Gynaecological symptoms are not always easy to make sense of. Pain may keep returning, bleeding can happen when you would not expect it or symptoms may gradually begin to affect your everyday life. The same symptom can have several possible causes, which is why the pattern, timing and other changes around it can be important. You do not need to know what is causing the problem before making an appointment. The first step is simply understanding what has been happening and whether anything needs a closer look.
Periods & Abnormal Bleeding
Heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods or changes to your usual cycle can all be worth looking into, particularly when they begin to affect your day to day life.
Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis
Pelvic pain may occur around your period or at other times. Painful periods, pain during intercourse or persistent pelvic discomfort can sometimes be associated with endometriosis, although there are other possible causes.
PCOS & Hormonal Changes
Irregular cycles, acne, changes in hair growth and other hormonal symptoms can sometimes be associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
PMDD & Premenstrual Symptoms
Changes in mood, energy or physical wellbeing that follow a recurring pattern before your period may be worth discussing, particularly when they begin to interfere with everyday life.
Contraception & IUDs
Your choice of contraception can depend on your health, periods, future pregnancy plans and what you feel comfortable using. Dr Peter can discuss the options available, including whether an IUD may be suitable for you.
Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts & Other Conditions
Fibroids, ovarian cysts and other gynaecological conditions may cause symptoms or be found during investigations for something else. Whether treatment is needed will depend on the condition and how it is affecting you.
Pelvic Floor, Prolapse & Incontinence
Pressure, heaviness, urinary leakage or prolapse can sometimes be related to changes in the pelvic floor. Dr Peter can assess what may be contributing to these symptoms and discuss the options available.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Changes to your periods, sleep, mood or other symptoms can begin well before periods stop completely. Dr Peter can assess what you are experiencing and discuss the options available based on your health and symptoms.
Gynaecological symptoms do not always point neatly to one condition. Heavy periods, pelvic pain or hormonal changes can have more than one possible cause.
Dr Peter will look at the pattern of your symptoms alongside your menstrual cycle, medical history, medications and anything you have already tried. Depending on what is relevant, this may include an examination, ultrasound, blood tests or cervical screening. Not everyone needs every test. The aim is to understand what may be causing your symptoms and whether treatment is needed.
Once there is a clearer idea of what is causing your symptoms, the next step is deciding whether treatment is needed and what approach makes sense for you.
That decision can depend on several things, including how much your symptoms are affecting your daily life, whether the condition is likely to change over time, what you have already tried and whether future pregnancy needs to be considered.
Treatment may involve monitoring, medication, hormonal management, changes to contraception or an IUD. In some situations, a procedure or surgery may be the more appropriate option. Dr Peter will explain what each option is intended to achieve, the likely benefits and any important considerations, so you can make a decision with a clear understanding of what comes next.
Planning Ahead
If pregnancy is something you may be considering, it can be useful to review any existing conditions, medications or previous treatment before you start trying to conceive.
Dr Peter can take this into account when discussing your treatment options and where relevant, help you prepare for pregnancy.
Sometimes surgery becomes part of the conversation, particularly when symptoms are significant, a condition is affecting your quality of life or other treatments have not helped enough.
Dr Peter has extensive experience in gynaecological surgery, including minimally invasive approaches where appropriate. Depending on the condition, this may include hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, surgery for endometriosis, treatment of ovarian cysts or fibroids, endometrial ablation, pelvic floor surgery or hysterectomy.
The type of procedure recommended will depend on the condition being treated, your symptoms, what you have already tried and your future plans. If surgery is being considered, Dr Peter will explain why it may be appropriate, what the procedure involves and what alternatives may still be available.
As a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG), Dr Peter cares for women with a broad range of gynaecological concerns, from menstrual and hormonal conditions through to problems that require ongoing care or surgery.
For conditions that need to be managed over time, having the same specialist involved can be particularly useful. Your care can take into account what has already been tried, how your symptoms have changed and what matters to you as your circumstances change.
If something has changed, is persisting or is beginning to affect your everyday life, you can make an appointment with Dr Peter to discuss what has been happening. You do not need to know what is causing your symptoms before you book.