Ask the gynaecology consultants at Spire Healthcare your questions on all things gynaecology - £200 voucher to be won

[LucyBMumsnet]

Gynaecology isn’t a topic that’s likely to come up in everyday conversation. However, many people are seeking answers to their gynae-related questions and finding the right time or person to ask can be a challenge. That’s why Spire Healthcare has recruited a panel of gynaecology experts who will be here to answer your questions about all things related to gynaecology.

Here’s what Spire Healthcare has to say: “Spire Healthcare is a leading independent hospital group in the United Kingdom, with 39 private hospitals and eight clinics across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with around 7,500 experienced consultants, Spire Healthcare delivered tailored, personalised care to almost 750,000 inpatients, outpatients and day case patients in 2020.

The Group’s well located and scalable hospitals have delivered successful and award-winning clinical outcomes, positioning the Group well with patients, consultants, the NHS, GPs and Private Medical Insurance providers. 90% of Spire Healthcare’s hospitals are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC (or the equivalent in Scotland and Wales).”

Want to find out more about who will be answering your questions? Read about the panel of experts below:

Dr Gail Busby
Dr Gail Busby is a Consultant Gynaecologist specialising in paediatric, adolescent and adult gynaecology conditions. She qualified in Trinidad in 1996, before amassing a wealth of experience at Liverpool and London. Her clinical interests include menstrual disorders, endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopy and post-menopausal problems.

Mrs Sarah Hussain
Sarah has been a consultant gynaecologist for 33 years. She has a special interest in incontinence, prolapse of vagina and uterus, heavy and painful periods and abnormal bleeding, menopause, endometriosis and fibroids.

Mr Mohamed Mabrouk
Mohamad is a Consultant Gynaecologist and adjunct professor in Gynaecology in the University of Southern Denmark. His special interests are endometriosis, advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery and menstrual disorders. He has extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and is dedicated to helping women with endometriosis have a better quality of life and improve their fertility.

Maybe you have a question about recovery after childbirth or strengthening your pelvic floor muscles? Perhaps you’d like information on the things all women should know about their health or if they should have regular gynaecology check-ups? Whether your question is about menstrual disorders, childbirth injuries or incontinence, post it on the thread below. The expert consultants from Spire Healthcare will be back in July to answer a selection of your questions.

Everyone who shares a question on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

I am considering sterilisation (age 30 - never been pregnant). I'm a bit confused about the various pros and cons of different procedures. I'm sceptical of tubal occlusion as I know many women have pain from implanted tube blockers. It seems full removal of the fallopian tubes would be most effective but this isn't often offered and I'm not sure why.

What in your view is the best way to be sterilised with fewest side effects?

After a recent MMC, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis by MRI scan. I have been told it's common and can be mild.
I know adenomyosis can affect fertility but does it increase the chance of miscarriage? I am pregnant again and worry that it will end the same as the last time since I didn't treat the adenomyosis before conceiving.
Thanks

Having had chlamydia, what are the chances it causes difficulties with fertility later on? Is there anything you can do to optimise your fertility after treatment for it?

I’ve recently been diagnosed with lichen planus by my GP - awaiting gynae appt and am very anxious as I have little knowledge of this condition, treatment, prognosis etc. I’m early 40’s which my GP said was quite young. Also, Is this a sign or early menopause/low oestrogen levels?

I had a bilateral labiaplasty and removal of other vulval tissue in my early twenties due to skin disease and chronic pain (quite an unusual one, GP says) . At the time I was told I’d probably have scarring - as I’m getting older (well, approaching thirty) I’m noticing the skin is tightening up and where the stitches were is a bit ‘gristly’ for want of a better word . I’ve since also been diagnosed with secondary vaginismus .

GP had thought when the op was done that it’s unlikely I’d be able to have a vaginal delivery, as she thought I’d end up tearing .

Is it fairly standard after similar ops to be told you can’t give birth naturally? Is there anything they can do about vaginismus - GP has said it’s not really treatable?

I’m confused about the new guidelines for cervical smears. The NHS website indicates that women are entitled to have smear tests. But when I went for my smear, they tested my sample for high risk HPV, and it was negative so they refused to do the cytology test. So it looks like what I’m actually entitled to have is merely a HPV test? Not an actual smear?

Going forward the whole charade seems pointless. I don’t have HPV. I’m not sexually active so I cannot contract HPV. And if I’m HPV negative they won’t do the cytology test. So is there any point in continuing to go for smear tests when all that’s going to happen is they’ll say “you’re still HPV negative so that’s the end of it”?

Is pcos something that can be passed on, as in if I had a daughter is it likely she would have it to? Thank you

Nabothian cysts - why do they form and can they be removed? Having issues with bleeding with smear and sometimes during sex.

