Women’s health services in East London

At The London Independent Hospital we offer rapid access to consultants specialising in women’s health needs, for patients based in East London.

Navigating menopause can be a complex journey, especially for women who are managing multiple health conditions simultaneously, a phenomenon known as multimorbidity. Multimorbidity refers to the presence of two or more chronic health conditions in an individual. Common examples of conditions that may coexist with menopause include hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. Managing multiple health conditions can be challenging, as they may interact with each other and impact your overall well-being.

Our integrated care approach ensures that all aspects of your health are taken into consideration when managing menopause and any associated health conditions. When managing menopause in the context of multimorbidity, our primary goal is to optimize your overall health and quality of life. This may involve a combination of treatments, lifestyle modifications, and support services tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. We'll work closely with you to prioritize your most pressing health concerns and develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses them effectively.

Urogynaecology is a specialized field within women's health that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. 

Our experienced urogynaecologists offer comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing to assess the function and health of your pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. This may include a thorough medical history, physical examination, urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder function, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatment for pelvic floor disorders is highly individualized and may include a combination of conservative therapies, medications, lifestyle modifications, and surgical interventions. Our goal is to alleviate your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and restore function and confidence in your daily activities. We offer a range of treatment options, including pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, medication to manage overactive bladder, minimally invasive procedures such as sling surgery for urinary incontinence, and reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. 

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, commonly causing pelvic pain and infertility. Endometriosis is a complex and often painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide. The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and immune factors. Common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility. However, the severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

Diagnosing endometriosis often requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the disease. Our experienced team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and preferences. Treatment for endometriosis is highly individualized and may include a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and surgical interventions. Our goal is to alleviate your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and preserve your fertility if desired. We offer a range of treatment options, including pain management strategies, hormone therapy, minimally invasive surgery, and fertility treatments, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus, often during a woman's childbearing years. While they are usually harmless, fibroids can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or rectum, which can significantly affect your daily life. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic services include a range of imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and MRI, to accurately diagnose and assess the size, number, and location of fibroids. We may also perform additional tests, such as hysteroscopy or saline infusion sonography, to gather more detailed information about your condition.

Treatment Options: Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your circumstances, we offer a variety of treatment options for fibroids, including:

• Medications: We may prescribe medications such as hormonal therapies or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: For women seeking relief from symptoms without major surgery, we offer minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization (UAE), which cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
• Surgical Options: In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective or unsuitable, surgical intervention may be necessary. Our experienced surgeons perform a range of procedures, including myomectomy (removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), using advanced techniques to minimize risks and promote faster recovery.

Addressing Anemia: Fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to the loss of blood and subsequent decrease in iron levels. Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath, which can significantly impact your quality of life. Our team of specialists is here to help you address these symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.

In addition to diagnosing and treating fibroids, we offer comprehensive diagnostics to identify and monitor any associated complications, such as anemia. Our diagnostic tests may include blood tests to assess your iron levels, as well as other markers of anemia, allowing us to tailor your treatment plan to address your specific needs. Once anemia is diagnosed, we'll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that targets both the underlying cause (such as fibroids) and the anemia itself. This may involve a combination of treatments, including iron supplementation, dietary changes, and medications to manage symptoms and improve iron absorption.

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, can be debilitating, impacting not just your physical health but also your ability to perform daily activities and fulfil responsibilities. It's important to recognize that in some countries, women may be eligible for sick leave due to the severity of their menstrual symptoms. However, regardless of where you are, you shouldn't have to endure heavy periods without support or relief.

Heavy periods are characterized by menstrual bleeding that is significantly heavier or longer lasting than usual. This excessive bleeding can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and anemia, making it challenging to carry out normal activities. While heavy periods are common, they can be managed with the right support and treatment.

Our experienced team of specialists offers comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing to identify the underlying cause of your heavy periods. This may include a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood tests to assess for anemia, and imaging studies such as ultrasound to evaluate the structure of your uterus and ovaries. By pinpointing the cause of your heavy periods, we can develop a targeted treatment plan to address your specific needs and concerns. Treatment for heavy periods is highly individualized and may vary depending on the underlying cause and your unique circumstances. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication to regulate your menstrual cycle, hormone therapy to reduce bleeding, minimally invasive procedures such as endometrial ablation to remove the uterine lining, or surgical interventions such as hysterectomy in severe cases. Our goal is to provide you with effective relief from heavy periods and improve your overall quality of life.

