Contact

Gynaecology

Gynaecology is a vital medical field focusing on women’s reproductive health, encompassing a wide range of conditions, symptoms, and treatments specific to the female reproductive system.

Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms associated with gynaecological disorders can vary widely but typically include:

  • Abnormal bleeding or discharge
  • Pelvic pain
  • Discomfort during intercourse
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Visible changes or lumps in the genital area
  • Persistent bloating or abdominal pain


Prompt consultation with a gynaecologist is crucial if any of these symptoms arise.

  • Menstrual Disorders: Conditions like amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) are common concerns. These disorders can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and may be indicative of underlying health issues.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Affecting approximately 12-18% of women of reproductive age in Australia, PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and obesity. It can also lead to infertility and metabolic complications.
  • Endometriosis: This painful condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, often resulting in severe pain and infertility. Endometriosis affects roughly 10% of Australian women.
  • Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and complications in pregnancy and fertility.
  • Cervical and Ovarian Cancers: Regular screening is vital as these can be life-threatening yet treatable if caught early. The Australian Cervical Cancer screening program has been pivotal in reducing incidence and mortality from cervical cancer.
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders: These include prolapse (the descent of pelvic organs into or through the vaginal canal) and urinary incontinence, which can affect up to 50% of postmenopausal women.
  • Gynaecological Infections / Abnormalities: Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common issues that require timely intervention.
  • Cervical Cancer Testing (CST) (formerly known as Pap Smear test): Essential for detecting precancerous conditions of the cervix, recommended every five years for Australian women aged 25-to-74.
  • Ultrasound Scans: Widely used to diagnose conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, and abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries. In the reproductive age group in non-virgin women, this is usually done by putting a probe vaginally with your consent.
  • Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the pelvic organs and can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as treating endometriosis or removing cysts.
  • Hysteroscopy / D&C: This is a routinely performed procedure to look inside the uterine cavity and sapling the lining of the womb (curettage).
  • Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus, performed in cases of severe gynaecological conditions, such as large fibroids, significant prolapse, or cancer. This can be done vaginally, laparoscopically or abdominally.
  • Medications: Oral contraceptive pills, progesterone are commonly used for treating gynaecological conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, contraception, and heavy bleeding (DUB). Estrogen, progesterone is also used to treat menopausal problems like severe vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes.
  • Mirena IUS: Widely used for Contraception and to treat heavy bleeding symptoms.
  • Cervical Screening: Since the shift from the Pap test to the more sensitive HPV test in 2017, participation in cervical screening has been around 53% among the eligible population, with a substantial decrease in cases of cervical cancer projected as a result.
  • Endometriosis: Affects around 830,000 Australian women, with many cases likely undiagnosed due to variability in symptoms and their severity.
  • PCOS: As one of the most common hormonal disorders among Australian women, PCOS affects their overall health and fertility, leading to higher rates of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic syndrome conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding gynaecological health is essential for the wellbeing of all women. Regular check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and knowledge of treatment options are crucial. Women are encouraged to maintain regular gynaecological check-ups and seek professional advice if experiencing symptoms related to reproductive health. This proactive approach can lead to early detection, more effective treatment, and better overall health outcomes.

Dr Shree Mane is a Sydney Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Fertility Medicine sub-specialist with 30+ years of experience. She has achieved specialist registration in India, the United Kingdom and Australia.

She consults and operates across Western Sydney and offers Saturday appointments, as well as telehealth bookings.

If you have a question about a condition or treatment, or would like to book an appointment, please contact us and one of our friendly staff members will happily assist you.

Learn More About Dr Mane

Services

Clinic Info

Contact

  • All Rights Reserved 2024 - Dr Shree (Rajashree Mane)