Information For You
Menopause
There are many myths about the menopause which can be confusing. Women’s Health Concern is the patient branch of the British Menopause Society and has published a number of useful information leaflets.
The following factsheets are a selection from the Women’s Health Concerns website that refer to the menopause
Other information
NICE has published information
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also publish information
HRT shortages
With the current shortages of some HRT preparations you might find the following information useful
Avoiding hormones
Some women cannot use hormones or prefer to avoid them. They can be helped by
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Lifestyle and behavioural changes
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Some antidepressants
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Pregablin and gabapentin
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Clonidine
Vaginal dryness can be treated with non- hormonal moisturing products such as
Alternatively you may wish to consider vaginal laser therapy
Heavy periods
Life can be very difficult if you have heavy periods especially if the periods are also painful and not regular.
NICE has published information
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also publish information on surgical treatments
Vaginal Prolapse
If you notice a bulge in your vagina you might have a prolapse. Prolapse occurs when the tissue supporting the walls of the vagina or the uterus (womb) becomes weak allowing one of more of the organs in your pelvis to drop. These organs include the bladder, the bowel and the uterus.
A prolapse might be uncomfortable but equally you might just notice it whilst washing or wiping. In general if it is not uncomfortable there is no need to treat it but treatments are available if the prolapse is bothering you. These do not have to involve surgery and certainly can be treated without using mesh so do not be worried about seeking help just because you are concerned about the prospect of surgery.
A specialist women’s health physiotherapist can help and guide you with learning pelvic floor exercises.
Vaginal pessaries can be used to provide support. There are many different types of pessary available and although you may need to try a few, usually one can be found that suits you.
There are many different types of operation and the choice of procedure depends on where the weakness is that is causing the prolapse and the type and degree of prolapse. Although you can consider different options before seeing a Gynaecologist it is often better to arrange for a consultation including an examination by a Gynaecologist experienced in prolapse treatment (Urogynaecologist) so that you can be guided about which surgical options you should consider. The Partners in Women’s Health can offer laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for prolapse when vaginal surgery is not the best option.
Information leaflets about prolapse and its treatment are available on a number of websites such as
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Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
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The National Institute for Health and care Excellence (NICE)
Bladder problems
There are many different bladder problems ranging from urine infections to incontinence all of which can be treated by a Urogynaecologist working within a multidisciplinary team. Many can be helped by general advice and exercise but sometimes medication or a surgical procedure is required. Even if you have a prolapse it is not necessarily the cause of your bladder problems.
Aiming Dry is a leaflet written by the continence specialist nurses in Wigan which provides useful advice about self help measures both for overactive bladder (frequency and urgency with or without leakage) and stress incontinence (leaking with exertion such as coughing and exercise).
Overactive bladder symptoms can also be helped by
Stress incontinence may need surgery such as
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Colposuspension (we can usually offer this laparoscopically – keyhole)
Note - suburethral mesh tapes (e.g. TVT) are not currently available in the United Kingdom.
