Gynaecological symptoms can be difficult to live with, especially given how busy most women’s lives are. Unpredictable cycles, pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue and other symptoms can interfere with sleep, work, social plans, intimacy and fertility.
You may have put up with these issues for years, assuming they were just part of life. Or you may have tried to get help and felt dismissed.
Gynaecologists are doctors who specialise in women’s reproductive systems. Monash House Private Hospital has a growing team of skilled gynaecologists who listen carefully to your experience, recognise the impact of gynaecological symptoms and provide evidence-based care to help improve your quality of life.
Understanding common gynaecological conditions
Our gynaecologists diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Endometriosis: a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause pain and sometimes affect fertility.
- Adenomyosis: a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, which can cause heavy or painful periods and pelvic pain.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and menstrual cycles, and may cause symptoms such as irregular periods, excess facial or body hair, acne, weight changes and difficulty becoming pregnant.
- Cervical abnormalities: changes to the cells of the cervix, often detected through cervical screening.
- Ovarian cysts: fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. Some can cause pelvic pain, bloating or pressure.
- Fibroids: non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus and may cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure or pain.
- Abnormal bleeding: bleeding that differs from your usual menstrual pattern, including very heavy periods, bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause.
- Menstrual disorders: problems affecting the menstrual cycle, such as heavy, painful, irregular or absent periods.
- Chronic pelvic pain: persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that can have several possible causes.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: when one or more pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder, drop from their usual position and bulge into the vagina.
- Urinary incontinence: difficulty controlling the bladder, which can cause accidental urine leakage.
- Menopause: the stage when menstrual periods permanently stop. Gynaecological care can help investigate and manage symptoms or health concerns that arise during perimenopause and after menopause.
When should I seek specialist advice?
It may be worth speaking with your GP about specialist referral if you are experiencing persistent pelvic pain or pressure, heavy or painful periods, irregular bleeding, abdominal swelling, pain during sex, or other symptoms you feel concerned about.
Your GP can refer you to one of our gynaecologists who has the right expertise for your particular needs. Monash House’s gynaecologists are:
- Professor Beverley Vollenhoven
- Dr Michal Amir
- Dr Amanda Ward
- Dr Michael Silagy
- Dr Sam Sturrock
- Dr Tim Sturrock
- Dr Anthony Lawrence.
Minimally invasive women’s health surgery at Monash House Private Hospital
Depending on your condition and its impact on your life, your gynaecologist may recommend monitoring, medication or a gynaecological procedure.
Monash House supports a range of gynaecological procedures, including hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation, polyp removal, D&C, LLETZ, cone biopsy and IUD insertion or removal.
Your specialist may recommend laparoscopic surgery for conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, adhesions and some causes of pelvic pain. Also known as keyhole surgery, laparoscopy uses a camera and fine instruments inserted through small incisions in your abdomen.
This is often the preferred approach because it avoids the larger cut required for open abdominal surgery, which may mean less pain after surgery, smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery. It may also enable diagnosis and treatment to happen at the same time.
Facilities to support your recovery
Many gynaecological procedures are suitable for day surgery, meaning you can return home once you’ve recovered from the anaesthetic and the clinical team is satisfied that it is safe to discharge you.
We may keep you overnight if you’ve had a longer laparoscopic surgery, or need monitoring for longer to help you recover from anaesthesia and manage any pain.
If you need more time to recover after surgery, Monash House has eight private ensuite rooms for overnight stays. This gives your specialist more flexibility than a day-only hospital, with the option to keep you under observation when needed.
Making an appointment
If pelvic pain, unusual bleeding or another gynaecological concern is persisting, your GP is a good place to start. Your GP may review your history, order initial tests and refer you to a gynaecologist for investigation and care.
Run by doctors for patients, Monash House Private Hospital emphasises personalised care, where you feel recognised, supported and respected.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
- Boylan, A.-M., Weckesser, A., & Dixon, S. (2022, March 23). People with endometriosis and PCOS wait years for a diagnosis – attitudes to women’s pain may be to blame. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/people-with-endometriosis-and-pcos-wait-years-for-a-diagnosis-attitudes-to-womens-pain-may-be-to-blame-179500
- Healthdirect Australia. (2024). The role of a gynaecologist. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gynaecologist
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (n.d.). Laparoscopy [Patient information pamphlet]. https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Laparoscopy.pdf
- The University of Queensland. (2023, November 24). Women wait for endometriosis diagnosis with multiple symptoms. https://public-health.uq.edu.au/article/2023/11/women-wait-endometriosis-diagnosis-multiple-symptoms
