E7. Unpacking Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (audio)
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver condition due to pregnancy, yet one that still generates a lot of clinical uncertainty. In this episode, host Dr Nisha Khot speaks with experts, Professor Bill Hague, obstetric physician, and Associate Professor Scott White, obstetrician and maternal fetal medicine specialist. Together they delve into the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) Consensus Statement on Diagnosis and Management of ICP, released in 2023, with the Executive Summary published in ANZJOG.
The discussion covers everything from presentation and diagnosis of ICP, management approaches and counselling, the role of ursodeoxycholic acid and alternatives, to timing of birth, monitoring and surveillance, and common misconceptions.
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
ANZJOG 2023 – White – Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Contemporary Management
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy – Diagnosis and Management
📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733
💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
--------
16:27
--------
16:27
E6. Vulval Disorders: Lichen Sclerosus (audio)
In this episode of Talking O&G, host Dr Anna Clare (obstetrician gynaecologist) is joined by guest, Dr Tania Day (gynaecologist specialising in vulvovaginal conditions). They discuss the diagnosis, management and ongoing treatment of vulval conditions, particularly lichen sclerosus, is a common yet often under recognised vulval condition that if left untreated can lead to poor outcomes for patients.
The conversation explores how vulval condition examination and history taking differs from a standard gynaecological review, approaches to investigations including wet mounts, swabs and PCRs, and why it’s important to consider other disorders of the vulva during your examinations. Dr Tania Day explains why biopsies are an important part of the diagnostic process, why it’s essential to keep your patient informed throughout an examination, and how to navigate management and treatment plans with your patient. The episode discusses how vulval disorders and cancers can be prevented when symptoms are treated early and why it is so important for patients to bring their vulval concerns to their gynaecologist.
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
ISSVD Practical Guide to Lichen Sclerosus
O&G Magazine, The Vulva Issue (Winter 2025)
Day & Sobel. Genital cutaneous candidiasis versus chronic recurrent candidiasis: distinct diseases, different populations. Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2025)
📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733
💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
--------
32:36
--------
32:36
E5. Unpacking RANZCOG's Substance Use in Pregnancy Guideline (audio)
Substance use in pregnancy is a complex and sensitive area of maternity care. In this episode of Talking O&G, host Dr Kasia Siwicki is joined by Dr Anna Clare (obstetrician gynaecologist and Chair of the Guideline Development Group), Dr Dan Wilson (GP and addiction medicine specialist), and Kerri Felemonow (social worker, Manager of The Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service Program at the Royal Women’s Hospital) to unpack the updated RANZCOG Clinical Guideline – Substance Use in Pregnancy (C-Obs 53).
The conversation explores why the guideline was updated and what’s new, the role of non-stigmatising, person-centred language, and practical approaches to universal screening in antenatal care. The guests also discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological supports for nicotine, alcohol, and opioid use, the importance of harm reduction strategies, and what supportive care looks like in practice, with a focus on providing trauma-informed and culturally safe care, particularly for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori women. The episode investigates how holistic, multidisciplinary and community-led approaches can improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: Substance Use in Pregnancy (C-Obs 53)
📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733
💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
--------
44:18
--------
44:18
E4. Unpacking RANZCOG's New Endometriosis Guideline (audio)
In this episode of Talking O&G, host Dr Heather Waterfall is joined by Professor Cindy Farquhar and Dr Marilla Druitt to explore RANZCOG’s newly released Australian Living Evidence Guideline on Endometriosis. Together, they unpack the shift towards earlier, less invasive diagnosis, including the use of transvaginal ultrasound and MRI.
The conversation covers first and second-line hormonal treatments, safe use of GnRH therapies, fertility considerations when managing endometriomas, and practical strategies for supporting patients of all ages and backgrounds. This includes targeted recommendations for adolescents and guidance on delivering culturally safe care for First Nations peoples and inclusive, gender-affirming care for gender-diverse people.
They also address common misconceptions, including the true cancer risk associated with endometriosis, and highlight the importance of holistic, patient-centred care that combines medical, psychological, and lifestyle support. Whether you work in a metropolitan hospital or regional practice, this episode offers actionable insights to help you apply the latest evidence in diagnosing, managing, and supporting people with endometriosis across Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Written & produced by Rebecca Young for RANZCOG
Music by Brendan Jones
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis
📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733
💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
--------
25:07
--------
25:07
Ep3. Unpacking RANZCOG's New Vasa Praevia Guideline (audio)
In this episode of Talking O&G, host Associate Professor Scott White is joined by Dr Clare O’Loughton and Dr Kasia Siwicki to discuss Vasa Praevia, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that, when diagnosed early, can lead to vastly improved outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Centred around RANZCOG’s new clinical guideline on Vasa Praevia (C-Obs 47), the conversation unpacks the importance of routine screening, the distinction between vasa praevia and low-lying fetal vessels, and how a patient-centred approach to care can support safety, communication, and planning — especially when clinical recommendations must be balanced with personal circumstances. The guests also reflect on the challenges of providing care in rural and remote settings, where access to imaging and specialist input may be limited.
Whether you’re based in a hospital or a regional clinic, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate risk and support patient-centred care.
Written & produced by Rebecca Young for RANZCOG
Music by Brendan Jones
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
RANZCOG Clinical Guideline: Vasa Praevia (C-Obs 47)
📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPDhttps://shorturl.at/iq733
💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe and share it with your colleagues.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
Talking O&G - a RANZCOG Podcast delivers expert insights and up-to-date clinical information in obstetrics and gynaecology. Created for RANZCOG members, trainees, and healthcare professionals, each episode features evidence-based discussions on essential topics—from miscarriage and vasa praevia to contraception, abortion, and more. Available in both audio and video formats, with new episodes released fortnightly via ranzcog.edu.au/podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.
New Zealand