Dr Dean Conrad

Dr Dean Conrad Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Fertility, Pelvic Floor. Advanced Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery

Vasectomy is an increasingly popular option for couples seeking a permanent and highly effective approach to family plan...
26/01/2026

Vasectomy is an increasingly popular option for couples seeking a permanent and highly effective approach to family planning. As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, I often discuss this procedure with patients, focusing on what it involves, its benefits, and addressing common questions or concerns.

For couples who feel their family is complete, vasectomy can be a safe, reliable, and convenient option that allows shared decision-making around contraception.

If you are exploring long-term family planning, vasectomy is worth discussing with your partner and healthcare provider. Together, we can consider the options and choose an approach that best supports your health, lifestyle, and future goals.

Let's talk about the difference between a Pap Smear vs HPV Test.What is the Difference? — and Why does It Matter?Pap Sme...
21/01/2026

Let's talk about the difference between a Pap Smear vs HPV Test.

What is the Difference? — and Why does It Matter?

Pap Smear (Cytology)
A Pap smear looks for abnormal cells on the cervix.
It detects changes after they have already occurred.

HPV Test (Primary Screening)
The HPV test looks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) — the virus that causes over 99% of cervical cancers.
It detects risk before abnormal cells or cancer develop.

Why is the HPV Test Is Better?
- Finds risk earlier
- More accurate than Pap smears
- Longer screening interval (every 5 years if normal)
- Prevents cervical cancer before it starts

This is why Australia now uses HPV testing as the primary cervical screening test. The HPV test saves more lives.

Who Needs Cervical Screening?
- People with a cervix
- Aged 25–74 years
- Even if you feel well and even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine

The Take-Home Message

Cervical screening isn’t about finding cancer, it’s about preventing it. If you’re overdue, unsure, or anxious about screening, speak with your GP or gynaecologist. Options like self-collection HPV testing are now available, early detection saves lives.

Did you know Australia leads the world in cervical cancer prevention? HPV vaccination is the superhero in this fight, gu...
19/01/2026

Did you know Australia leads the world in cervical cancer prevention?
HPV vaccination is the superhero in this fight, guarding against the strains responsible for over 99% of cervical cancers.

Fun fact: The HPV vaccine was crafted by brilliant minds at the University of Queensland!

Since the National HPV Vaccination Program's launch in 2007, we've seen a significant drop in HPV-related infections, thanks to vaccinating both boys and girls. The ripple effect? A decline in cervical cancer cases.

The success led to a positive shift in the National Cervical Screening Program. Now, HPV screening is recommended every 5 years (instead of every 2 years), making it more convenient for women aged 25 to 74 to stay proactive in preventing cervical cancer.

For those who do not feel comfortable seeing a doctor for their cervical screening test, do not worry! There are now self collection swabs available.

Let's keep the momentum going!

Spread awareness, champion vaccinations, and see your GP to check if your Cervical Screening Test is up to date.

Let’s envision a future free from cervical cancer.

Myth:A hysterectomy cures endometriosis.Fact:A hysterectomy can cure adenomyosis, but it does not cure endometriosis.Her...
16/01/2026

Myth:
A hysterectomy cures endometriosis.

Fact:
A hysterectomy can cure adenomyosis, but it does not cure endometriosis.

Here’s why this matters.

Adenomyosis is disease within the muscle of the uterus.
Removing the uterus removes the disease. That is why hysterectomy can be curative for adenomyosis.
Endometriosis, by definition, is tissue growing outside the uterus.
It can involve the pelvis, ovaries, bowel, bladder, ligaments, and other structures. Removing the uterus does not remove these implants.

Why symptoms can persist or return after hysterectomy:
- Endometriosis lesions outside the uterus may remain
- Ovaries continue to produce hormones that can stimulate endometriosis
- Some disease is microscopic and not always visible at surgery
- Even after o***y removal, deep endometriosis may continue to cause symptoms

There is evidence that endometriosis tissue can produce its own hormones, which explains why symptoms can persist after menopause

What actually helps:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Complete excision of endometriosis by an experienced surgeon
- Individualised postoperative care, which may include pelvic floor physiotherapy, pain management, and hormonal strategies when appropriate

Bottom line
A hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis.
It may significantly improve symptoms for some women, especially if adenomyosis is also present, but endometriosis requires its own targeted treatment.

If you are still experiencing symptoms after surgery, you are not imagining it. You deserve answers, validation, and a plan that truly addresses the underlying disease.

Congratulations to Dr Lulu van Eeden on an incredible milestone.Dr van Eeden has become the first gynaecologist in Aotea...
14/01/2026

Congratulations to Dr Lulu van Eeden on an incredible milestone.

