Gynaecology is a specialist area of medicine involved in the investigation and treatment of conditions of the female reproductive system. This includes the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The Gynaecology service at The Meriden Hospital sees women aged 18+ for all their gynaecological concerns. Some of the common reasons people book a private consultation with us include:
- Pelvic pain, either during or between periods
- Heavy periods
- Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Absent, intermittent or irregular periods
- Itching or burning
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic prolapse
- Vulval irritation or lesion
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary incontinence
- Hot flushes and/or night sweats
- Abnormal cervical smears
- Vaginal dryness, itching or discomfort
You may also come to us if a scan has shown a possible fibroid or ovarian cyst, or you’ve had an abnormal cervical smear result that needs further investigation and/or treatment.
If you’re concerned about unexpected or new symptoms in and around your pelvis or abdomen, you’ll appreciate being able to get expert help fast. Book your appointment with an experienced Consultant online today.
Gynaecology is the study of the female reproductive system, and the diseases and disorders that affect it. A doctor who specialises in this area of medicine is known as a Consultant Gynaecologist.
Some of the conditions that our Consultant Gynaecologists are frequently asked to assess and treat are:
- Endometriosis – causes pelvic pain. Although it can’t be cured, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. It is usually a long-term condition
- Uterine fibroids - non-cancerous growths within the uterus
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS)
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse – caused when one or more organs in the pelvis move from their normal position and push down on the vagina
- Menopause – a fall in levels of oestrogen (one of the two female sex hormones) causes the body to stop producing eggs. It may cause a variety of symptoms, including hot flushes, vaginal dryness and discomfort.
Whether you’re worried about vaginal, concerned about your periods or would appreciate advice about menopausal symptoms, our Consultant Gynaecologists would be delighted to help you. It’s very easy to book an appointment for a time that’s convenient to you. Why not get in touch with us today to arrange your visit?
When you first visit with your Consultant Gynaecologist at The Meriden Hospital, they will take a clinical history and ask you about your symptoms. They will want to know:
- The symptoms you have
- How long you’ve had these symptoms
- Whether you have any pain in or around your pelvis or abdomen
- If your symptoms are affecting your daily life
- If you’ve tried any treatment already, such as prescription medication or physiotherapy
- Whether you have any particular concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried you may have ovarian cancer?)
They may need to carry out a physical examination of your pelvis and abdomen, and this will be explained to you beforehand.
Depending on the physical examination and your symptoms, you may be referred for further investigations. These may include:
- Blood test
- Vaginal swabs - to check for infection
- A colposcopy – to examine the cervix, vagina, vulva using a special microscope with a light (colposcope)
- Diagnostic scans - normally Ultrasound, but X-ray, MRI or CT are also readily available on-site if required.
Once any results are back, your Consultant will talk about them with you and explain treatment options. It’s natural to have questions, and your Consultant will be very happy to talk these through with you to make sure you’re happy with any treatment plan.
There are a range of treatments available for gynaecological conditions, including:
- Watchful waiting
- Hormonal or other drug therapies
- Physiotherapy
- Behavioural therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
- Surgery
It’s important to know that many disorders and diseases of the reproductive system can be treated and managed without the need for any kind of surgery. Only around one in four people may need surgery to treat their symptoms.
Surgery we can provide at The Meriden Hospital includes:
- Biopsy - a sample of tissue is taken from the body and sent for analysis
- Fitting of a Coil (intrauterine device/ IUD)
- Removal of polyps (a polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue)
- Hysteroscopy - keyhole camera through the cervix carried out to investigate the inside of the womb
- Laparoscopy - a type of keyhole surgery under general anaesthesia, often used for investigating and treating endometriosis or ovarian cysts
- Open abdominal surgery - such as hysterectomy (removal of the womb), although this can also be carried out laparoscopically
- Surgery to correct vaginal prolapse
Whatever treatment you need, whether non-surgical or surgical, your Consultant will explain it to you and arrange it as soon as possible. Treatment will always be tailored to you and your needs and adjusted where required to ensure you see the best results.
Within easy reach of Coventry and the surrounding areas, The Meriden Hospital is the preferred choice for many women in and around Warwickshire. Many are referred to us from their GP or private medical insurance company, while others self-refer to benefit from expert help sooner.
When you choose to visit with a Consultant Gynaecologist at The Meriden Hospital, you will benefit from:
- Access to an expert in women’s health, without delay - If you are worried or concerned about any problem within your reproductive system, you will undoubtedly want to get expert advice as soon as possible. We can easily arrange an appointment for you with an experienced Consultant Gynaecologist, who will be able to investigate your symptoms thoroughly and plan any treatment needed.
- Continuity of care - Female health problems may sometimes be difficult to discuss. One key advantage of The Meriden Hospital is that you will always see the same Consultant Gynaecologist every time you visit, so you’ll never have to worry about having to explain your symptoms all over again to a different doctor.
- Peace of mind - In an independent survey, 96.5% of the people we’d treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family. While we’re very grateful for this feedback, we don’t take it for granted and continue to focus on delivering the highest level of care and support to everyone who chooses us for their treatment.
- Flexible appointments - With appointments available throughout the week, it’s easy to schedule an appointment with a Consultant for a time that is most convenient for you.
- Multidisciplinary team – Your Consultant Gynaecologist has ready access to other healthcare professionals including nurses, physiotherapists and radiologists. Where additional expertise is needed from somebody in another speciality, it is easily and quickly available at The Meriden Hospital.
Support, guidance and effective treatments are available for a number of gynaecological conditions. At your appointment, you will be able to talk with your Consultant about your symptoms and any concerns you may have.
They will thoroughly investigate the cause(s) of your symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis and explore treatment options with you.
Where any type of treatment is needed, this will be arranged for you at The Meriden Hospital at the earliest opportunity.
Book an appointment online today.
