Dr Dean Conrad

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

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.

Does Your Baby Really Need Vitamin K?Short answer: YES!Let’s break it down.All babies are born with very low levels of V...
15/12/2025

Does Your Baby Really Need Vitamin K?

Short answer: YES!
Let’s break it down.

All babies are born with very low levels of Vitamin K, and it can take weeks before their bodies can build enough on their own.

Vitamin K is essential for healthy blood clotting. Without it, newborns are at risk of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), a rare but potentially life threatening condition that can happen in the first days and weeks of life.

Why the Vitamin K injection matters:
- It’s safe
- It’s been used worldwide for over 50 years
- It prevents almost all cases of VKDB
- One injection protects your baby for months, well before natural levels are adequate

What happens without it?
Babies who don’t receive Vitamin K are 81 times more likely to experience serious bleeding, including in the brain.

The bottom line:
The Vitamin K injection is essential, evidence-based newborn care that saves lives. As an obstetrician, I strongly recommend it for every newborn.

If you have questions or concerns, please speak with your maternity care team. No question is too small. Informed parents are confident parents!

It has been such a privilege to look after this wonderful family through two pregnancies, first with Caeli and now with ...
12/12/2025

It has been such a privilege to look after this wonderful family through two pregnancies, first with Caeli and now with little Theodore. Being part of their journey from pregnancy to birth (twice!) is something I am genuinely grateful for.

Caeli has to be one of the most stylish little girls I have met, always covered in Hello Kitty accessories and proudly showing off her latest finds. Matching her stickers to her outfits became a running highlight of every appointment. My wife was very jealous of her Hello Kitty Crocs and matching tiaras!

She has already stepped confidently into big sister mode, and seeing the two of them together was one of those lovely reminders of why I love this job.

Between the medical chats, the superhero debates and the steady stream of TV recommendations, every visit with this family was genuinely enjoyable. It is always a little bittersweet when families complete their journey, because you form a connection that is hard to describe, but it makes the experience all the more meaningful.

Thank you again for the thoughtful card and gift. It truly meant a lot.
And thank you for allowing me to share this photo. It is one I will treasure.

Wishing Theo and Caeli a lifetime of health, happiness and many more adorable Hello Kitty moments.

Myth Buster: Can Pregnant Women Eat Christmas Ham?It's a question that comes up every festive season, so let’s clear the...
12/12/2025

Myth Buster: Can Pregnant Women Eat Christmas Ham?

It's a question that comes up every festive season, so let’s clear the air!

Myth: Pregnant women should avoid Christmas ham.
Fact: It’s safe to enjoy ham during pregnancy, as long as it’s properly stored and cooked!

Here are some tips for a worry-free feast:
- Choose freshly cooked ham served steaming hot.
- Avoid cold or pre-packaged ham sitting out for long periods.
- If you're eating leftovers, reheat them until they’re piping hot.

These simple steps reduce the risk of Listeria and other bacteria that can be harmful in pregnancy. So, enjoy your holiday favourites with peace of mind!

Have more questions about pregnancy and holiday foods? Drop them below!

As we head into the festive season, many families are excited to take their little ones to Christmas carols, concerts an...
09/12/2025

As we head into the festive season, many families are excited to take their little ones to Christmas carols, concerts and all the celebrations that come with this time of year. It’s a wonderful way to make memories, but it is also worth remembering how sensitive babies’ ears can be.

Their hearing is still developing, and loud music or sudden sounds can reach levels that may cause distress or even hearing damage if the exposure is too much.

A few simple tips to keep your baby safe and happy:

• Noise sensitivity
Babies can startle easily, and prolonged loud noise is what carries the most risk.

• Use hearing protection
If you plan to take your baby to a carols night, fireworks display or concert, consider infant-specific ear muffs that are designed to fit safely and comfortably.

• Find quieter spots
Stay back from speakers and busy crowd areas and take quiet breaks when you can.

• Watch for cues
The combination of lights, noise and excitement can lead to overstimulation, so keep an eye out for signs your baby needs calm time, a feed or sleep.

And what about during pregnancy?
The good news is that loud music or concerts are very unlikely to harm a baby in utero. Amniotic fluid and mum’s tissues naturally soften sound, and fetal hearing is much less sensitive than after birth. It is still best to avoid standing right next to speakers for long periods, mainly for your own comfort.

There will be plenty of concerts, carols and celebrations to enjoy as your child grows. Protecting those tiny ears now means you can enjoy every melody together for years to come. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy and music filled Christmas.

Another incredible year with an incredible team!Our annual Anaria Christmas Party was a wonderful opportunity to pause, ...
03/12/2025

Another incredible year with an incredible team!

Our annual Anaria Christmas Party was a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who make what we do possible. The care we provide is never delivered by one person alone. It takes a village of skilled and compassionate professionals working together every day.

I feel very fortunate to work alongside dedicated nurses, admin staff, midwives, physios, dietitians, physicians, product specialists and many others who support women and families through some of the most important moments of their lives. Their commitment, kindness and teamwork allow us to deliver the highest standard of care, and I am grateful for everything they do.

Before I left for the party, Leo helped me light up my Christmas jacket and tried his best to convince me that he should come too. I think he would have stolen the show!

To the entire Anaria team, thank you for your hard work, your generosity of spirit and the laughter we share along the way. And to our patients, thank you for the trust you place in us. It is a privilege we never take for granted.

Wishing everyone a joyful, safe and meaningful Christmas. Looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling 2026 ahead.

Mythbuster: Having a hysterectomy ruins your s*x life.No! Having a hysterectomy doesn’t mean the end of a satisfying s*x...
26/11/2025

Mythbuster: Having a hysterectomy ruins your s*x life.

No! Having a hysterectomy doesn’t mean the end of a satisfying s*x life. In fact, in many cases, it can lead to an improved quality s*x life.

A hysterectomy involves removing the uterus (or womb), preferably by a minimally invasive approach. A hysterectomy is usually done for medical reasons, such as heavy, painful periods due to fibroids or adenomyosis, or as a part of a prolapse operation. In these situations, the uterus itself often causes pain or discomfort during s*x, known as dyspareunia. When the offending organ is removed, s*x can be much more enjoyable.

The top of the va**na will undergo a change after a hysterectomy, so the feeling of having s*x may be different, especially during deeper pe*******on. Those who achieve or**sm through deeper pe*******on may feel a change, but often an improved one. Those who achieve or**sm through cl****al stimulation, however, will not notice any difference. The innervation to the cl****is is separate to the innervation of the uterus and cervix and is not affected by a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy can relieve pain and enhance emotional wellbeing, positively influencing your mood and desire for intimacy.

The impact on s*xual function does not change whether the cervix is removed or left in place. However, it is important to conserve your ovaries during a hysterectomy. The ovaries are necessary to maintain the hormones that keep the va**na moist and healthy, while sustaining your libido and energy. The ovaries should be left in place in anyone under the age of 65 unless there are other medical indications.

Open communication with your partner and healthcare provider is crucial. Discuss any concerns, physical changes, or questions you may have to ensure a supportive and understanding environment. Remember, everyone's experience is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're considering or have undergone a hysterectomy, feel free to come see me and we can address your individual concerns and ensure a healthy and informed recovery journey.

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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.