Planning for pregnancy or exploring contraception options is an important aspect of women's health.

Preconception Counselling: Planning for pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also raise questions and concerns. Our preconception counselling services are designed to provide you with the information and support you need to optimize your health before pregnancy. From lifestyle recommendations to genetic testing and fertility assessments, we'll work with you to create a personalized plan that sets the stage for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Your sexual health is an integral part of your overall well-being, and regular screening is an important aspect of maintaining it. Our comprehensive sexual health screening services include testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer screening.

Family Planning Counselling: Whether you're thinking about starting a family, delaying pregnancy, or exploring alternative paths to parenthood, our family planning counselling services are here to support you.

Fertility Services: If you're experiencing difficulty conceiving, our fertility specialists can help. We offer a range of diagnostic tests and treatments to identify and address underlying fertility issues, including ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive abnormalities. 

Contraception Counselling: Our team of specialists provides comprehensive contraception counselling to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Whether you're considering long-term options like contraceptive coils or implants, or you're interested in short-term methods like oral contraceptives or barrier methods, we'll work with you to find the right solution for your needs and lifestyle.

For many women, experiencing recurrent miscarriages can be a deeply emotional and challenging journey. Miscarriage is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies before 20 weeks gestation. While the exact cause of recurrent miscarriage can be complex and multifactorial, potential factors may include genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, autoimmune disorders, and lifestyle factors. Navigating the emotional and physical toll of recurrent miscarriages can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone.

Our team of specialists offers comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing to identify potential underlying causes of recurrent miscarriage. This may include genetic testing, hormone assessments, imaging studies, and evaluations of uterine structure and function. By gaining a better understanding of the factors contributing to recurrent miscarriage, we can develop personalized treatment plans to help you achieve a successful pregnancy.

Treatment for recurrent miscarriage is highly individualized and may vary depending on the underlying cause and your unique circumstances. This may include lifestyle modifications, hormone therapies, surgical interventions to correct uterine abnormalities, and assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

Childbirth is often portrayed as a joyous and magical experience, but for many women, it can also be accompanied by feelings of trauma, fear, and anxiety. Birth trauma refers to the emotional distress experienced during or after childbirth, often resulting from a difficult or traumatic birth experience. Birth trauma can occur for a variety of reasons, including complications during labour and delivery, emergency medical interventions, feelings of loss of control or powerlessness, and a perceived lack of support or understanding from healthcare providers. Symptoms of birth trauma may include flashbacks or nightmares of the birth experience, anxiety or panic attacks, depression, feelings of guilt or shame, and difficulty bonding with your baby.

Our experienced therapists specialize in birth trauma counselling and provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and process your emotions surrounding your childbirth experience. We understand that every woman's journey is unique, and we'll work with you to address your specific needs and concerns in a caring and non-judgmental manner. Our goal is to help you heal from your birth trauma, regain a sense of control and empowerment, and find peace as you navigate the challenges of motherhood.

Our team of skilled gynaecological surgeons specializes in a wide range of surgical procedures to address gynaecological conditions effectively. Whether you're seeking treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, fibroids, endometriosis, or other gynaecological concerns, you can trust in our surgeons' expertise and commitment to delivering safe, personalized care.

Minimally Invasive Techniques: We prioritize minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible. These approaches offer numerous benefits, such as smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times, allowing you to return to your daily activities sooner with minimal disruption to your life. 

Our comprehensive range of surgical procedures includes:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, often performed to treat conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Myomectomy: Removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, an option for women who wish to retain their fertility.
• Excision Surgery: Surgical removal of endometriosis lesions to alleviate pain and improve fertility.
• Pelvic Floor Reconstruction: Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse or pelvic floor dysfunction to restore pelvic support and alleviate symptoms.
• Endometrial Ablation: Minimally invasive procedure to treat heavy menstrual bleeding by removing the uterine lining.
• Ovarian Surgery: Surgical removal of ovarian cysts or tumours, either through cystectomy (removal of the cyst while preserving the ovary) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovary).

You can find more relevant information about women's health conditions, symptoms and treatments through the following links:

• NHS - Women's Health
• Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
• Patient - Gynaecology