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'm waiting for a date for a total hysterectomy via abdominal incision. I have Essure implants and am very concerned about potential debris if the devices are damaged during their removal. What safety procedures should I be asking surgeon about prior to op, to ensure no debris left inside me?

Can a slightly thickened uterine lining be normal if no other symptoms/clear scan?

Is it possible to have a sterilisation when I have a planned cesarean? This will be my second pregnancy and I've really suffered mentally with perinatal depression this time around. We only planned two kids anyway, I'm 37. Will they entertain this?

Hi, New pain on orgasm. What could the cause be?

I had a c section for my first and only pregnancy, since this though my periods are awfull and during the time of the month I am incredibly sore. What could this be?

I had a laproscopy in 2016 for potential endometriosis. No evidence was found. I then had scans in my overlies and no cysts were found.

I still have pain/heavy periods/ excessive facial hair/ struggle to lose weight.

My GP now refuses to refer me any further to a gyno as they say as no evidence internally was found my other symptoms must just be my usual cycle.

Should I change gp to try and get more tests/examinations to find the problem(s). Or do you think my GP is right, I should just chalk it up to being a woman.

Can the combined pill cause agonising pain? I was on the combined pill (different brands) for 3 years. In all that time, I had horrific, excruciating pelvic pain to the point I would sometimes completely black out (sometimes in public). This happened at least once a week, but Drs at the time didn’t take me seriously. Finally met one doctor who recommended me go on the mini pill. I still had pains, but not as frequent. I was on that for a year, but stopped it a few months ago. I am pain-free! I thought it was normal to be in pain! Is it the pill?

I have lupus and sjorgens syndrome and struggle with severe vaginal dryness. Is Ovestin cream the best thing to use for this? I am usually on full HRT as well but currently on a break due to lupus and endocrinology investigations but I am wondering if there is anything else that I can try. My GP also gives me Replens but I find it becomes quite clumpy and I’m not really a fan!

Hi,
I’m 41 and have been experiencing bleeding between my periods for over two year. Usually but not always mid cycle.
My history is: bleeding first experienced went to my GP and got completely fobbed off - told this was very normal. I pushed for more tests - had an ultrasound and they found a large dermoid cyst in my ovary which was removed. I have since had two further scans due to back ache and ovary being enlarged but the final scan looked normal.
Bleeding returned and smear was due and found abnormal cells so was referred to colposcopy. Colposcopy found a polyp which was removed and biopsy confirmed smear result of CIN1. I have just had my follow up smear and am awaiting results.
GP has done bloods and all normal except vitamin D - I have been taking tablets.
My bleeding is always very, very light spotting but this month is has gone on much longer than other months. GP has said not to worry and it is hormonal. Is this reasonable? Should I push for further tests?

Does PCOS make the menopause different from those without this?

My first birth was a forceps delivery, which resulted in an episiotomy and a 3B tear, with a small PPH (700ml). My child was of LGA.

Within twelve hours after my child’s birth, I was told ‘not to worry, the next one won’t be the same, it’ll be an early induction or section.’

I am now pregnant again, and whilst health professionals are clear that any future birth decisions are mine to make, the advice has been heavily in favour of a planned section.

Whilst I had some post-birth complications, I am now completely fine, well recovered and seen to have good bladder control (I don’t pee when I sneeze!)

The thought of a section is not one that comes easily to me.

What considerations do I really need to weigh up when deciding my future birth options?

Can you get bladder incontinence whether you had a c section or vaginal birth?

I am 48 and for the last 6+ years I have had uterine polyps which cause heavy periods and have resulted in me having ferritin levels of 5. I have had 2 hysteroscopies to have them removed and a deeper removal via day surgery however they keep growing back. I have been told my only option is a Mirena coil but I really don’t want hormonal treatment as I have never taken anything like that. I am due another hysteroscopy (I have been waiting over 9 months due to Covid so have no idea when this will be?) when I do have the procedure the gynaecologist said he will put in a mirena, he never asked what I want! Are there any other options for me? I can’t keep going on having heavy bleeding each month, I dread my period.

What do you do if a male person thinks he is a female person and demands treatment for a gynaecological condition?

Any advice about pelvic floor muscles when typical exercises don't work?

Hello, any tips for a too tight pelvic floor? (Not bragging, it causes its own problems!)

I've had 3 miscarriages in a row. I've lost weight, quit smoking and eat better. However my last birth in 2009 was very difficult and painful (I had over 100 stitches and a prolapse). I'm 42. Should I just accept that I'm not supposed to have another baby?

Hi, thanks so much for this Q&A!

I'm 57 and have been using Oestrogel plus continuous Progestogen tablets for two years.

I have frequent bleeding. Scan results are normal. My consultant says the bleeding is hormonal. She suggests stopping the oral Progestogen and having a Merina coil fitted instead.

My question is: if the bleeding has a hormonal cause, how can a progesterone-giving coil help? (I did not understand the consultant's answer to this question.)

Since having long Covid I have developed a number of ovarian cysts which come and go quite quickly. Is this happening to other women or just me?

My question is: if the bleeding has a hormonal cause, how can a progesterone-giving coil help? (I did not understand the consultant's answer to this question.)

Like you I’m past normal menopause age but still have a cycle and was bleeding very heavily. I had a Mirena fitted and it both provides the progesterone to counterbalance the oestrogen gel and pretty much stops the bleeding. The progesterone stops the lining of the uterus thickening so reduces shedding, I believe. I think the localised progesterone aids the efficiency of this (good if you’re progesterone intolerant) this though there may be a mechanical effect from the coil itself as well. Either way, it works.

That was to @CharityPecksniff

Is it normal for fibroids to disappear on their own and not create any issues? I was unaware I had them until they were pointed out on scans for my first pregnancy and I was told I should keep an eye on them and that they may cause issues with future pregnancies and /or gynaecological issues.
During my second pregnancy a couple of years later I mentioned them in my early appointments and was told there was no longer any sign of them and made to feel I was being melodramatic.

Im 35, obese, and unfit due to physical disabilities. G2, P2. (2010 and 2012)
My bloods are all okay (thyroid fine, not menopausal), my ovaries and uterus have been scanned and are fine, yet my periods (24 day cycle) have pretty much vanished. I have about half a days worth of spotting, every 24 days.
I've done a progesterone test, which did not induce a full bleed, only more spotting.

Any idea?

I had a Mirena coil for a while and had hardly any discharge (and I'm usually a heavy bleeder) but I still had very distinct cramps every month right on schedule and was also very fatigued (despite no loss of blood). Do we understand why this happens?

@borntobequiet

Thanks v much for your explanation. I'm planning to give it a go.