Many symptoms, such as pelvic pain, are common. Clinical examination and investigation will frequently demonstrate an abnormality. The abnormality indicates a diagnosis which in turn suggests one or more treatment options. It all seems so straightforward that it may be tempting to think that we could programme a computer to manage the investigation and treatment of patients. Medicine, however, remains as much an art as a science. During gynaecological investigation, there is a very good chance that at least one of the following will be detected but that does not necessarily mean that it is causing your symptoms.
Table 4.1 Some common findings that may be detected during examination or investigation:
|
Disorder |
Incidence |
Question Number |
|
Endometriosis |
Some authorities suggest most women have some endometriosis.More than 50% of women will develop fibroids.
| |
|
Irritable bowel syndrome |
15% of population currently; most people at some time of life.
| |
|
Pelvic adhesions |
Common after pelvic infection or with endometriosis. Almost 100% following surgery in the pelvis.
| |
|
Physiological ovarian cyst
|
100 %. | |
|
Polycystic ovaries |
20%.
| |
|
Polycystic ovary syndrome
|
7%. | |
|
Premenstrual syndrome
|
95% some symptoms; 30% moderate; 5% debilitating symptoms | |
|
Prolapse, utero-vaginal
|
Most women have at least some degree of laxity after childbirth. | |
|
Retroverted uterus |
20% of women have a womb that tilts backwards. |
Please click on the required question.
- 1 Which doctor should I see?
- 2 What are symptoms and signs?
- 3 How can we be certain whether an abnormality that my doctor has found is the cause of my problem or an incidental finding?
- 4 How do doctors arrive at a diagnosis?
- 5 What does a gynaecologist do during a consultation?
- 6 What is the purpose of the pelvic examination?
- 7 Will a blood test to assess a hormone level provide a guide to treatment.
- 8 I have a phobia about blood tests. What should I do?
- 9 What is pelvic ultrasound?
- 10 What are CAT and MRI scans?
- 11 Will my general practitioner receive information from my specialist gynaecologist?
- 12 Will I see the same specialist every time I attend the out-patients clinic?
- 13 What is known about emotion. Information?
- 14 Could my emotional problems be of hormonal origin?
- 15 Does my doctor understand my anxieties and concerns about my gynaecological problem?
- 16 How much information do patients want about their condition?
- 17 Will the doctor listen to my views on how my problems should be managed?
- 18 How do doctors decide on the best treatment?
- 19 How do doctors decide on the best hormone treatment?
- 20 How long will my hormone treatment be effective?
- 21 What are the risks of surgery?
- 22 How long do gynaecological operations take?
- 23 Have there been advances in gynaecological surgical treatment?
- 24 I have been offered a choice of treatments. How can I decide which will be best for me?
- 25 What is the place of support groups?
- 26 Where can I obtain more information?
- 27 Are there any dangers in acquiring health information on the internet?
- 28 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
