Vaginal/Vulval Cysts

Vaginal/Vulval Cysts

VAGINAL/VULVAL CYSTS A wide variety of ‘lumps’ occur on the vulva and within the vagina. Most of these are benign but a few are either premalignant or cancerous. The challenge to the clinician is to differentiate between normal variants, benign findings,...
Bladder Problems/ Urinary Incontinence

Bladder Problems/ Urinary Incontinence

BLADDER DYSFUNCTION Including Urinary Incontinence Bladder problems have historically been viewed as an unavoidable part of the ageing process, but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are a number of treatments and interventions which can significantly improve the...
Fibroids

Fibroids

UTERINE FIBROIDS Fibroids are non-cancerous ‘growths’ within the uterus/womb. They are also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas. FIBROIDS OVERVIEW Fibroids are ‘growths’ within the uterus/womb. They are also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas. In technical terms,...
Endometriosis

Endometriosis

ENDOMETRIOSIS Endometriosis is a condition where tissue, similar to the tissue that normally grows inside the uterus, also grows outside of the uterus ENDOMETRIOSIS OVERVIEW Endometriosis is a condition where tissue, similar to the tissue that normally grows inside...
Menstrual Problems

Menstrual Problems

MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS There are several different types of menstrual-related problems. Some of the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and are likely multifactorial. MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OVERVIEW In order to try and understand the different types of menstrual...
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Heavy Periods)

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Heavy Periods)

HEAVY AND/OR PROLONGED MENSTRUAL BLEEDING In a normal menstrual cycle, a woman loses an average of 2 to 3 tablespoons (35 to 40 millilitres) of blood over four to eight days. However, some women have heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. MENORRHAGIA OVERVIEW In a...
Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain

CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN (CPP) CPP is defined as pain that occurs below the umbilicus (belly button) and lasts for at least six months. It may or may not be associated with menstrual periods. CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN (CPP) OVERVIEW CPP is defined as pain that occurs below the...
Menopause

Menopause

MENOPAUSE Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life, usually between age 45 and 55 years, when the ovaries stop producing eggs (ovulating) and menstrual periods end. MENOPAUSE OVERVIEW Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life, usually...
Postmenopausal Bleeding

Postmenopausal Bleeding

POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING (PMB) PMB refers to any bleeding from the genital tract in a menopausal woman (other than the expected bleeding that occurs in women taking cyclical HRT). POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING (PMB) OVERVIEW PMB refers to any bleeding from the genital tract...
Endometrial Polyps

Endometrial Polyps

ENDOMETRIAL POLYPS Endometrial polyps are a common cause of abnormal bleeding from the female genital tract and may occur in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. ENDOMETRIAL POLYPS OVERVIEW Endometrial polyps are a common cause of abnormal bleeding from the...
Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cysts

OVARIAN CYSTS Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovary. Ovarian cysts occur commonly in women of all ages. OVARIAN CYSTS OVERVIEW Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovary. Ovarian cysts occur commonly in women of...
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) PCOS is a condition that causes irregular menstrual periods. This is due to the fact that monthly ovulation is not occurring and levels of androgens (male hormones) are elevated. PCOS OVERVIEW PCOS is a condition that causes irregular...