Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that forms the inside lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the uterus, usually in the pelvis.

Common places where endometriosis occurs are the inner lining of the abdomen & pelvis (peritoneum), the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the bowel, and the areas in front, back, and to the sides of the uterus. Although rarely it can be found in other places in the body.

Some women with endometriosis have few or no symptoms while others can have pelvic pain, heavy painful periods, pain on passing urine, pain on sexual intercourse, painful bowel opening and/or difficulty in falling pregnant.

Endometriosis can be managed with medications or surgery. There is no cure but effective treatment improving the quality of life can be achieved.

Fibroids

Majority of uterine fibroids are benign tumours that originally form in the Uterus (womb). Many fibroids do not cause any symptoms, however if they do they can cause: pain, heavy periods, pregnancy complications and pressure on other internal organs. About 3-5 % of women will require surgery for their removal.

Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can have origin from many structures in the pelvis and can be debilitating. Many conditions can cause pelvic pain including endometriosis, adenomyosis and myofascial pain of pelvic floor muscles.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy can be offered for various indications and most of the times is performed laparoscopically.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are very common and are usually normal functional cysts on the ovary. A small proportion of ovarian cysts can be problematic and require surgery.

Cervical Screening Test (formerly Pap Smear) & Colposcopy

The Cervical Screening Test has replaced the Pap Smear from December 2017 as part of the National Cervical Screening Program in Australia. The Cervical Screening Test is a new and simple test that detects the HPV virus which can cause particular changes to the cells of a woman’s cervix (the neck of the womb).

Colposcopy is a specialised investigation in which a colposcope (similar to a telescope) is used to obtain a magnified view of the cervix and is normally performed in women who have an abnormal cervical screening.