We receive many questions asking about gynaecology issues. This post will be a Gynaecology FAQs space to answer as many as we can. When the answer requires a longer explanation, we will link to a page that shares more information about the topic.
There are many questions that you might like to ask about your gynaecological health. The most important thing is to not be afraid or embarrassed to ask. No question is too simple and you should always be encouraged to ask things you don’t know the answer to. Chances are, many other women may have wondered or asked about the same issue and might be able to find the answer here.
Questions may relate to symptoms you have, variations with your cycle, problems with mood and emotions in relation to hormones, issues around sexuality, concerns over fertility, or changes in your body with ageing and menopause. These are just a few of the areas where important questions arise that may seem challenging or confronting.
While some things are easy to sort out, and others take a bit more time and effort, remember it never hurts to ask. Our first questions are:
I’m on HRT for menopausal symptoms: Should I stop taking it when I turn 60?
The general answer is yes.
Women requiring HRT for menopausal symptom relief mostly take it for between 1 and 5 years. By the end of that time menopausal symptoms lessen markedly, and the majority of women can stop treatment. As with most things in life, there are exceptions: a few women benefit from being on HRT in the longer course and a careful discussion with your doctor about the pros and cons is needed each year so you can make an informed decision.
I’ve had my babies a few years ago and now I feel like I have a prolapse?
Feeling that a part of your vagina feels like it has “dropped” lower is a very common event. Many women will put up with this for years, too afraid or embarrassed to see a doctor to have it assessed. Often, when I see a patient with this complaint the findings are very mild and surgery is not required. Pelvic floor exercises and avoiding straining and constipation will be all that is needed. On other occasions, it can be a really annoying situation and appropriate surgery can correct the anatomy and allow the resumption of a normal active lifestyle.
I have had endometriosis treated, but will it come back?
Sometimes, yes it can, but not always. If I diagnose and treat endometriosis at laparoscopy, I usually discuss the severity of the findings, and completeness of the excision. This will give you a guide to the likelihood of any recurrence. We will discuss what symptoms to look out for, and whether to use ongoing medical treatment to suppress endometriosis. This will all be a part of the post-operative care and planning for you.
To make an appointment to discuss your gynaecological health, please call for an appointment.
Author: Dr Peter England, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.
Read more about Dr Peter England
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