Gynaecology

Gynaecology is a specialist area of medicine dealing with the female reproductive system, including the vagina, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. It covers many areas of women’s health, including:

• Diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the female reproductive system 
• Women’s reproductive health issues including contraception (family planning), menstruation (periods), and menopause
• Preventative care and screening
• Sexual health

A doctor specialising in gynaecology is called a gynaecologist. Gynaecologists are doctors who have completed medical school and undergone extra specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological conditions, including performing surgery. Some gynaecologists are also qualified in obstetrics, an area of medicine concerned with pregnancy and childbirth.

You may need to see a gynaecologist if you have symptoms of a gynaecological condition, for routine screening or advice on contraceptives, menstruation or menopause. 

Gynaecology is a broad speciality covering many different procedures. The cost of your treatment will depend on which type of treatment you are having, as well as the hospital and consultant you choose. Many of our individual treatment pages include guide prices, and you can also call our team and request a tailored quote for a specific procedure.

You can access private gynaecology treatment with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Often gynaecology treatment will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your treatment. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of your treatment or surgery and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme. There are no hidden costs down the line.

Gynaecology is a broad speciality that includes a wide range of conditions, each with different signs and symptoms. Below is a list of some general symptoms that may indicate a gynaecological condition. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your gynaecologist.

• Changes to your periods: Such as period pain, heavy periods, changes in the length of your periods, irregular or missed periods 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Includes bleeding or spotting between periods or bleeding after menopause
• Vaginal discharge: Includes an increase or a change in your vaginal discharge or discharge that is unpleasant smelling, or an unusual colour such as dark yellow, brown, green or grey
• Genital irritation: Redness, itching, burning, or stinging in or around your genitals
• Urinary problems: Include frequent urination, needing to pass urine urgently, pain, stinging or burning while peeing and lower abdominal or back pain
• Pelvic pain: Pain or pressure in your pelvic area that differs from menstrual cramps or pain during intercourse
• Sores, swellings or lumps: Any new lumps, sores, blisters or swellings around your genital area

Gynaecologists treat a range of conditions involving the female reproductive system, which includes your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and external genitalia. 
Some conditions a gynaecologist can treat include:

Female cancers 

Gynaecologists can treat some female cancers that affect the reproductive organs, including endometrial (womb) cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. They may work with other specialists, such as oncologists (cancer specialists) or gynaecological oncologists (specialists in gynaecological cancers). Cancers that can affect those assigned female at birth include:

• Cervical cancer: This is cancer of the cervix (the entrance to the womb). It is strongly linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). 
• Ovarian cancer: This is cancer of the ovaries (the reproductive glands where eggs are produced)
• Endometrial (womb) cancer: This is cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the womb)

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to your womb lining (endometrium) grows in other parts of your body, such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bladder and bowels. Rarely, it can develop in parts of your body outside your pelvic cavity, such as in your chest.

Symptoms of endometriosis include heavy, painful periods, pain when passing urine or having a bowel movement, pelvic or back pain, and pain during sex.

There is no cure for endometriosis, but the condition can be treated with medication to relieve pain, hormone treatments and in some cases surgery.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Untreated PID can lead to complications, including infertility.

Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can be mild and may go unnoticed, but include lower abdominal pain, pain during sex and vaginal discharge. It is treated with antibiotics.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formally known as PCOS)

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects women of reproductive age and occurs due to a hormone imbalance, specifically an excess of male hormones called androgens. It causes your ovaries to become enlarged and fill with underdeveloped sacs called follicles.

Symptoms of PMOS include irregular periods, excessive hair growth on parts of your body such as your face, chest, back or buttocks, weight gain and difficulty getting pregnant.

Treatment for PMOS includes medication, lifestyle changes and in some cases, surgery to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that's producing androgens.

Ovarian cysts 

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on your ovary. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, do not cause symptoms and normally go away without treatment, but some can become large, rupture (burst), or twist, which can stop blood flow to your ovaries. This can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, heavy or irregular periods, and pain during sex. Rarely, an ovarian cyst can be malignant (cancerous). If your ovarian cyst is large, causing symptoms, cancerous or could become cancerous, your consultant may recommend surgery to remove it.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths of tissue that develop in or around your uterus (womb). They vary considerably in size and can be as small as a pea or as large as a melon.

