Gynaecology in Nottingham

Gynaecology involves the investigation and treatment of conditions of the female reproductive system, comprised of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. A doctor who specialises in this field is a Consultant Gynaecologist.

The Consultant Gynaecologists at The Park Hospital see women aged 16+ for all gynaecological symptoms and conditions. Some of the reasons you may book a private Gynaecology consultation include:

• Pelvic pain, either during or between periods
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Heavy, absent, intermittent or irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness, itching or discomfort
• Pain during intercourse
• Vaginal discharge
• Pelvic prolapse
• Vulval irritation or lesion
• Urinary incontinence
• Hot flushes and/or night sweats
• Reduced sex drive
• Low mood
• Abnormal cervical smear
• Abnormal ultrasound scan

If you have one or more of these symptoms or conditions listed above, it is sensible to see a specialist for expert help. We can help you to access the support you need without delay.

There are a number of conditions that can cause the symptoms listed above. Common gynaecological conditions include:

• Endometriosis – A long-term condition causing pain in the pelvis
  
  
• Uterine fibroids - Growths (non-cancerous) within the uterus
  
  
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – causes a range of symptoms, including irregular periods and enlarged ovaries
  
  
• Urinary incontinence
  
  
• Pelvic organ prolapse – caused by one or more of the organs in the pelvis prolapsing down the vagina
  
  
• Menopause – A reduction in oestrogen levels (one of the two female sex hormones) occurs when the ovaries stop functioning. Symptoms can be varied, but common ones include hot flushes, vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive.
  
  
• If you have any symptoms that are concerning you, whether new or longer-term, relatively mild or more severe, our Consultant Gynaecologists would be delighted to help you.

While some gynaecological conditions cannot be cured, appropriate treatment can often manage symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Behavioural therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Hormonal or other drug therapies
• Surgery

Many types of surgery for gynaecological problems can be done by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). This minimally invasive surgery provides an excellent view inside the abdomen and allows treatments such as hysterectomies or removal of ovarian cysts to be carried out. With only very small cuts being used, laparoscopic surgery often results in less pain and bleeding, minimal scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery.

Similarly, hysteroscopy may be used to examine the womb (uterus). A hysteroscope is passed into the womb through the vagina and cervix, avoiding the need for any incisions (cuts). Small operations can also be carried out with hysteroscopy, including removal of endometrial polyps and endometrial ablation, which is one of the treatments for heavy periods.

Not all surgery can be done laparoscopically, and open surgery may be required for some conditions.

One of the conditions that can cause pain is endometriosis. Treatment may include pain relief medication, hormone medicines, contraceptives or surgery.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem amongst women and there are various treatments available, including physiotherapy, oral medication and sometimes surgery.

Different medicines are available to help reduce heavy periods or to shrink uterine fibroids. Surgery to remove the fibroids may be an option.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse may be treated with pelvic floor exercises, physiotherapy, vaginal pessaries or surgery.

Microscope-assisted reversal of sterilisation can restore fertility if you have previously had a sterilisation operation.

Menopausal symptoms can be incredibly varied, and treatment may involve hormone replacement therapy (HRT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dietary changes and exercise.

Early investigations for fertility concerns can be carried out at the hospital, but we will refer you to a fertility service outside the hospital for further help where appropriate.

We are delighted to be able to offer our patients at The Park Hospital the option of surgery using the da Vinci surgical system, a robotic tool that can lead to better outcomes and a faster recovery. The robotic technology can be used for all types of hysterectomy – including partial, total and radical hysterectomy – though it won’t be appropriate for everyone.

The da Vinci surgical system is not a replacement for your surgeon, but rather a tool that they can use to perform surgery to the best of their abilities.

A robotic hysterectomy is typically performed using a few very small cuts in your abdomen (tummy), which is a minimally invasive technique that offers faster recovery times than open surgery. Using the da Vinci robot, your surgeon will see 3D high-definition views of the inside of your abdomen, magnified to 10 times what the human eye can see. The robotic arms translate your surgeon’s movements in real time, offering a greater range of motion that human hands and wrists, which allows for greater precision and accuracy. This can mean less postoperative pain, a faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.

If you are interested in a hysterectomy using the da Vinci robot, speak to your consultant surgeon during your initial consultation.

When you first visit with your Consultant Gynaecologist at The Park Hospital, they will take a clinical history and ask you in detail about your symptoms.

They may need to carry out a physical examination of your pelvis and abdomen and may take swabs.

It may be that this is all this is needed to make a diagnosis, in which case treatment can begin right away with either a prescription or referral to another speciality like Physiotherapy.

In other cases, you may be referred for further investigations, which could include:

• Blood tests
• Vaginal swab - to check for infection
• A colposcopy – a special microscope (colposcope) used to examine the cervix, vagina and vulva
• Diagnostic scans – ultrasound is most commonly used, but X-ray, MRI and CT are also helpful for some conditions. These will be arranged for you on-site at the earliest opportunity

Once the results of any investigations are back, you will meet with you consultant to discuss them and to explore treatment options.

If surgery is needed, this will be arranged by your consultant. Should the surgery you require be out of their field of expertise, they will refer you to a colleague who specialises in that area.

For more than 30 years, we have treated a wide range of gynaecological conditions for women in and around Nottinghamshire. In that time, we have been privileged to have built up a very good reputation for the quality of care we provide.

We treat private medically insured and self-pay patients. While many of them are from Nottingham itself, excellent travel links also make it easy to visit us from Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

You can self-refer, and we also receive many referrals from GPs and other specialists like gastroenterologists and urologists.

We believe that you will not find a better place to come for comprehensive investigation, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support than The Park Hospital. Here’s why:

• Fast access to a leading expert – We can arrange an appointment for you with an extremely experienced Consultant Gynaecologist without delay.
  
  
• Superb facilities and equipment – Our hospital has 4 operating theatres, meaning waiting times for surgery are never long. With fast access to advance diagnostic imaging and up-to-date treatments, including laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, you will always receive the help and support you need.
  
  
• Continuity of care – You will always see the same consultant and will never have to worry about seeing a more junior doctor. Your consultant will oversee every aspect of your care, from first consultation through to post-treatment follow-up.
  
  
• Teamwork - Your Consultant Gynaecologist is aided in their work by a number of other healthcare professionals, including anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, surgeons and radiologists, as well as superb ward staff for in-patients. Quick, easy access to these other healthcare workers means that you will always see the most appropriate person. If your case is particularly complex, your consultant will discuss this with the specialists in other fields.
  
  
• Easy to book – We offer flexible appointments, including evenings and Saturday appointments, so you can find a time that fits your availability. For your convenience, you can book your Gynaecology appointment online or by telephone. We can also offer remote consultations by telephone or video call if required and where clinically appropriate.

Whatever symptoms or condition you are struggling with, our experienced Consultant Gynaecologists will make sure you receive the most effective, evidence-based treatment for your specific condition. We very much look forward to welcoming you to The Park Hospital soon.

Book an appointment online today.