changes are discussed as well as continence aids. Various treatment options including lifestyle interventions, physical therapies, bladder training, medicines and continence aids are outlined. Surgical intervention and the associated risks are considered.

This module discusses genetics including information, counselling and statistics for hereditary, familial and sporadic distribution of cancer. The role of genes is also examined. Unit two looks at hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and the associated genes. Content includes referral guidelines, BRCA carrier risks, genetic counselling, identifying, and managing patients who are at high risk of hereditary cancers. Genetic testing information includes advances, testing processes and possible funding options, consent requirements, possible results and genetic variant classifications. The module covers management strategies for high-risk breast and ovarian cancer patients including psychological and lifestyle choices, communicating genetic results and informing family members. Counselling considerations including pros and cons for reproductive options, prenatal testing, pre and implantation genetic diagnosis and the role of IVF are included.

This extension module is separated into two units: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical screening.

Unit one identifies several STIs and other conditions associated with sexual activity. It outlines common features and symptoms, routes of transmission, key risk factors for infection and the prevalence of infection.  The unit emphasises the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs and details the natural progression of each condition if left untreated. Comprehensive information is provided about screening tools and procedures, examinations and testing, and detailed treatment plans. Information is included on contact tracing, notification of proper authorities and opportunistic counselling of patients about prevention of STIs.

Unit two begins with an explanation of the anatomy and functions of the cervix and identifies underlying causes and risk factors for cervical health issues including HPV, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.  Indications for further investigation including presenting symptoms, risk factors, and potential impacts are covered. Information about current screening tests and ethical considerations related to patient experience and consent are addressed. Important updates in administrative processes, terminology for reporting and models for cervical screening results are explained. The module recognises the inherent limitations of these tests and emphasises their role as one part of the diagnostic process. 

The Professional Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health is for medical practitioners who wish to manage common sexual health issues to improve patient outcomes in general practice. This course is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals. There are no prerequisites. 

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

HealthCert alumni who have successfully completed all of the following courses may enrol in the alumni RPL version of this course at a reduced fee because some modules have already been studied:

• Professional Certificate of Women’s Health (4 modules)
  
  • Menstrual Irregularities, Family Planning, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, STIs and Cervical Screening
    
• Advanced Certificate of Women’s Health (2 modules)
  
  • Endometriosis/Pelvic Pain/Ovarian Cancer, Family Planning Advanced 1
    
• Professional Diploma of Women’s Health (3 modules)
  
  • Family Planning Advanced 2, Vaginal Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence, Familial Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Further professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health and CPD hours.

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the first stage of the professional diploma pathway.  The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health, Advanced Certificate of Sexual & Reproductive Health, Professional Diploma of Sexual & Reproductive Health.

Postgraduate Pathway

Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of Sexual and Reproductive Health qualify for a scholarship into the Master of Science: Sexual and Reproductive Health. This is an online course from the UK designed for medical practitioners. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding this scholarship: https://www.diploma-msc.com/s/healthcert 

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

• Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
• Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
• Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
• Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
• Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 94 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.