Woman smiling with eyes closed taking in fresh air
This article is a summary of a 2026 Aware Super webinar held with Teladoc Health. The webinar was presented by Teagan Atkins a Registered Nurse and Midwife with 14 years of experience delivering comprehensive patient care across inpatient, outpatient, and remote healthcare setting. This content is general information only, please consult your GP or relevant health practitioner for health advice that considers your personal circumstances.
International Women's Day and Women's Health
This International Women’s Day, the theme Give to Gain reminds us that when women are given knowledge, access, and understanding of their health, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. When women feel equipped, supported, and financially confident, it strengthens communities, workplaces, and futures for everyone1.
Yet one of the biggest challenges women face is the belief that they should stay silent about the health issues they face when experiencing perimenopause and post-menopause. This silence can lead to shame, confusion, and isolation around common health issues. It can also have long-term financial consequences. Research by the Australian Association of Super Funds (ASFA) shows women can lose up to $60,000 in super if they’re forced to retire early due to menopause related symptoms2. By breaking these taboos, women can feel more empowered to speak up, seek care, and protect both their wellbeing and financial future.
Why does cervical screening matter?
Cervical cancer is now one of the most preventable cancers with estimated cases in Australia having fallen dramatically due to screening and HPV vaccination.
Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is a very common virus. Over 100 types exist and around 40 types affect the genital area, and a small number are high-risk that can lead to cervical cancer. Most people will get HPV at some point, but the body's immune system usually clears it within one to two years. However, in some women HPV persists and can increase the risk of cervical cell changes4.
What you should know: An abnormal screening result doesn't mean cancer. It often means monitoring or follow-up is needed. You can now self-collect your sample in a clinical setting, making screening more accessible. Taking 30 minutes every five years to do this test is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term health. Early detection means you're far more likely to stay well, keep working, and avoid the disruption that serious illness brings.
What is pelvic pain and endometriosis?
Pelvic pain is very common yet rarely discussed, affecting around one in five women and people assigned female at birth at some point in their lives2. Because it doesn’t always show up on scans, pelvic pain is often dismissed.
Common conditions like endometriosis, which affects around one in seven Australian women, can take seven to 10 years to diagnose3. Some days you feel fine. Other days symptoms interrupt your plans, drain your energy, or leave you needing more rest than usual. Over time, that can take a toll. If symptoms are affecting your life, it’s worth talking to your GP or specialist.
What about bladder and pelvic floor health?
Up to half of women and people assigned female at birth experience pelvic floor and bladder symptoms during menopause, after childbirth, or due to ageing. These changes affect daily comfort and confidence.
Common conditions include pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness, pressure, difficulty emptying bladder/bowel) and urinary incontinence. During menopause, declining oestrogen affects pelvic tissues, muscle strength, and bladder sensitivity.
There is support available. Management includes pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder training, and vaginal oestrogen. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best plan for you.
Health challenges during midlife can lead to reduced work hours or early retirement. The pattern is common across many women's health conditions when symptoms go untreated, work arrangements change, and retirement savings take a hit. Getting support early can make a real difference.
What about UTIs and vaginal health?
During menopause, urinary tract infections (UTI) become more common due to hormonal changes and vaginal tissue thinning, significantly affecting quality of life, sleep, and mood. UTIs that are left untreated are a leading cause of sepsis which can be lethal.
If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, you have recurrent UTIs, or experience blood in urine, fever, or back pain, ensure you seek care. If you're dealing with a UTI every couple of months, you know how exhausting it is. The GP visits, the antibiotics, the brain fog that comes with infection. It's hard to bring your best self when you're constantly fighting your body, but there are effective treatments available.
Key Takeaways
| Health | Your Super | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Many women experience pelvic pain, bladder issues, vulval discomfort, or repeat infections. These conditions are often treatable. | Your health affects your super. Time off work, reduced hours, or early retirement can reduce your super balance over time. | Support is available for insured members, partners and children over 18. Aware Super members can access, confidential health support through Teladoc Health at no extra cost, plus financial planning (at additional cost). |
Breaking The Silence
Breaking the silence around women's health isn't just about physical wellbeing it's about protecting your financial future too. When you address health concerns early, you're more likely to have the option to stay working comfortably and consistently, which means more super contributions and better retirement outcomes.