Uterine fibroids are common in women of childbearing age and are not usually dangerous. They often don’t cause any symptoms, and you may be unaware that you have them. 

If you do have symptoms, they may include heavy or painful periods, abdominal pain and pain during sex. 

If your fibroids are not causing any symptoms, they may not need treatment. Fibroids often shrink by themselves after menopause. If your fibroids are causing symptoms, they can often be treated with medication. In some cases, if your fibroids are causing severe symptoms that haven’t responded to other treatments, your consultant may recommend surgery to remove them. 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections are viral or bacterial infections that are passed on during sexual activity. They are common and can often be treated with medication such as antibiotics. Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) and trichomoniasis. Your gynaecologist can prescribe medication to treat your infection and provide advice and information about safe sex practices and protecting yourself and any sexual partners from future infection. 

Gynaecology is a broad speciality, and gynaecological treatment encompasses a combination of medical and surgical treatment as well as preventative treatments, screenings and advice on many aspects of women’s health. Some common gynaecological procedures include:

Cervical screening

Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is a routine test to screen for cervical cancer. It involves your gynaecologist taking a sample of cells from around your cervix and sending them to the laboratory to be checked for abnormalities. Regular cervical screening can detect and diagnose cervical cancer or abnormal cells that could become cancerous early, when the disease is easier to treat. 

Endometrial ablation

An endometrial ablation is an operation to remove your endometrium (womb lining). It is commonly used to treat heavy periods. Endometrial ablation is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. During the procedure, your consultant uses electricity, radio frequency or laser energy to remove the lining of your womb and any uterine fibroids or polyps. You can usually go home later the same day. Most people are well enough to resume normal activities within a few days and can return to work after around a week.

Laparoscopic sterilisation

A laparoscopic sterilisation is a type of keyhole surgery to permanently prevent you from becoming pregnant. 

The procedure involves making several small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen and using a flexible tube with a camera and specially designed instruments to cut, clip or clamp your fallopian tubes. It is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes around twenty minutes. You can normally go home later the same day, but in some cases, you may need to spend one night in hospital after your procedure. Most people can resume normal activities around a week after surgery. 

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy

This is a surgical procedure to remove an ovarian cyst. It is performed through small incisions in your abdomen (keyhole surgery) using a flexible tube with a camera which transmits images onto a screen. A laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes between one and two hours. You may be able to go home the same day, or you may need to stay in hospital for one night. Full recovery from a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy can take up to 8 weeks. 

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus. It can be used to treat several gynaecological conditions, including heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, and cancer. There are three main types of hysterectomy. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate type for you depending on factors such as your age, weight, general health, and diagnosis. 

• Vaginal hysterectomy: Involves removing your uterus through your vagina
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A minimally invasive procedure where the surgery is performed through small incisions using a flexible tube called a laparoscope
• Abdominal hysterectomy: Your uterus is removed through a large incision in your abdomen 

Oophorectomy

An oophorectomy is an operation to remove one or both ovaries. It is often performed at the same time as a hysterectomy, but may also be carried out as a separate procedure. It can be used to treat several gynaecological conditions, including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and to treat or prevent ovarian cancer.

An oophorectomy is carried out under a general anaesthetic and can be performed as open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. You will need to spend between one and three nights in hospital after the procedure. Recovery normally takes between three and six weeks. 

Unless your GP or insurer has told you otherwise, the first step in booking your treatment is usually an initial consultation with a gynaecologist. Your specialist consultant will assess your symptoms and general health, spend time getting to know you, and create a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. 

Booking a consultation is easy, and you can either do this by calling our dedicated team of friendly advisors or by using our easy online booking system. 

Circle Health Group is a leader in providing the best in private healthcare and has the expertise and experience to put your mind at rest and ensure you get the most up-to-date treatment and care. 
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant best suits your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities with expert multidisciplinary care 
• Private ensuite rooms as standard, and a range of delicious, healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about private gynaecology treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

1. Women’s Health, NHS
2. Gynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 
3. Gynaecological Conditions, Johns Hopkins