
The obstetrics and gynaecology service supports women through a range of health concerns, from pregnancy and delivery care to menstrual problems, pelvic conditions and gynaecological surgery. Consultations are approached sensitively, with time to understand your concerns before any tests or treatment are discussed.
About the obstetrics & gynaecology (ob/gyn) department
The obstetrics and gynaecology service supports women through a range of health concerns, from pregnancy and delivery care to menstrual problems, pelvic conditions and gynaecological surgery.
Consultations are approached sensitively, with time to understand your concerns before any tests or treatment are discussed.
Gynaecological symptoms are common and often treatable. Many women put up with problems such as heavy periods or pelvic pain for a long time before seeking help. An assessment can identify the cause and explain what options are available.
Common reasons patients seek care
Patients are commonly referred to obstetrics & gynaecology (ob/gyn) for assessment of concerns that may include:
- Irregular periods or a change in menstrual pattern
- Heavy periods (menorrhagia) affecting daily life
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- Pelvic pain, whether constant or related to the menstrual cycle
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Vaginal discharge that is persistent or unusual
- Menopause-related concerns, including hot flushes, mood changes and vaginal dryness
- Pregnancy-related concerns and routine antenatal care
- Pregnancy symptoms that need medical assessment
- Fertility concerns and difficulty conceiving
- Recurrent pregnancy concerns, including recurrent miscarriage
- Routine gynaecological checkups
- General women's health concerns that need a specialist opinion
Common conditions
The obstetrics & gynaecology (ob/gyn) specialty commonly involves the assessment of conditions that may include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menstrual disorders, including heavy, irregular and absent periods
- Pelvic pain and chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Vaginal infections and cervicitis
- Menopause-related symptoms and hormonal changes
- Pregnancy-related conditions, including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Cervical conditions found on screening
- Common gynaecological disorders requiring assessment
Treatments and procedures
Treatment options depend on your individual condition. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may discuss approaches that can include:
- Obstetric care and delivery management
- Assessment and medical management of gynaecological conditions
- Hormonal management where appropriate, including for menstrual disorders and menopause symptoms
- Medical management of fibroids, endometriosis and PCOS
- Management of ovarian cysts, including observation and intervention where needed
- Gynaecological surgery where indicated by the diagnosis
- Antenatal and postnatal care
- Referral and coordination with other specialists when needed
Procedures
Depending on the diagnosis, procedures in obstetrics & gynaecology (ob/gyn) may include:
- Gynaecological assessment and pelvic examination
- Ultrasound (transabdominal and transvaginal) for assessment of pelvic conditions
- Cervical screening and colposcopy where indicated
- Antenatal assessment and monitoring
- Medical and surgical management of miscarriage
- Management of ectopic pregnancy
- Hysteroscopy (examination of the inside of the womb)
- Gynaecological surgery for fibroids, ovarian cysts and other conditions where needed
Diagnostic approaches
To reach a clear diagnosis, your doctor may use one or more of the following:
- Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal and transvaginal)
- Blood tests including hormonal profiles, full blood count and thyroid function
- Cervical screening (Pap smear)
- Pregnancy-related blood tests and monitoring
- Hysteroscopy for investigation of abnormal bleeding
When to seek specialist care
Women may seek assessment for pregnancy-related care, irregular, heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or other gynaecological symptoms. Menopause-related concerns, fertility questions and routine checkups are also common reasons for consultation. Your doctor can explain which tests may help and whether medical or surgical options are appropriate for your situation.
What patients can expect
The consultation begins with a discussion of your history and concerns. Any examination or investigation is explained beforehand, and you are given time to ask questions. Treatment options depend on your individual diagnosis, and the aim is to help you make an informed decision about your care.
Areas of care
The obstetrics and gynaecology service supports women across a range of health needs. Depending on your concern, areas of care can include:
- Women's health and wellness
- Pregnancy care and antenatal (prenatal) services
- Menstrual disorders, including irregular, heavy or painful periods
- Hormonal disorders
- Infertility evaluation and treatment
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other gynaecological conditions
- Female health screening
- Ultrasound-based assessment where appropriate
Women may consider a gynaecological assessment for menstrual changes or irregular periods, hormonal or pelvic symptoms, pregnancy-related or fertility concerns, PCOS-related concerns, persistent gynaecological symptoms, or routine women's health checks.
Booking a consultation
You can request an appointment with the Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OB/GYN) team using the appointment form, or by calling the hospital on 0300 9687763. If you have previous imaging or reports, please bring them to your appointment.
Consultants in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OB/GYN)
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