Dr van Eeden has become the first gynaecologist in Aotearoa New Zealand to complete robotic training on the ™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) platform, and the first gynaecologist in the country to use the LigaSure™ RAS device. These are significant achievements and reflect both her commitment to advancing surgical care and her dedication to patient outcomes.

Robotic-assisted surgery offers important advantages for selected patients, particularly in complex gynaecological surgery. Historically, access to robotic surgery for women in New Zealand has lagged behind Australia, limiting options for both patients and surgeons.

Lulu undertook training in line with pathways recommended by the Australian Institute of Robotic Surgery (AIRS), in alignment with guidance from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Robotic Working Party and the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society Robotic Special Interest Group. Her training included structured observation, simulation, hands-on practice using advanced synthetic hydrogel models provided by IMRA, in-person proctoring with on-site support, and ongoing education through teleproctoring.

Teleproctoring enabled real-time surgical support to be provided from my office in Sydney directly into the operating theatre in New Zealand, demonstrating how technology can safely bridge geographical barriers and support high-quality surgical training across the Tasman.
Advances in technology are opening new possibilities, not only for patient access to robotic-assisted surgery, but also for how surgeons are trained, supported, and credentialed through state-of-the-art simulation and remote mentoring.

The future of robotic surgery in gynaecology is bright, and AIRS remains committed to providing guidance, structure, and support to ensure training is safe, consistent, and focused on patient outcomes.
A special thank you to the team at Franklin Hospital for their support and collaboration, and to Medtronic for their technical and educational support, with special mention to Portia Sedaghi for her ongoing commitment throughout the process.

Let’s talk about… Cervical cancer. What are the symptoms?Many people are surprised to learn that early cervical cancer o...
07/01/2026

Let’s talk about… Cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Many people are surprised to learn that early cervical cancer often causes no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can be subtle and easy to dismiss.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical advice. These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, let’s talk openly about the signs and support early assessment and care.

Cervical cancer has nearly been eradicated in Australia. And that’s something worth celebrating.As January is Cervical C...
04/01/2026

Cervical cancer has nearly been eradicated in Australia. And that’s something worth celebrating.

As January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a timely reminder of how far we’ve come, and why continuing prevention efforts still matters.

Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. This extraordinary achievement is the result of:

• Widespread HPV vaccination
• An effective national cervical screening program
• Ongoing research, education, and public health leadership

But “nearly eradicated” does not mean finished.

Cervical cancer still occurs, and when it does, it has a devastating impact on patients and their families. Importantly, cervical cancer can occur even in people who have engaged with healthcare and followed recommended guidelines. At the same time, it remains more common in those who are under-screened, never screened, or not vaccinated, highlighting the ongoing importance of access, awareness, and participation.

The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we have.

So the call to action remains clear:

• If you are eligible, keep up to date with cervical screening
• Consider self-collection if that makes screening easier for you
• Ensure HPV vaccination for eligible children and young people
• Encourage the people around you to do the same

Elimination is only possible if we maintain momentum. Prevention only works if participation continues.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we recognise those affected by cervical cancer and reinforce the importance of prevention and early detection.

This Christmas, I was fortunate to receive many cards and messages from patients and colleagues. Some marking pregnancie...
29/12/2025

This Christmas, I was fortunate to receive many cards and messages from patients and colleagues. Some marking pregnancies we’ve journeyed through together, others following complex pelvic floor reconstruction surgeries, and many simply offering kind words at the end of a long year.

Every message is appreciated.

One gift, however, felt especially meaningful. It came from a patient living with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition that often involves years of pain, uncertainty, and feeling unheard. For many women, the hardest part is not just the physical symptoms, but the long journey to being believed, understood, and appropriately supported.

This gift was a reminder that helping patients with endometriosis is about more than procedures or diagnoses. It’s about listening, validating their experiences, and walking alongside them through what can be an incredibly challenging chapter of life.

Moments like this reinforce why patient-centred care matters, and how taking the time to truly understand someone’s story can have a lasting impact.

To those living with endometriosis, your strength does not go unnoticed. And to all patients who trust us with their care, thank you.

Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and meaningful time with family and fri...
24/12/2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and meaningful time with family and friends.

A special thought for those spending Christmas in hospital, whether as patients or caregivers. Your strength and dedication do not go unnoticed, and my thoughts are with you.

This year, I’m very lucky to have Christmas Day off. Thank you to for covering the group.

I’ll be at home with my wife and kids, celebrating James’ first Christmas, which makes this season that much more special for our family. Hopefully he’ll keep his cute Santa hat on all day!

