Frequently Asked Questions

Atrophic vaginitis: hormone deficient with thinning of the vaginal skin.

Catamenial migraine: headaches triggered by low oestrogen levels.

Cervical Incompetence: where the uterine cervix fails to remain closed leading to late miscarriage.

Chlamydia: a specific STD which is often silent but causes tubes to become blocked.

CIN: precancerous condition of cervix.

Colposcopy: a telescopic examination of the vulva or cervix looking for precancerous change.

Cryotherapy: freezing the cervix for a few minutes to treat precancerous or inflammatory tissue.

Ectopic pregnancy: where the pregnancy sits in the fallopian tube, which can rupture.

Endometrial biopsy: an office procedure where a fine tube is passed through the cervix to obtain uterine tissue for analysis.

Endometriosis: the uterine lining grows elsewhere causing pain and scarring.

Fetal alcohol syndrome: rare cause of physical and mental retardation, caused by binge or heavy consumption in pregnancy.

Fibroids: common lumps which grow on the uterus: the vast majority are benign.

Gestational Diabetes: where blood sugars are too high leading to increased risks to the baby.

Hymenorrhaphy: where the hymen is restored for cultural reasons.

Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus.

Hysteroscopy: a telescope is placed through the cervix to see the lining of the uterus.

Implanon: a contraceptive rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm.

Laparoscopy: a telescope is placed through the umbilicus to see pelvic organs

LEEP/LLETZ: office procedures using diathermy under local anaesthetic to treat CIN.

Lichen Sclerosis: degenerative condition of vulva with loss of protective elements of skin.

Menorrhagia (heavy periods): mostly managed now without the need for major surgery.

Mesh repairs: synthetic material used in prolapse and incontinence surgery

Metropathia: heavy bleeding caused by failure to ovulate.

Mirena IUCD: a relatively new device inserted into the uterus to control fertility or heavy bleeding.

Myomectomy: removal of uterine fibroids.

Ovarian Cysts: fluid- filled sacs on ovaries most are functional or benign tumours but need investigation.

Pain Busters: used to deliver small amounts of local anaesthetic into wounds after surgery.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: where the fallopian tubes and ovaries become infected.

Polycystic Ovaries: commonly found without major problems but can also include infertility, hormonal problems.

Postmenopausal bleeding: a condition which must be investigated to exclude cancer: most cases are benign.

Preeclampsia: a condition of high blood pressure in pregnancy

Prolapse: really a hernia where pelvic organs are displaced

Reduction labioplasty: where enlarged lips cause sufficient discomfort to be surgically reduced.

Rubella: German measles: a minor viral infection which can cause fetal abnormalities when contracted in early pregnancy

Stress incontinence: the bladder valves are weak leading to loss of urine.

Systemic lupus erythematosis: an autoimmune condition involving blood vessels; a cause of recurrent miscarriage and thrombosis

Thalassemia: inherited disorder of blood component, important if both parents affected.

Threatened miscarriage: common, most pregnancies continue

Thrombophilias: conditions which enhance blood clotting

Tubal ligation(sterilization): where the tubes are blocked to produce permanent contraception

Ultrasound: where an instrument using high frequency sound waves is used to build up an echo picture of pelvic structures.

Urge incontinence: the bladder contracts strongly leading to loss of urine.

Urinary incontinence: loss of urinary control which needs investigation (urodynamics).

Vaginissimus: functional spasm of vaginal muscles causing sexual difficulties VAIN: precancerous condition of vagina

VIN: precancerous condition of vulva

Vulvar Vestibulitis: inflammatory condition causing pain and itching