Female health apt - not my gp

[Smallfry79]

Hi
Im mid forties and think I may have a prolapse of some sort. Im not sure.
My gp is a small rural practice with one male dr. Im not sure how much gynae he does. He doesn't to cervical smears or fit iuds. Either way I'd rather not go to him.

I know all other gp's around have waiting lists for new patients/ aren't taking on anyone new.
I will try the practice next town over that fitted my coil three yrs ago to see if they will see me but im not sure.

What other options are there? Are there any specialist clinics that deal in women's health issues?
Ideally in Athlone or even Galway areas?
Do you think a practice would see me for this issue only, so not a new patient on the books exactly?

Separately, has anyone had a prolapse and had it successfully treated? Im really pissed off and a bit embarrassed by this which I know i shouldn't be but I dont want to spend next 40 yrs with rings falling out and generally suffering. I dont know much about this and don't have anyone to talk to.

Thanks.

Chances are he will refer you to gynae, it’s not something another practice would deal with, even if you registered as a temporary resident. They would just tell you to see your own GP.

Galway have a family planning clinic, according to Google they do fit ring pessaries but I assume you’d need to have already been assessed and prescribed these, they also do menopause clinics, maybe worth ringing them and asking?

Is seeing a private Gynae an option? It might be a couple of hundred for an initial consultation, but at least then you’d know what you’re dealing with and what options there are. Of course privately, surgery would be an option, for nhs it’s ‘do pelvic floor exercises’ at least where I am 🙄

Have you googled women’s health clinic Athlone? A few come up but I’ve no idea if they are private or not.

Thanks for your reply. Ive googled clinics but can't really find the answer im looking for, as in if they do inital consult and exam for gynae. All I found was more contraceptive advice.
I will look again.
Im in irelad, just to clarify,.
I do have private health insurance but even so I think many consultants want a referral letter. Im not 100% sure on this.
Also a consideration is a gp apt is circa €70 whereas a consultant would be maybe €300.
If I could, id rather avoid spending that if I dont def need treatment or further examinations.

Ill try call around tomorrow maybe.

Could you do a day trip to Dublin for a well woman clinic visit?

There is one on Parliament St so you could even walk from Heuston.

If you have private health insurance then contact them ASAP - they don't necessarily need a referral.

Thanks, I would travel to Dublin yes if it was easiest route in. Ill look more at options tomorrow.

I'm lucky I haven't had much use of our health care system and admit I find it a bit confusing to know the best route or where to go sometimes between public and private etc.
I sometimes find the gp a bit useless and waste of money if you can go direct to consultant. But in this case im not 100% sure if I have a medical issue or not.
A few options for me to consider here though thanks

For a gyno appointment you definitely need a referral.

An online GP might be able to write a referral letter for you if you describe the symptoms. They did for my DH when he needed to have a colonoscopy. Might be worth investigating and save yourself a trip.

Maybe I should just get over myself and call my gp and ask what they suggest. Just hate sharing personal info with receptionist and feel talking to gp would be waste of money.
Wish I could just move practice altogether but everywhere is full and ot taking new patients

You definitely need to see a gynie. I had extra heavy periods last year and my gp referred me on straight away and the gynie was amazing and gave me a full mot while the coil was fitted under anesthetic. Another place I’ve come across is Personal Medical Clinic in Limerick which is fairly well regarded and I think you can self refer so don’t need a gps letter but I’ve had no personal experience with them.

I had a prolapse a few years ago, it was a few weeks after giving birth - my GP recommended seeing a women's health physio and gave me a few names (including one she had attended herself) - I contacted them myself and didn't need any referral. Thankfully mine sorted itself out with a few appointments. I'm in Cork so my recommendation is no use to you but should definitely be a few in Galway..

Also as well as exercises, part of my treatment involved using an internal probe that sent little electrical waves to the vaginal wall - she told me exactly what to order and set up the correct program on the device. I also had to do my kegels while she was examining me internally - needless to say I hadn't been doing them properly, so she taught me how to do them properly as she could feel exactly where I was tightening - not the most dignified situation but absolutely worthwhile!
She specialised completely in Women's health physio, I saw her privately and but she also did public work in the maternity hospital.

That's interesting, I didn't think physio would be enough to repair a prolapse. Would be great if thats all I needed.
Thanks

I’m an Irish GP, OP.

It’s usually possible to see another GP on a once-off basis for something your own doctor doesn’t deal with - we would certainly see patients from time to time in these circumstances. But to be honest, in your situation I’d just go to your own GP, tell him you’re fairly sure you have a prolapse and ask for a referral to Gynae. You can decline an examination if it’s offered, that won’t be a problem.

A women’s health physio, as suggested above, would also be a good shout - an experienced one should be able to give you a firm diagnosis.

See a pelvic physio for an assessment. I'm in the UK but I went recently and it was £100 and really informative.

Thanks all, Ill bite the bullet and call my gp today and see what they say.
I didn't know physio could help so that is a good call.
Thanks everyone