COGA: Christchurch Obstetrics & Gynaecology Associates

30/04/2026

When we hear the lived experiences of people with endometriosis, it is striking to see how far the impact extends into their lives.

We’re grateful to and their interview subjects for explaining the realities of managing this chronic condition in a series published on YouTube called ‘Endometriosis in the workplace’, excerpted here.

A link to the full videos is in our bio.

29/04/2026

👉 Now available through our online store.

Who better to understand pelvic pain than an endometriosis specialist and a pain clinician?

Those are the folks behind SOLENA-P patches, a medical-grade heat relief product designed to soothe pelvic pain while you’re on the go.

♨️ Provides up to 12 hours of continuous therapeutic heat

♨️ Fast-acting, delivering soothing warmth within 5 minutes of application

♨️ Slim and comfortable design

♨️ Ergonomically shaped to fit over underwear without restricting movement

Link in the comments ⬇

21/04/2026

Awareness months are great and all – but the spotlight only shines for a limited period.

Those suffering from endometriosis will feel the impact long after March, Endometriosis Awareness Month, ends. This is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes profound disruption to daily life.

A person’s education, employment, relationships, fertility, mental wellbeing, and opportunities can all be impacted by endometriosis.

Worse still, endo can go undiagnosed for up to a decade, and is actually more prevalent among women than diabetes or heart disease.

The best thing about Endometriosis Awareness month is the conversations it starts. March is in the past now but let’s keep the talk flowing.

26/02/2026

Is your cervix due for a service?

09/02/2026

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which is a great reminder to start some conversations.

One misunderstanding we tend to see is that cervical screening picks up ovarian cancer. Not true! A cervical smear only detects cervical cancer.

Ovarian cancer on the other hand is diagnosed using a blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound. Unfortunately, many symptoms of ovarian cancer can be put down to other causes so it's worth paying close attention (as always) to anything that's not usual for you. That might be:

👉 Bloating
👉 Eating less and feeling fuller
👉 Abdominal, pelvic or back pain
👉 Needing to p*e more or urgently
👉 Changes in bowel habits
👉 Fatigue

Talk to your GP in the first instance if you notice anything a bit off. Big thanks to the Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ for their important advocacy work. 🙏

27/01/2026

We see so many patients whose work is severely impacted by menstrual symptoms. Now a study has exposed the extent of the economic impact too.

"We estimated lost productivity in Australia associated with menstrual symptoms at A$7,176 per person annually, with an estimated total annual economic burden of $14.005 billion."

Research finds period pain and heavy bleeding costs the Australian economy about A$14 billion every year in lost productivity.

21/01/2026

Watching 'luteal phase' become a meme makes this collective of gynaecologists VERY happy.

Enjoy a round up of our latest favourites. 💗

14/01/2026

https://coga.org.nz/normal-theres-no-such-thing-when-it-comes-to-womens-bodies/

08/12/2025

23/10/2025

There's a lot of misinformation washing around social media about hormonal contraceptives and this investigative piece is well worth a listen.

It's really important to get credible, evidence-based information about contraceptive options and speak to a healthcare provider before ruling out certain options.

Today from The Detail: The contraceptive pill is under fire on social media. Why birth control is being called "poison" online - and what doctors say.

16/06/2025

👋 Excellent news for your Monday evening.

Shortages of Estradot are still ongoing so the patch limits and dispensing rules haven't changed. But for now, let's celebrate the fact that people will have access to the treatment that works best for them.

21/05/2025

We've enjoyed watching this picture from Cat Bohannon's book 'Eve' do the rounds.

When we describe to people that our organs are 'dynamic' (moving), it can be a hard thing to get your head around if you've only ever seen them in 2D, flat on a page. In fact, from morning to night they're on the move which is why it's sometimes hard to find the cervix!