Our patients are seen in our general gynaecology outpatients’ clinics following a GP referral. After seeing a consultant to discuss any gynaecology concerns you have, you will decide a care plan with them, which could include examinations in the gynaecology clinic. This may include an internal examination using a speculum to take vaginal swabs. You may be advised to have a smear test, biopsy’s or be referred onto other clinics for further investigations. We also have hysteroscopy clinics for patients that have been referred via their GP for gynaecological related concerns.
Our GOPD clinic team comprises of consultants, specialist nurses, registered nurses, student nursing associates, and healthcare assistants treating a range of conditions including general gynaecological conditions, support with menopause symptoms, polyp removals, hysteroscopy and tissue biopsy, smears, Mirena coil removals and insertions, vulva examination and biopsies, and lichen sclerosis monitoring. Our services include fertility, urogynaecology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy services, along with results clinics and general gynaecology interventions.
With your agreement, students, supervised by qualified staff, may be involved in your care.
What to expect at your gynaecology appointment
When you arrive for your appointment, you will need to check in at reception where the reception staff will confirm some details such as your name, address and date of birth. Please let the receptionist know if any of your personal details have changed. You may be required to produce a urine sample so please check with the reception staff before you go to the toilet.
We will do our best to minimise the time you are waiting for your appointment and will keep you updated of any delays. Please bear in mind we often have several clinics running at the same time, so patients who have arrived after you may get called in earlier. You can bring a friend, family member or carer along with you to your appointment and a chaperone will always be present during all intimate examinations.
If you have any mobility issues, please contact us before your appointment so we can try our best to accommodate your individual needs.
Some staff may be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as full-length gowns, goggles, masks or visors in certain clinics. We understand this can be daunting for some patients, but this is required for health and safety purposes and to reduce the risk of infection for staff and patients.
During your consultation, you may be asked the following information: your symptoms, reason for referral, medications you are currently taking, any allergies you suffer with, medical history, whether you have had any operations in the past and the date of your last period.
What to expect at your gynaecology appointment
When you arrive for your appointment, you will need to check in at reception where the reception staff will confirm some details such as your name, address and date of birth. Please let the receptionist know if any of your personal details have changed. You may be required to produce a urine sample so please check with the reception staff before you go to the toilet.
We will do our best to minimise the time you are waiting for your appointment and will keep you updated of any delays. Please bear in mind we often have several clinics running at the same time, so patients who have arrived after you may get called in earlier. You can bring a friend, family member or carer along with you to your appointment and a chaperone will always be present during all intimate examinations.
If you have any mobility issues, please contact us before your appointment so we can try our best to accommodate your individual needs.
Some staff may be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as full-length gowns, goggles, masks or visors in certain clinics. We understand this can be daunting for some patients, but this is required for health and safety purposes and to reduce the risk of infection for staff and patients.
During your consultation, you may be asked the following information: your symptoms, reason for referral, medications you are currently taking, any allergies you suffer with, medical history, whether you have had any operations in the past and the date of your last period.
Treatments
Hysteroscopy
What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a small narrow telescope to examine the uterus (inside of the womb). This procedure is primarily used to identify and treat conditions that cause abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular spotting between periods and post-menopausal bleeding.
Why do I need to have a hysteroscopy?
You may need to have a hysteroscopy procedure if you are having certain unexplained vaginal bleeding. It can help diagnose and treat gynaecological health issues such as: suspicious intracavitary lesions, abnormal uterine bleeding, abnormal endometrial thickening, postmenopausal bleeding, infertility, mullerian congenital anomaly and removal of coil.
The hysteroscopy procedure can take up to 30 minutes. We recommended that you take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen approximately one hour before the appointment time as you may feel slight pain or discomfort. We also offer local anesthetic and Entonox (at Good Hope Hospital only) to help with the pain. If you would prefer a general anaesthetic, please note this will need to be booked with us.
Once the hysteroscopy procedure has been completed, you will be able to get dressed in the changing room. You will be advised to use a sanitary towel due to some fluid loss and spotting. Once dressed, your consultant will discuss the findings and the care you will receive following this procedure. You may experience cramping pain during the rest of the day which can be managed with pain relief.
You may resume normal activity and return to work the following day however all women are different, so this depends on how you feel after your procedure. During your recovery we advise women to avoid sexual intercourse and inserting anything into the vagina including tampons as this increases your risk of infection. We also advise you to avoid swimming, saunas and hot tubs for approximately a week following the procedure or until your bleeding/fluid loss stops. You will be given a leaflet with all the post operative instructions in detail and useful numbers in case you have any questions or concerns when at home.
Entonox (gas and air) for pain management
Entonox will be offered if it is suitable for you if you require as a pain relief during your hysteroscopy procedure.
You will be able to decide if Entonox is suitable for you with your consultant during your appointment prior to the procedure taking place.
If it is decided that you are to receive Entonox, a nurse will complete your observations before and after administration of Entonox and ask for you to wait in the department for 30 minutes or until any side effects have resolved. Possible side effects will be explained to you on the day of your procedure. You are advised not to drive or operate machinery for 30 minutes following the administration of Entonox.
What should I do before my appointment?
You should eat and drink normally. You do not need to fast before your appointment. It is recommended that you take pain relief (400mg of ibuprofen or 1 gram of paracetamol pain relief at least 1 hour before your appointment.
Bring a list of any medications that you are taking with you.
You may wish to have a friend or family member accompanying you.
Last reviewed: 15 November 2024