Gynaecological problems can be worrying and really affect how you live your day-to-day life, but many women are reluctant to ask a doctor for help, sometimes from embarrassment or fear and sometimes because they feel they just need to get on with it. Cooden Medical Group’s consultant gynaecologist Miss Mini Nair talks about some of the most common reasons for seeing a gynaecologist.
Heavy and painful periods
Many women are reluctant to seek help about HEAVY OR PAINFUL PERIODS because they are not sure whether or not what they are experiencing is just normal. But having your period shouldn’t stop you from doing everyday things such as exercising, going out, wearing what you want. Heavy periods don’t necessarily mean there is something wrong but if you are losing a lot of blood every month you could become deficient in iron, which will make you tired and run down. They could also be an indication of endometriosis or fibroids, which can be treated. If there is no underlying medical condition for your heavy or painful periods, some forms of contraception can help to manage the symptoms and help you get on with your life anytime of the month.
Symptoms of menopause and advice on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The menopause usually happens aged around 51 or 52, but many women start to experience symptoms in their mid to late forties. Often the first signs are erratic periods but you may also have hot flushes night sweats, headaches and tiredness. Many women experience mood swings, feel depressed or find it hard to focus on a task. You may also find that having sex is difficult or even painful. All these things are normal, but that doesn’t mean that you have to put up with them. HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) is undeniably the most effective way of managing the unpleasant symptoms of menopause but not all women want or need to take it. It’s helpful to discuss the pros and cons with a gynaecologist to see whether HRT is right for you.
Abnormal smears and colposcopy
Smear tests are a screening tool for cervical cancer. The test shows if there is an abnormality on the tissue of your cervix but not whether it is cancerous or precancerous. If you have an abnormal result from a smear test you may be recommended to have a procedure known as a colposcopy. This allows the doctor takes a closer look at the tissues surrounding the neck of your womb and to determine whether or not you will need further treatment. Sometimes the treatment can be carried out at the same time as the colposcopy.
Prolapse
A pelvic organ prolapse is when your womb, bladder, bowel or a combination slip down into your vagina. It happens because the pelvic floor muscles have become weakened and can’t hold these organs in place. While the condition is not life threatening it can be uncomfortable and distressing. There are various ways to treat the problem ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery. Your gynaecologist will discuss the different treatments with you and make recommendations based on the severity of your symptoms.
Patients can book a private consultation with Miss Mini Nair at the Cooden Medical Group. She can prescribe and carry out screening procedures such as cervical smears at the clinic. She will perform colposcopies and any surgical procedures at a local private hospital. For further information please get in touch, or call 01424 846190
