I’m a consultant gynaecologist - AMA

[quince2figs]

I have worked in a variety of settings - hospital obstetrics and gynaecology incl labour ward, PMS and menopause, currently community contraception and unplanned pregnancy services, NHS and non. Ask away!

OP, if you check back, thank you so much for all you've written here - it's been an eye-opener and I have learned a lot!

Thanks very much OP. I'm not so worried about getting an epidural immediately but more just anything really (gas and air would be great!) once I feel the pain is unbearable as I didn't get anything last time until after my waters broke and I had been labouring for a very long time.

It's really good of you to take the time to reply to all of these questions, thanks so much.

This was one of the best threads on MN ive ever seen, thank you OP. MN can it be nominated for classics please?

The OP wasnt giving specific medical advice, she was giving us much needed, general information about her profession which women CLEARLY are struggling to get from their GPs or the NHS. The whole point was her anonymity, and the fact that it ran alongside "Im a footballers wife AMA" as the 2 most popular AMA topics tells us everything we need to know about how fucked up our society is and why. I suppose you didnt have any problem with that one tea, more the level of pointless gawping you approve of?

Yes good idea reel.

Thank you so much OP, this thread has been brilliant.

I just want to reiterate what others have said.
This is by far THE best post on Mumsnet since I have joined.
Thank you quince my love

Agree with reel too!

Ditto

It does show up a massive lack of joined upness in women's health in the NHS these days. There used to be well woman clinics which were at least a starting block.

Now I look at GP websites and women's health is only maternity and cervical smear clinics. Anything else, and you have to take pot luck on your GP and what they know and where they will refer you. You really have to read up and work a lot out for yourself.

The links quince has given upthread are worth bookmarking.

Look after yourselves!!

What a wonderful, generous thread. Thank you so, so much quince. I didn't know that was such a thing as an NHS menopause clinic, but now I know there's one I can access. You've also signposted me to the BMS, and the women's health concerns website, which I didn't know existed. The general information you have given will help me and my daughters, and by the sounds of the women on this thread, many many others. Thank you so very much.

Thank you OP. I read this thread with great interest and you've signposted something that I have been struggling with but had no idea of the term for. This will help me greatly when approaching the doctor. Thanks for the website recommendations, too.

@quince2figs wonderful thread.
I have premenstrual sharp chest pains. Left side, not ready but kind of under. Usually in The moments before my period begins. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Having not being on the pill since the birth of my first dd 16 yrs ago, I’ve regularly had prescriptions for Norithisterone for delaying my period.
I would say on average, I use it for 5 days twice a year.

The reason is my periods are quite heavy but very unpredictable when it comes to flooding and so if I’m on a swimming holiday at Center Parcs or walking in Wales with no toilets etc, I really don’t want my period getting in the way. I have used tampons bit tend not to anymore.

My DD (16) has also been prescribed Norithisterone for the same reason....not heavy periods but not wanting to yet use tampons when on swim hols etc.

Does this sound a responsible way to manage our periods or can you see it being a problematic way to use Norithisterone?

Oops, just realised the thread has ended.

I'm 39 years old and I have 3 childrem. Since having surgery for missed miscarriages (twice) my periods are now only 2 days long, they were 4 days long. Is this something to worry about? (I'm not planning on having any more children.)

@Mamimawr OP said she's bowed out - not a gynae but just wondering if the flow has changed, is it very light brown spotting or fresh red bleeding? It's possible for ERPC to leave adhesions, and worst case Ashermans Syndrome, which can affect menstrual flow. Equally it might be nothing, and ashermans is only really an issue if you're in pain or TTC. I am not a Dr however so just offering an uninformed opinion!

Thanks OP, a really great thread which has inspired me to research some of the topics that I’ve been stressing about. Thanks for generously giving your time.

Op you have helped a lot of people including me. Thanks for taking yoiur time to do this it’s much appreciated and you sound like a lovely doctor, I hope I see someone who is as kind as you

As for the poster criticising, you are an uninformed busy body, and just because you probably have nothing near as helpful to offer you’ve had a pop at someone who does.
Well done hope your pleased with yourself.

Excellent post, thank you for taking the time.
Maybe @MumsnetHQ could organise a q&a with a gynae for all the many questions we all have. It's so hard waiting months for referrals and then trying to remember all the things you want to ask at once and find the confidence to advocate for oneself.

Thanks so much for your advice on contraception op. My baby arrived yesterday! Once I've recovered I'll be looking in to your suggestion. It was a generous use of your time to do this thread.

Thanks for taking the time to answer @bananafish It's fresh red blood and similar to how it was before. I had heard of Ashermans Syndrome before, but unsure if I should be worried about it as we're not going to be ttc again.

I wondered how long it would take before someone came along to spoil the party.

Thanks for your input OP.

Oh very well done teainbed bet you feel all smug and warm now that you have "stuck it to" the big, nasty consultant who was making you feel jealous and inadequate because you are no where near as educated or infact as useful to society

Bet you're a right bundle of joy in real life [slow hand clap]

Thanks for your reply quince2figs. I just re read my message and it was polyps not fybroids. The bleeding etc went as soon as polyps were removed but the pressure feeling continues. All the swabs have come back clear for any infection. Are there any other tests they can do?

@Lapsingpro great idea. I have heard this gynaecologist on a podcast before - www.instagram.com/gynaegeek/
I don't know if there are many who do media stuff?