Women's Health

Gynaecology is the study of the female reproductive system – this includes the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and vulva. The functions, medical disorders and diseases of the female reproductive system all fall under the heading of gynaecology.

Gynaecological complaints range from menstrual problems to uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and cervical polyps. These issues range from uncomfortable and painful to life-threatening, and they may also affect fertility.

Gynaecological cancers are also sadly common – according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, more than 21,000 women receive a diagnosis each year. Therefore, it is vital that gynaecological issues are fully investigated when they arise.

Depending on your personal and physical circumstance, your consultant gynaecologist may provide advice, organise tests, perform examinations or even recommend surgery. Gynaecology clinics can also provide advice on options for contraception and treat disorders during the early stages of pregnancy.

We are proud to facilitate consultant gynaecologists in our hospital who can help test, diagnose, and treat or manage gynaecological issues to help improve your quality of life.

There are many symptoms that mean you may need to see a gynaecologist, including:

• Heavy periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Intermittent or irregular periods
• Abdominal or pelvic pain during or between periods
• Itching or burning and irregular discharge

You might also want to discuss contraception with a gynaecologist, or speak to them about the early stages of pregnancy.

Whether you are experiencing issues with menstruation, pelvic pain or require specialist family planning advice, our team will strive to help reduce your symptoms and make the right decisions for you. Gynaecological procedures that we provide include:

Hysteroscopy polypectomy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look inside your uterus (womb) using a narrow telescope with a light and camera attached to the end of it. This is called a hysteroscope.

The hysteroscope is passed into your womb through your vagina and cervix (the entrance to your womb), which means no cuts need to be made into your skin during the process. The hysteroscope is connected to a monitor, which displays images of the inside of your womb. Your gynaecologist sees these images in real time as they perform the procedure. If a small polyp is present in the womb, it can be removed using an instrument attached to the hysteroscope - this procedure is called polypectomy.

A hysteroscopy is an effective way of examining and diagnosing a range of gynaecological issues, including abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, fibroids, and endometrial cancer. In some cases, your consultant can also treat these issues during the hysteroscopy.

Endometrial ablation

An endometrial ablation is an operation to remove the lining of your womb. The most common reason for having an endometrial ablation is to experience relief from the symptoms of heavy periods – most women will experience a noticeable reduction in their periods and, in some cases, periods stop altogether.

The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic, where your gynaecologist will use electricity or laser energy to remove the lining of your womb and any polyps or small fibroids they find.

Laparoscopic sterilisation

A laparoscopic sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception. It involves blocking both fallopian tubes to stop you from becoming pregnant. Afterwards, you will no longer need to use another form of contraception.

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about twenty minutes. Your gynaecologist will make several small cuts on your abdomen. The most common method of sterilisation is to block each fallopian tube with a clip.

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a medical procedure where the cells of your cervix (the opening to your womb) and vagina are examined in detail under a microscope. If your doctor suspects you have abnormal cells, they will take a sample of cells called a biopsy during the procedure.

Abnormal cells in your cervix may be caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). If left untreated these abnormal cells may lead to cervical cancer. If you have abnormal cells on your cervix, they will be removed to prevent them from becoming cancerous or pre-cancerous.

A colposcopy can also be used to investigate problems like unexplained vaginal bleeding, an infection with HPV that hasn't gone away, or inflammation of your cervix. It may be used to diagnose conditions such as genital warts, vulva, vaginal, or cervical cancer.

Diagnostic laparoscopy 

A diagnostic laparoscopy is an operation to look inside your tummy and pelvic area. It is performed using a small telescope (called a laparoscope), which is a thin tube with a light and camera attached to the end of it. This camera is connected to a video monitor, which displays images of the inside of your tummy and pelvis, allowing your consultant to see what is happening without having to 'open up' your abdomen.

A laparoscopy can be used both to diagnose and to treat a range of conditions that affect your abdomen and pelvic area. These include gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. If you have or are showing signs of any of these gynaecological problems, a diagnostic laparoscopy is a common way to diagnose them.

Booking your gynaecological procedures with us differs depending on your condition and recommended treatment option.

To get started, you can book a consultation online with one of our many experienced gynaecological Consultants. This is a simple and fast process.

You can also book your consultation by calling 020 8023 5100.