Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer that forms in a woman’s cervix, at the lower part of the uterus. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that also causes genital warts. There are many different types of HPV virus, and only a few are linked to the development of cervical cancer.

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Ectropion

Ectropion is when the inside of the cervix (endocervix) becomes everted onto the outside of the cervix. The endocervix is more fragile and can bleed with contact.

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disorder that affects many women in New Zealand. It occurs when endometrial tissue, which should only be found in the uterus, also grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries or the bowel. This can be very painful and is why women with endometriosis usually have pain around the same time as their period.

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Infection

An infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body. Infection is a cause that is always considered in women with abnormal bleeding.

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a very common disorder in women. Symptoms vary and can include irregular or absent periods, excess hair, weight gain, or difficulty falling pregnant.

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Polyps

Polyps are common benign growths in the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Endometrial and cervical polyps can cause bleeding between periods.

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Colposcopy

A colposcopy is performed when a woman has had abnormal pap smears. A speculum is placed in the vagina, and the cervix visualised using a colposcope. This provides a magnified view of the cervix so that a targeted biopsy can be taken.

Ectropion treatment

Ectropion is common, and treatment is generally not required. When bleeding is persistent and troubling, women may consider ablative treatment such as cautery (electrosurgery). Colposcopy may also be used to diagnose and treat this area.

Endometriosis resection

This entails keyhole surgery, where a camera is placed through the bellybutton to view the pelvis. The abdomen and pelvis are carefully explored, and abnormal tissue removed. Cysts may also be removed from the ovaries.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is when a woman’s uterus is removed. This may be because methods to stop heavy bleeding are not successful, side effects of medications are intolerable, fibroids are problematic or endometriosis is severe enough that a more permanent solution is required.

Mirena

A Mirena is a small plastic device placed inside the uterus with small strings extending out through the cervix. In addition to being used for contraception, Mirena can be used to treat endometriosis.

Treatment for infections

If an infection is a cause, treatment with antibiotics is required. This is generally given orally, but if an infection is severe, antibiotics are given intravenously may be required.

Treatment for PCOS

Treatment of PCOS depends on what symptoms are causing problems. Women with PCOS may need treatment for issues such as sub fertility, diabetes, and heart disease.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a common gynaecological procedure, placing a thin camera through the cervix to evaluate the inside of the uterus (the endometrial cavity). This may be as an investigation or a treatment.