Last year HPV+ with Cin1 changes found on biopsy.
This year still HPV+ but no evidence of Cin1 after biopsy.
How is this possible.
Thanks

I have a question re post menopausal bleeding.

If ultrasound has ruled out cancers and fibroids, what could it be please? Thanks :-)

With all the controversy around mesh I decided to not have anything done for my prolapses as the only other alt offered was the ring. 6/7 years later, I'm still not suffering from accidents, should I wait till it gets that bad or go for something now, and if so what.

I'm in my 40s and peri menopausal if that makes a difference with cystocele and rectocele.

Oh and is it possible that rectocele causes pain in my back?

Thank you!

Following a difficult birth 25 years ago, I have a rectocele. I had corrective surgery 10 years ago but it's recurred (I was warned about this). I eat a very high fibre diet but even so, often I can only empty my bowel by manually doing so using my fingers - actually in my rectum, not just vaginal digitation as this is not fully effective . This really gets me down as it is so unpleasant.

I saw my consultant again maybe 6 - 7 years ago and he warned against further surgery because of other side effects - e.g. further scarring and sexual difficulties.

I'd be interested to hear your opinion. Thanks.

I'm nearly 60 , and went through an early menopause at 39 . I've never been on HRT .
I realised about a year ago my clitoris has almost disappeared , and I'd rather have it back if at all possible !😂
I'm still sexually active and use vagifem pessaries twice a week and have been doing so for around 2 years.
Is there any treatment / hormone therapy that would help ? I'm about a stone or so overweight and am prone to lumpy breasts . I have heard that Drs don't like to put women on get at / after 60, and as my periods stopped decades ago would there be any benefit ? I don't think I'd like a regular bleed if possible. Thank you.

Two questions please.

1. For over a year, since an EMCS, I've lost the ability to know when I need to urinate. I've had to set alarms on my phone, every 3 hours to remind me. Since the EMCS I've also suffered with almost continual pins & needles in my legs. Is there anything I can do?

1. My periods returned a few months ago but the luteal phase is only 4-5 days long, how can I lengthen it?

I worry I have a a vaginal prolapse. I have seen the GP who has dismissed the fears about all 3 childbirths.
When I use a tampon, I can no longer insert it how I used to previously due to the resistance. I also experience the heavy, dragging sensation in my vulva when I have my period.
I do pelvic floor exercises. I'm not sure where the best place is to get help or what avenues I should be exploring.

Thank you.

I would like to be sterilised. I have asked for this and they keep saying no, try xyz first. I am 41, have 2 children and am in no doubt at all, I don't want anymore. Various pills have not worked out for me and I am reluctantly having an IUD fitted soon. I am willing to try this before yet again asking to be sterilised. Why won't they let me until i have tried everything else?

Hi!
I'm interested to know why so many women have to endure open hysterectomies when the lap vaginal approach has proven benefits. Thank you.

Is it possible to shut down the menstrual cycle without going into menopause?

I am 45, still have periods every 28 days and suffer from horrible PMT. I want to stop the ups and downs in mood more than the bleeding.

I had a large uterine polyp removed 3 years ago, is it likely to grow back again, am I more prone to go having polyps now I’ve had one

I would like to be sterilised but want to know if it will have any impact on my periods and menopause?

Hi, I’ve been diagnosed with having very large nabothian cysts (like stupidly large). It made my last smear very difficult to do - however they don’t cause me any real issues. The colposcopy nurse said she would need to speak to a consultant to see what to do - but what could the treatment options be? Thank you

I have very heavy painful periods but it just seems to be every other month on the left hand side. My flow is very heavy for just a couple of days and I get intense cramps which leave me sweaty and lightheaded.

does this indicate a problem with my left ovary? The next month varies between a fairly standard period with little pain or a bit heavier with some pain but nothing as debilitating as the left side pain.

I had a 2nd (very nearly 3rd degree tear) ten years ago during childbirth.
I went on to have a 4th degree tear with my second child, four years ago.

Is it safe or possible to have some kind of surgery to tighten the vagina where pelvic floor exercises have failed?
The whole inside back wall areas of my vagina are full of “cave” areas and dipped areas etc from scarring. Which are sensitive.
I am left with zero sensation during sex. It’s ruining my life. Very lax walls and rather than a circle shaped vaginal entrance it’s more a large upside down teardrop shape, if that makes sense. So I don’t feel penetration.
What kind of surgery can help me and is it possible with so much scarring, and will the nhs help?

Thank you very much

What can be done for women who find speculums absolutely excruciating, so that they can have a smear test or other investigations? How can the pain be resolved?

I had episiotomy scar revision mainly internally when my daughter was 18m old. If I were to have another child and a vagina birth am I likely to suffer the same issues again post op? Extreme pain with sex etc. Having it revised changed my life so it makes me scared to have another vaginal birth.