Gynaecology in Sheffield

Gynaecology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the female reproductive system (the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva). This includes conditions ranging from uterine fibroids, to ovarian cysts and cervical polyps. Gynaecologists can treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system with medication, hormonal treatment or surgery. Gynaecologists can provide expert advice on contraception and early pregnancy.

Unfortunately, gynaecological cancers are common, affecting more than 21,000 women each year according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This is why it is important to see a consultant gynaecologist if you are suffering from any gynaecological complaints.

Urogynaecology, a type of gynaecology, focuses on pelvic floor and bladder conditions, which can include problems such as incontinence.

All bodies are different, but if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms that are affecting you in your day-to-day life, you may need to see a consultant gynaecologist:

• Vaginal dryness
• Itching, burning and discomfort
• Cramping, bloating and pelvic pain
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Urinary incontinence
• Heavy periods, no periods or period bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Irregular periods
• Painful periods
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Painful intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vulval lesions
• Lower sex drive
• Lower mood
• Abnormal cervical smear test results
• Ovarian cysts
• Fertility problems

Some of the most common gynaecological conditions we manage at Thornbury Hospital include:

• Menopause
• Heavy periods
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

Some of the most common gynaecological investigations and procedures we offer include:

• Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your consultant to look inside your uterus with a narrow telescope with a light and camera attached to the end of it (hysteroscope), done under local or general anaesthetic. No incisions (cuts) are made into your skin during a hysteroscopy as the hysteroscope is passed into your womb through your vagina and cervix. A hysteroscopy enables your consultant to diagnose a variety of gynaecological issues such as irregular bleeding, heavy periods, fibroids and endometrial cancer. Sometimes, your consultant may be able to treat the problem during the hysteroscopy.
• Colposcopy: A colposcopy is a procedure where your consultant examines and analyses your cervical and vaginal cells under a microscope. If any abnormal cells are suspected, your consultant will take a biopsy during your colposcopy. Generally, if your most recent cervical smear test showed abnormal cells, you may need to have a colposcopy to investigate this further. You may also need to have a colposcopy if you are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding, HPV infection that hasn’t gone away, or an inflamed cervix. Conditions such as genital warts and gynaecological cancers may be diagnosed with a colposcopy.
• Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) for gynaecological conditions: A laparoscopy is a procedure that can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting your abdominal and pelvic regions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. A laparoscopy uses a small telescope with a light and camera attached to the end of it (laparoscope), which is inserted into a small incision (cut) near your belly button. Laparoscopies are carried out under general anaesthetic, and they enable consultant gynaecologists to examine your organs more clearly to identify and possibly treat the cause of your symptoms.
• Cervical screening (smear test): A cervical screening (smear test) is a quick procedure that involves a tube-like smear test tool (speculum) being placed into your vagina. The speculum is then opened to allow for a better look into your cervix. A soft brush is used to take a small sample of cells from your cervix which are examined to check for the presence of abnormal cells caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).
• Anterior repair (bladder repair) surgery: An anterior repair is a type of surgery used to treat an anterior prolapse. An anterior prolapse is a bulge of the vagina caused by the bladder dropping down due to weakness of the supporting tissues between the vagina and bladder. Your consultant gynaecologist will make an incision in the anterior wall of your vagina so they can push your urethra and bladder back into lace. Supporting tissues will be stitched to strengthen the support to your urethra and bladder.

At Thornbury Hospital, your initial consultation will take place with a gynaecology specialist of your choice, at a time and date to suit you. This consultation is an opportunity to discuss all the options available to you about your area of concern.

Your consultant will discuss your symptoms, along with suitable diagnostic investigations and treatment options, ensuring you are fully informed about these. They will also discuss your medical history and any past procedures or investigations to create your tailored treatment plan.

We offer a directly accessible gynaecology service for patients with a variety of gynaecological problems. This service is complemented by a range of gynaecological investigations. Using the close working relationship of the consultants and staff at Thornbury Hospital, patients with various types of gynaecological conditions can be expertly managed.

Depending on the scan or test required, you may be able to have it on the same day as your initial consultation, but we would usually arrange it for a few days after your initial consultation at a day and time to suit you.

Your health is of utmost importance, and our team are here to support you every step of the way.

Whether your gynaecological condition is diagnosed or suspected, our dedicated consultants, compassionate team, and our modern facilities at Thornbury Hospital are here to provide you with the best possible experience throughout your journey.

We know that choosing to have a procedure is a big decision, which is why our multidisciplinary team are on hand to support you, following a consultant-led treatment plan.

When you choose to go private with Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, you’ll benefit from:

• Flexible appointment times to suit your lifestyle
• Custom treatment plans tailored to you and your individual needs
• Consultant-led treatment plans supported by our dedicated team, with *98.6% of patients saying their overall experience of the nursing care was very good, or excellent
• Modern facilities benefitting from free on-site parking, 64 private ensuite rooms, catering from our restaurant, and much more
• Fixed-price packages including aftercare
• Ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a period of up to five years
• Fast access to treatment, usually within 48 hours for a consultation with one of our specialists

To find our more about our gynaecology service, give us a call or book online today for your consultation with one of our leading gynaecology consultants.

_{^{*During the period of January to December 2022, Thornbury Hospital received 2,870 completed Inpatient/Day Case patient surveys.}}

Content reviewed by Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr Andrew Baxter in January 2024. Next review due January 2027.