Gynaecology

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 one of our specialist gynaecologists.

• Changes to your periods: Such as period pain, heavy periods, changes in the length of your periods, irregular or missed periods 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding or spotting between periods or bleeding after menopause
• Vaginal discharge, including 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 including 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 of the conditions we treat patients for are:

Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)

There are 2 types of painful period - primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Period pain should not be severe. Book an appointment with one of our gynaecology team if you’re experiencing pain which is affecting your day to day life. For example, you can’t go to school or work or take part in day-to-day activities that you enjoy.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a long-term, systemic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (uterus) grows outside of it, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or bowel. This displaced tissue thickens and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, resulting in inflammation, pain, and scar tissue.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work. The three main features of PCOS are irregular periods – which means your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation); excess androgen – high levels of "male" hormones in your body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair; polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs (but despite the name, you do not actually have cysts if you have PCOS)

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is defined as excessive or prolonged menstrual flow that interferes with a person's physical, emotional, or social quality of life.

Fibroids

Fibroids (leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the womb (uterus). They are extremely common in women of childbearing age. Many people have no symptoms, but for those who do, they can cause heavy, painful periods, pelvic pressure, lower back pain and bloating.

Ovarian cysts

Whether an ovarian cyst needs to be treated will depend on its size and appearance, whether you have any symptoms, whether you have been through the menopause.

Ovarian failure

Ovarian failure, also medically referred to as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) or premature menopause, occurs when the ovaries stop working properly before the age of 40.

Fertility investigations

Private gynaecology services in Kingston offer quick access to specialist consultants and include specialised blood tests and pelvic ultrasound scans to identify and treat potential reproductive issues.

Early pregnancy problems and recurrent miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as experiencing three or more consecutive early pregnancy losses (within the first 12 weeks). While devastating, approximately 75% of women with unexplained recurrent losses go on to achieve a successful future pregnancy with supportive care alone. Understanding early pregnancy and recurrent loss involves looking at the primary causes, available testing, and specialized support.

Polyps

Endometrial Polyps (polyps) are ‘overgrowths’ of the tissues lining the uterus (endometrium) and project inwards into the cavity of the uterus. Some polyps may arise from the neck of the womb (cervical or endocervical polyps. They are a common cause of abnormal bleeding from the vagina and may occur in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Sexual health investigations

Sexual health investigations—which include screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV—typically involve a combination of urine samples, vaginal/anal/throat swabs, or a simple finger-prick blood test.

Contraception

Our contraception services offer quick, personalised access to specialised procedures (like coil or implant fittings). 

Menopause and HRT

We provide appointments with our compassionate and understanding consultants who can offer treatment to make the menopause easier. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces your lost hormones to counteract the effects of the menopause. Your consultant can recommend the right type of HRT for you.

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a quick, painless examination used to take a highly magnified look at your cervix, vagina, and vulva. It is typically recommended if a routine cervical screening or smear test returns abnormal cell changes or a positive HPV result.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is an examination of the lining and shape of your womb (uterus). We use a fine telescope, called a hysteroscope. A hysteroscopy can help to find the cause of problems relating to heavy vaginal bleeding, irregular periods, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding after menopause, persistent discharge, scar tissue in the womb and infertility.

Hysterosalpingo-Contrast-Sonography (HyCoSy)

HyCoSy is a diagnostic ultrasound technique that evaluates the health of the uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes. It is commonly used in women experiencing fertility issues to detect structural abnormalities such as uterine polyps, fibroids.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose conditions such as endometriosis. It allows a surgeon to use only small cuts and a camera for procedures inside the tummy or pelvis.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove symptomatic uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. It is the preferred treatment for relieving heavy bleeding and pelvic pain in patients who wish to retain their fertility, making it a common alternative to a hysterectomy.

Pelvic ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic exam that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs and structures in your lower abdomen, such as the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

Screening and treatment

We offer screening for cervical, ovarian, uterine and endometrial tumours.

Transvaginal ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging test that lets your provider see your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can show abnormal growths and help find the cause of pain or irregular bleeding. 

The first step for any patient is usually an initial consultation. Unless your GP or insurer has told you otherwise, you should book your first appointment with a member of our gynaecology team.

Our gynaecology consultants are listed below, where there are more details of their areas of clinical interest and appointment times. Alternatively, please call our dedicated team of friendly advisors on 020 8546 6677.

At Kingston Private Health, you can either use your private health insurance or pay for your own treatment.