Symptoms and Signs

A symptom is a problem that you report to your doctor such as heavy periods or pain in the pelvic area. A sign is an observation made by your doctor during examination such as a swelling on the uterus (usually a fibroid) or tenderness in a particular area.

Q 4. 1 Which doctor should I see?
Q 4. 2 What are symptoms and signs?
Q 4. 3 How can we be certain whether an abnormality that my doctor has found is the cause of my problem or an incidental finding?
Q 4. 4 How do doctors arrive at a diagnosis?
Q 4. 5 What does a gynaecologist do during a consultation?
Q 4. 6 What is the purpose of the pelvic examination?
Q 4. 7 Will a blood test to assess a hormone level provide a guide to treatment.
Q 4. 8 I have a phobia about blood tests. What should I do?
Q 4. 9 What is pelvic ultrasound?
Q 4. 10 What are CAT and MRI scans?
Q 4. 11 Will my general practitioner receive information from my specialist gynaecologist?
Q 4. 12 Will I see the same specialist every time I attend the out-patients clinic?
Q 4. 13 What is known about emotion. Information?
Q 4. 14 Could my emotional problems be of hormonal origin?
Q 4. 15 Does my doctor understand my anxieties and concerns about my gynaecological problem?
Q 4. 16 How much information do patients want about their condition?
Q 4. 17 Will the doctor listen to my views on how my problems should be managed?
Q 4. 18 How do doctors decide on the best treatment?
Q 4. 19 How do doctors decide on the best hormone treatment?
Q 4. 20 How long will my hormone treatment be effective?
Q 4. 21 What are the risks of surgery?
Q 4. 22 How long do gynaecological operations take?
Q 4. 23 Have there been advances in gynaecological surgical treatment?
Q 4. 24 I have been offered a choice of treatments. How can I decide which will be best for me?
Q 4. 25 What is the place of support groups?
Q 4. 26 Where can I obtain more information?
Q 4. 27 Are there any dangers in acquiring health information on the internet?
Q 4. 28 Support Groups.

DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
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