Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle prior to menopause. However, if you notice anything different or unusual, you should consult your doctor before attempting to treat the problem yourself.

Symptoms may result from mild infections that are easy to treat. But, if they are not treated properly, they can lead to more serious conditions, including infertility or kidney damage. Vaginal symptoms may also be a sign of more serious problems, from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) to cancers of the reproductive tract.

We can help you with common gynaecological problems such as

• Period difficulties
• Cystitis
• Fertility difficulties
• Vaginal infections
• Pelvic pain
• Incontinence Problems
• PMS
• Screening For Osteoporosis

Sometimes we will have to refer you to a more specialised hospital clinic and if necessary, we can arrange a pelvic ultrasound.

GENERAL GYNAECOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Incontinence

Both urinary and faecal, can be a problem for many women especially after childbirth. This can happen in the immediate post-partum period and also at any time of life as women get older. This is an issue that we urge you not to ignore as there are many things that can be done to help you

Increase in vaginal discharge

Bleeding between periods or heavier periods than normal with increased vaginal discharge. There may be a burning feeling in the vagina and urethra that could be mistaken for a urinary tract infection (cystitis). There may also be irritation around the anus and a need to urinate frequently. These are symptoms of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease.

Discharge with burning pain

Unusual vaginal discharge, burning pain when urinating, lower abdominal pain and a frequent need to urinate; these are all signs of a sexually transmitted disease called chlamydia.

Vaginal Dryness

Tissue lining of the vagina becomes thinner and drier. There may be burning pain on urination, you need to urinate more frequently and/or there is urinary incontinence (sneezing leads to a leakage). There may be discomfort during sexual intercourse and a tightening of the vaginal canal. These are signs of vaginal atrophy a condition that is more common after menopause.

Soreness and itching

Sore and itchy vagina (internally and externally), with vaginal discharge can suggest vaginitis.

Heavy Periods

A heavy period is defined as soaking a pad or tampon every hour for more than 3 hours, or bleeding for longer than 7 days. There may be large clots in the menstrual flow, cramps, back pain and extreme tiredness and shortness of breath. These are possible symptoms of menorrhagia.

Missed Periods

There are many reasons for absent periods, including menopause and pregnancy. If these are ruled out and your periods do not return within 6 months, you may have amenorrhea.

Irregular period

Periods become irregular and you start to experience hot flashes. These are typical signs of menopause.

Irregular periods with excess facial hair

Irregular or absent periods, noticeable facial hair, oily skin and acne, and difficulties in losing weight are all signs of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Heavy periods with constipation

Heavy periods, a permanent feeling of fullness, sometimes constipation and pain during sexual intercourse can suggest fibroids.

Changes in periods

Periods which suddenly become heavy or regular spotting between periods or after menopause should be checked for signs of endometrial hyperplasia. This can be a precursor to endometrial cancer.

Painful periods with constipation

Painful periods, cramps occurring 1-2 weeks before period is due, constipation, and pain during sexual intercourse, there may also be some diarrhea and nausea. This combination of symptoms can suggest endometriosis.

Piercing pain between periods

Piercing pelvic pain between periods, bad cramps during your period, bleeding between periods are symptoms of adenomyosis.

Bleeding between periods

If there is bleeding between periods, or they become irregular or heavy then this can be a symptom of polyps.

Painful periods with shoulder pain

Periods may become irregular, pain during intercourse, bloating and pain in shoulders are signs of ovarian cysts.

Abnormal bleeding with bloating

Bleeding between periods, blood stained vaginal discharge, dull abdominal pain, and a bloated feeling are possible symptoms of fallopian tube cancer.

Itchy vulva

Inflammation and itching of the vulva tissue is often vulvitis and is usually caused by yeast infections or an STI.

Heavy periods with smelly discharge

You periods seem to be getting heavier by the month, there is bleeding in between periods, particularly after sexual intercourse. There is a heavy, foul smelling discharge. These may be signs of early stages of cervical cancer, a condition called cervical dysplasia. Ask your doctor to perform a cervical smear test.

Discharge that has a fishy odour

Grey, fishy smelling vaginal discharge that is worse after having sex or washing with soap, there may also be itchiness or irritation in and around the vulva and vagina. These are possible symptoms of vagititis.

Discharge with an odour of cheese

Thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, may smell yeasty like bread, usually accompanied by itching and a burning sensation when urinating would suggest a yeast infection.