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and peaceful festive season.

Bringing a little one to Christmas lunch? Here’s what they can enjoy safely and happily!Christmas meals are full of wond...
23/12/2025

Bringing a little one to Christmas lunch? Here’s what they can enjoy safely and happily!
Christmas meals are full of wonderful flavours, and babies can join in too with the right choices and textures.

Great Options for Babies Under 1
Think soft, simple, and salt free:
• Soft vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, and broccoli
• Mashed or finely shredded roast meats like turkey or chicken (no skin, no seasoning, no gravy)
• Soft fruits such as pear, peach, mango, and banana
• Plain mashed potato without butter or added salt
• Well-cooked pasta or soft, moistened bread pieces
• Plain, full-fat yoghurt (for babies over 6 months)

Foods to Avoid Before 1
Keep these off the Christmas plate:
• Honey (risk of botulism until 12 months)
• Whole nuts (choking risk)
• Foods high in salt such as ham, gravy, stuffing, and seasoned meats
• Hard or raw vegetables
• Added sugar, lollies, chocolates, and desserts
• Small round foods such as grapes and cherry tomatoes unless cut into quarters

Let your baby explore the table by offering small tastes of baby-friendly foods you are already enjoying. It is a lovely way to help them feel part of the celebration.

Introducing solids at Christmas should be fun, safe, and stress free. Always supervise your baby while eating and focus on soft textures with no added salt or sugar.

Wishing your family a joyful (and messy!) first Christmas together.

Yesterday we celebrated a very special milestone, the 100-day celebration of James.In Chinese culture, the 100-day celeb...
21/12/2025

Yesterday we celebrated a very special milestone, the 100-day celebration of James.

In Chinese culture, the 100-day celebration marks the end of a baby’s early vulnerable period and symbolises health, strength, and hope for the future. It is a beautiful tradition that recognises the importance of family, culture, and community in supporting new life.

James is already surrounded by love from his family, and it has been a privilege to pause and acknowledge this meaningful moment.

Celebrations like this are a reminder of how closely health, culture, and family are intertwined, and why supporting women and families through pregnancy and early life is such a special part of what we do.

Wishing all families celebrating a 100-day milestone a joyful and healthy journey ahead.

Continuing on from our recent myth buster about Christmas ham I thought we should talk about, safe Christmas foods in pr...
18/12/2025

Continuing on from our recent myth buster about Christmas ham I thought we should talk about, safe Christmas foods in pregnancy. What’s on (and off) the table.

Christmas is a time to enjoy great food and even better company, and that absolutely includes mums to be. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy many festive favourites while keeping yourself and your baby safe.

Safe to enjoy with care
• Hot, freshly cooked ham or turkey that is steaming hot all the way through
• Cooked seafood such as prawns, salmon and fish if served hot and freshly prepared
• Pasteurised dairy products like hard cheeses and yoghurt
• Fresh salads prepared just before serving and washed well

Be cautious with or avoid
• Cold or pre packaged deli meats such as sliced ham, turkey or salami due to Listeria risk
• Soft cheeses like brie, camembert and blue vein unless heated until steaming hot
• Raw or chilled seafood including oysters, sushi or cold prawns straight from the fridge
• Leftovers that have not been stored promptly or reheated properly

A few extra tips
• Rockmelon and pre cut fruit platters have been linked to Listeria outbreaks in Australia, so choose freshly prepared fruit and eat it straight away
• Chilled ready to eat smoked salmon is best avoided, but it is safe if cooked in a hot dish
• Be mindful of egg based desserts like mousse or homemade aioli if they contain raw egg
• Avoid foods that have been sitting out for more than 2 hours, especially in warm weather

You can still enjoy a delicious festive plate this Christmas. With a little extra care, you and your baby can celebrate safely and confidently.

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Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
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Nurturing Women’s Wellbeing

Dr Dean Conrad is an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire with over ten years experience in women’s health. After graduating from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), he completed his specialist training at St George and Royal Women’s Hospitals. He then went on to complete a two year Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society (AGES) fellowship in minimally invasive surgery with Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre (SWEC).

Dean is a staff specialist at The Sutherland Hospital, with admitting rights at Kareena, St George and Hurstville Private hospitals. He is also a conjoint lecturer with the University of New South Wales. He has a specific interest in minimally invasive advanced pelvic surgery and specialises in the treatment of fertility and pelvic floor dysfunction, including non-mesh treatments for urinary incontinence and prolapse. His passion for education has taken him across the country as a teacher and surgical mentor, advancing the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders.