Dr Dean Conrad

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

Myth: Having a hysterectomy will make me enter the menopause. No! A hysterectomy, without removing the ovaries, does not...
26/10/2025

Myth: Having a hysterectomy will make me enter the menopause.

No!
A hysterectomy, without removing the ovaries, does not mean you will enter the menopause immediately. A hysterectomy is a specialised surgery, involving removal of the uterus (womb) and usually the cervix, ideally through a minimally invasive approach. The uterus does not produce any of the hormones required to maintain your health. This job is done by the ovaries. Although removing the uterus will stop the monthly bleed (and the symptoms associated with menstruation, much to the relief of many patients), the ovaries can be retained. By preserving the ovaries, they should continue to produce hormones such as estrogen which are very important for your overall health. It’s also important to understand that by leaving the ovaries behind, you may still experience symptoms related to ovulation, such as pain, mood swings, bloating and breast tenderness.

If both ovaries are also removed, this can trigger what is called surgical menopause. This causes a sudden drop in estrogen, which may lead to severe symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in libido. The onset of menopause in this case would be more immediate compared to the natural menopause, which typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s.

There is evidence to suggest however that having a hysterectomy can alter ovarian function, likely due to disruption to the ovarian blood supply, which may lead to an earlier menopause. However, this is likely only 1 or 2 years earlier than expected. So, if you were going to enter the menopause at the age of 52, after a hysterectomy, it may occur closer to the age of 50. It’s also important to understand that often the symptoms of the menopause, like hot flushes and mood changes occur many years before the period stops. In fact, symptoms of the menopause occur on average 4 years before the final period, and even as much as 8 years! If you have a hysterectomy and soon after experience symptoms of the menopause, it could be just a coincidence. The good news is there are simple, safe and effective treatments for the symptoms of menopause. Not having a uterus means the treatment options are even simpler and safer.

Every person’s situation is unique and detailed discussions should be made to ensure you are getting the right operation for the right reasons. Feel free to come see me for a consultation to discuss your unique situation and we can tailor make a plan that suits you.

Myth buster: Paracetamol use in pregnancy causes autism or ADHDYou may have seen headlines or posts claiming that taking...
24/10/2025

Myth buster: Paracetamol use in pregnancy causes autism or ADHD

You may have seen headlines or posts claiming that taking paracetamol (Panadol) in pregnancy increases the risk of autism or ADHD. Let’s clear this up.

The facts:
- Paracetamol is widely used in pregnancy and is considered safe when taken as directed.
- Major regulators, including the TGA, FDA and EMA, do not support a causal link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD.
- Guidance from RANZCOG supports paracetamol as the first-line option for pain and fever in pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
- Studies that raised concerns are observational and cannot rule out other factors like genetics, underlying illness or environment.

What this means for you:
- Paracetamol remains the first-line pain and fever relief in pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
- Untreated fever during pregnancy can be harmful for both mother and baby.

Takeaway message:
There is no credible evidence that appropriate paracetamol use in pregnancy causes autism or ADHD. If you are unsure about any medicine in pregnancy, speak with your GP, obstetrician or midwife.

Bringing Care Back to Kurnell A real privilege to join the Anaria team, Heidi Barlow Women’s Physio, and local GPs Dr An...
19/10/2025

Bringing Care Back to Kurnell

A real privilege to join the Anaria team, Heidi Barlow Women’s Physio, and local GPs Dr Annalyse Crane and Dr Rebekah Hoffman for the official opening of Kurnell Family Medical Practice — the first GP service in Kurnell in over ten years.

This is a fantastic milestone for the community, restoring local access to high-quality, family-friendly healthcare right in the heart of the Shire.

It was great to see such strong community support — and to have Simon Kennedy MP officially open the practice.

With great coffee downstairs and some of the best hot chips next door, the new clinic has already found its place in the village — where connection, care, and community truly come together.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing care back to Kurnell. 👏

📍 Kurnell Family Medical Practice
👩‍⚕️ Women’s Physio: shirewomensphysio.com.au

Today is World Menopause Day, held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of t...
17/10/2025

Today is World Menopause Day, held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.

The menopause is a natural and normal part of aging that results in the end of the monthly period. It occurs due to a decrease in a hormone called estrogen produced by the ovaries. Although the end of the period can be a welcome change for many, some experience troublesome symptoms due to these changes in hormones.

This year the theme is "The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Menopausal Health," focusing on how nutrition, physical activity, mental wellbeing, sleep, avoiding harmful substances, and healthy relationships can support women during and after menopause. The International Menopause Society (IMS) is highlighting this theme through a White Paper and factsheets to empower individuals with evidence-based, non-pharmacological strategies.

This year we are emphasising that menopause is a natural transition, not an illness, and that lifestyle choices are powerful tools for managing symptoms and improving long-term health.

Lifestyle medicine is broken down into six pillars:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Mental wellbeing
- Restorative sleep
- Minimising harmful substances
- Healthy relationships

Menopause is a unique journey for every woman. Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and make informed decisions about managing this transition.

Today, on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, we remember and celebrate the little ones held dearly in our hearts...
14/10/2025

Today, on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, we remember and celebrate the little ones held dearly in our hearts, but no longer in our arms.

October 15 is a special day where families and their loved ones come together to honour the memories of the little ones lost too soon. This includes all forms of pregnancy and infant loss, including early pregnancy loss, miscarriage, terminations, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death syndrome and tragic accidents.