This International Women's Day, give yourself permission to speak up about your health. The conversation you start today could improve your health and help secure your retirement.
Your Next Steps
1. To access Teladoc Health service call on 1300 650 873 or book online for confidential health support
2. Log into Member Online at aware.com.au to check your super or visit the Aware website for more information on our health and wellbeing resources.
3. If necessary, book a financial planning appointment* to discuss your retirement goals
FAQ
Every pay period you're not working means no super contributions from your employer. If you reduce hours or take extended leave, you're not just losing income today you're losing super that would have grown over time through investment returns.
Yes! You can make personal contributions to your super even if you're working reduced hours or on leave. You might also be eligible for government co-contributions or spouse contributions. Call us on 1300 650 873 to discuss your options.
Early retirement can significantly impact your super. If you're facing health challenges, speak with your doctor about treatment options and speak with us about strategies to protect your super. You might be eligible for insurance through your super if you're unable to work. Call us on 1300 650 873 to discuss options that can work for you.
Yes. As an Aware Super member, you have free access to the Menopause Support Service through Teladoc Health, which includes support for various women's health concerns. This is a third-party service and your personal disclosures to Teladoc are not shared with Aware Super.
We also offer financial planning advice to help you stay on track even if health challenges affect your work.
All services are completely confidential. Health professionals through Teladoc Health are there to help, not judge. They understand these are common health issues affecting millions of women, and they're experienced in providing supportive, stigma-free care.
Log into Member Online or call 1300 650 873 to arrange Super Health Check We can review your balance, discuss your retirement goals, and create a plan that accounts for any health-related work changes. Early planning makes a significant difference.
*Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super.
1 UN Women, Facts and figures: Economic empowerment, https://knowledge.unwomen.org/en/articles/facts-and-figures/facts-and-figures-economic-empowermen
2 The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, ASFA summary of key research findings of impact of menopause on women’s retirement outcomes, https://www.superannuation.asn.au/media-release/menopause-costs-womens-retirement-outcomes/
3 Endometriosis Australia, Endometriosis in Australia is now estimated to be 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth, https://endometriosisaustralia.org/1-in-7-australian-women/
4 Cancer Council, Cervical Cancer Symptoms & Treatments, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer
The information contained in Taboo Topics in Women's Health: Breaking the Silence is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. No warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information is given and no responsibility is accepted by Aware Super Pty Ltd or its employees for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided.", Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super. Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee. Fees are payable for comprehensive advice, including about your financial situation outside super. If you decide to move forward with comprehensive financial planning, we’ll explain our fees before you begin. Everyone’s situation is different, and we haven’t considered your financial situation. So, before deciding about joining, you should read our product disclosure statement and Target Market Determination and consider your own personal circumstances to decide if this is the right thing for you. These documents are available on our website at aware.com.au/pds or call us and we’ll send you a copy. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd (ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340) trustee of Aware Super (ABN 53 226 460 365).
TAL Life Limited, ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848 ('the insurer', or 'TAL') provides health services to Aware Super. This includes this service by Teladoc Health Australasia PTY LTD (Teladoc Health) (ACN 147 387 666). It is intended to provide general health information and advice. This service is available to you, your spouse and your children if you have insurance through Aware Super with TAL. Teladoc Health is not part of Aware Super or TAL, and services are provided by Teladoc Health, not Aware Super or TAL. The recommendations provided by this service are based on medical and other information you provide to Teladoc Health. Services are provided by Teladoc Health. Teladoc Health is the entity that will collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your personal health information if you use their services. TAL have exercised all due care and diligence when selecting Teladoc Health as a provider of these services. Aware Super and TAL do not take any responsibility for the services provided by Teladoc Health and do not recommend them as suitable for every individual. The information provided by this service is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional or other health professional. This service is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problem. Always consult your general practitioner or medical specialist before accessing any support service. These services may be subject to change or withdrawal in future.