Gynaecology

Gynaecology is a broad speciality, covering any concerns of the female reproductive system. Symptoms can vary greatly, but you should consider coming to see a specialist if you have been experiencing any of the following:

• Hormonal disorders
• Period problems, e.g. heavy or irregular bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Abnormal bleeding
• Abnormal smear tests
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Urinary incontinence/leaking
• Menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats

Seeing a consultant privately at The Princess Margaret brings the benefit of being seen quickly by a consultant gynaecologist of your choosing, with longer appointments than those offered on the NHS, giving you ample time to address all of your concerns. You’ll also have rapid access to scans and blood tests, helping you avoid weeks or even months of uncertainty.

You may have already seen your GP, but very often you won’t have received a detailed explanation about your symptoms and what can be done about them. By seeing a dedicated gynaecologist at The Princess Margaret, you’ll be given answers, as well as a clear and concise run-through of your personalised treatment plan.

If you’re based in Windsor, Maidenhead, Ascot or further afield, and you’ve been concerned about any of your symptoms, why not book a consultation with us today?

Our gynaecology department features highly experienced consultants, ensuring you receive the most appropriate form of treatment to manage your symptoms and get you back to good health.

Treatment will depend on the specific condition diagnosed, with individualised treatments according to your wishes. Some patients may be averse to having surgery, instead preferring a conservative approach with medical/non-surgical treatment. Your consultant can offer an opinion on which treatment may be most effective or closest in line to your goals for recovery, but ultimately it will be your decision.

By seeing us privately, your treatment plan will be formed with your specific wishes in mind, rather than the typical protocol for treatment on the NHS which may be more limited.

Very often, surgical options are laparoscopic (a form of keyhole surgery), involving small incisions (cuts) made across your abdomen, allowing access for a telescope and any necessary surgical instruments. This can be used as a diagnostic tool to help confirm suspected endometriosis, ovarian cysts or fibroids, and certain minor procedures can be performed at the same time, such as a biopsy (small tissue sample).

Most laparoscopic surgeries are offered as a day case procedure, with some requiring an overnight stay for observation.

Hysteroscopy, involving a camera inspection of the inside of the uterus, may also be used for diagnostic purposes, particularly for diagnosing the cause of abnormal bleeding. Using surgical instruments, a biopsy can be taken, and removal of polyps or small fibroids can be undertaken at the same time.

Hormonal treatments such as HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) to treat symptoms of the menopause can be administered either as an oral tablet, through the skin with an adhesive patch or gel, or implanted beneath the skin with an injection. This will largely depend on your symptoms and the specifics of the hormones and dosage required, which is again why a personalised approach is so beneficial.

A surgical procedure known as a Hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, and is sometimes used as a last resort for patients who have tried other treatments for painful and/or heavy periods which have been unsuccessful. This surgery may also be used for treating fibroids, endometriosis, and some forms of cancer, and typically takes one of three forms:

• Total hysterectomy – where the cervix and uterus are removed
• Subtotal hysterectomy – where the cervix is left intact and just the uterus is removed
• Radical/extended hysterectomy – where the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and upper part of the vagina are removed

Your consultant will be able to advise you on which type of procedure you may require, weighing up the risks and benefits of this major surgery. By ensuring you understand any ramifications, such as the inability to get pregnant or have periods afterwards, you are kept well-informed, giving you control over your own healthcare and the decisions involved.

Your initial consultation always begins with your consultant asking for a detailed medical history. This is your chance to explain any concerns you may have or talk about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Your consultant will want to know:

• What symptoms have you had?
• How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
• Are you in pain? If so, can you describe that pain? Is it a stabbing pain or does it spread out? Is it constant or intermittent?
• Do any activities exacerbate your symptoms?
• Has it been getting progressively worse?
• Have you had children? Any previous gynaecological issues?
• What are your expectations/goals for recovery?
• Are you currently taking any medication?

Your consultant will likely follow this up with a physical examination, likely including a pelvic exam. Sometimes this will be enough for your consultant to make a diagnosis, but they may request further investigations, such as blood tests and scans. All scans are offered in our Imaging department on-site at Princess Margaret, including:

• X-ray
• CT
• MRI
• Ultrasound

A follow-up consultation will involve discussions about the results of any scans or tests, a full explanation of your diagnosis, as well as a definitive treatment plan for your specific condition. Depending on the condition itself, you will normally have a number of options, from medical treatment (such as tablets) to more extensive solutions (such as surgery).

Choosing to have your gynaecological treatment at Princess Margaret comes with a host of benefits, such as:

• Assessments ASAP – Certain gynaecological conditions are best treated at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms, our consultants can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis rapidly and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further.
• Patient Satisfaction – 97.9% of patients in 2020 said they would happily recommend Princess Margaret Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree. 98% also said that the quality of care here at Princess Margaret Hospital was either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, and these results highlight our continued efforts to ensure this is achieved.
• Personalised care – We believe in an individualised approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ needs and whatever may be best for you. This is regularly reviewed, ensuring you get the necessary treatment at every stage of your patient journey.
• Specialists in Keyhole Surgery – The majority of surgical procedures offered by consultant gynaecologists at Princess Margaret can be performed as a day case, meaning you’ll be able to return home on the same day. This minimally-invasive approach to surgery means you’ll recover quicker and can get back to your normal routine sooner.
• A Multidisciplinary Approach – Our teams at Princess Margaret work in tandem with each other to provide you with the best possible care from start to finish. Working closely with consultants in General Surgery and Urology, alongside radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses, you have support from medical professionals every step of the way during your treatment.
• Convenient appointments – With private appointments available at dedicated clinics throughout the week, you are sure to find an appointment slot that suits your needs and availability.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods or abnormal bleeding, why not book a consultation with one of our Gynaecology specialists today?

Our consultants can outline all treatment options for you promptly, arranging any necessary diagnostic scans, treatment and surgery if required.