We honour the strength of all families who have endured such loss and stand with you in your journey of grief and healing. Your resilience is a testament to love and courage.

Today is World Mental Health Day. It’s a day to raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s me...
10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day. It’s a day to raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.

The global theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is "Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies". This theme highlights the critical need to ensure mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is available to everyone, especially during conflicts, natural disasters, and other large-scale emergencies.

Nobody is immune to the effects of mental health. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we come from or what we look like on the outside. Everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health, and the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care.

Together, let's build a world where mental health is universally recognised, promoted, and protected. Because mental health is not just a privilege; it's a basic human right.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Meet Delilah, our newest little  ! Like her big sister Paisley, Delilah’s story begins long before she was born, with he...
07/10/2025

Meet Delilah, our newest little !

Like her big sister Paisley, Delilah’s story begins long before she was born, with her mum’s struggle against undiagnosed endometriosis. Years of pain, heavy bleeding, and treatments that never worked left her mum without answers and without hope.

Everything changed once the right diagnosis was made. Through minimally invasive surgery, we were able to remove extensive endometriosis and restore her chance of conceiving. The result? Not just the relief of years of pain, but the incredible gift of two beautiful daughters — Paisley and now baby Delilah.

Delilah is a reminder that endometriosis is not just a condition of pain. It can affect relationships, fertility, and the very dream of becoming a parent. With proper diagnosis and treatment, there is hope, and families like Delilah’s are living proof.

Today, we celebrate Delilah’s arrival, and we celebrate the strength of all women fighting endometriosis. Let’s keep spreading awareness, challenging misdiagnoses, and giving every future the chance to live without pain and to achieve their dreams.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place every October, aiming to highlight the profound impact breast cancer ha...
30/09/2025

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place every October, aiming to highlight the profound impact breast cancer has on thousands of Australians.

In 2025, more than 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer... that’s 57 people every single day. Tragically, over 3,200 lives will be lost to this disease each year. Behind these numbers are mothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones whose lives are cut short far too soon.

Early detection remains the most effective way to improve survival. Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can recognise any changes promptly. Symptoms can vary depending on the location, size, and growth of the tumour. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, with breast cancer only identified through a screening mammogram (a low-dose X-ray of the breast).

If you notice any changes, or would like advice about whether you are eligible for screening, please arrange a consultation with your GP.

Let's explore your C-section recovery together.Childbirth is an exciting time. You finally get to meet the baby growing ...
21/09/2025

Let's explore your C-section recovery together.

Childbirth is an exciting time. You finally get to meet the baby growing inside you for the last 9 months.

Yet, having a baby can be taxing on your body, especially if you’ve had a cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section. You’ll need more time to recover than you would after a routine vaginal delivery.

Here are 9 suggestions to help speed up your recovery so you can spend less time sore and tired — and more time bonding with your new baby.

I always suggest that you book in to see your obstetrician after 6 weeks for a chat and check-in. This is a great time to reflect back on your feelings about the birth and discuss your recovery, baby’s feeding, pelvic floor function, contraception, mental wellbeing and so much more.

Kai has arrived, joining his big brother Koa! And with that, this beautiful family is complete. One of the greatest priv...
19/09/2025

Kai has arrived, joining his big brother Koa! And with that, this beautiful family is complete.

One of the greatest privileges of being an obstetrician is sharing in moments like these: siblings meeting for the first time, parents overflowing with joy (and sometimes a few tears). Those first introductions never lose their magic.

What makes the journey so meaningful is not just the birth itself, but walking alongside families from fertility planning, through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Over time, bonds form, and you feel the highs and lows right alongside your patients.

It’s always a little bittersweet when families decide they’re “complete.” There’s so much happiness in seeing them step confidently into their next chapter, but also a quiet sense of farewell as those regular visits come to an end.

Of course, my role continues as a gynaecologist, supporting women at every stage of life, from period problems to pelvic floor health. And my door is always open; it’s a joy to see little ones grow and families flourish long after their baby journeys are finished.

Myth: Vaginal Birth is Always Better Than a C-SectionThere is no one size fits all approach to birth. What is best is wh...
16/09/2025

Myth: Vaginal Birth is Always Better Than a C-Section

There is no one size fits all approach to birth. What is best is what is safest for you and your baby.

A vaginal birth can be a wonderful experience, but sometimes a planned or emergency caesarean section is the safest option. C-sections can be life-saving in situations such as:

• Baby in distress
• Placenta complications
• Breech position
• Multiple pregnancies (such as twins)
• Medical conditions that make labour unsafe

Both vaginal births and caesareans can be positive and empowering experiences. The real goal is a healthy mother, a healthy baby, and parents who feel supported and respected throughout their journey, whatever direction it takes.

Your birth story is valid no matter how your baby arrives. What matters most is a safe delivery, a supported recovery, and a healthy start for you and your little one.

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month — a time to recognise cancers that affect thousands of women every ye...
09/09/2025

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month — a time to recognise cancers that affect thousands of women every year, yet are too often left out of everyday health conversations.

Ovarian, uterine (endometrial), cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers each have their own risks, symptoms and approaches to prevention and detection. But what they all share is the importance of awareness and early detection.

These conversations aren’t always easy, but they matter. The more we talk about gynaecological cancers, the more we can reduce stigma, encourage women to seek help sooner, and support those facing a diagnosis.

Awareness saves lives. This September, let’s keep the conversation going.

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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.