There are many gynaecological conditions that can have a significant impact on women’s health and well-being.

Gynaecological symptoms and conditions can arise from a wide variety of conditions. These can be diagnosed by taking a careful history and examination and if needed ultrasound, colposcopy and vulvoscopy. With Mr Aldrich’s wide experience, even rarer or more difficult conditions can be successfully managed.

Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain may be acute or chronic and may be caused by conditions such as: Endometriosis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia or a pelvic mass.

Premenstrual tension

Symptoms are generally seen a week before the actual period and may include irritability, backache, bloating, acne, headaches, depression, anger, mild cramps in the stomach, constipation, diarrhoea, breast tenderness, tiredness etc. The major cause of PMT is attributed to hormonal imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone that are found to vary during a menstrual cycle.

Vulval problems

Troublesome signs and symptoms can include vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, bladder symptoms, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), burning, itching, and irritation.

After your initial assessment Mr Aldrich can perform a vulvoscopy and a biopsy (if needed) to help diagnose conditions such as lichen sclerosis.

Vaginal problems

A change in the colour, odour or amount of vaginal discharge may be worrying. Additionally vaginal redness or itching and spotting may occur. You may also notice a mass or bulge in your vagina and have pain during intercourse.  Recurrent thrush and atrophic (thinning) changes also warrant investigation.

Pelvic Inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper genital tract, including the womb, ovaries and connecting tubes. It may be acute or chronic. Many cases of PID are caused by a sexually transmitted infection, and require an urgent assessment and antibiotic treatment in order to prevent long term problems.

Painful intercourse

There are number of causes which can lead to painful sexual intercourse. They vary from issues related to the vulva, vagina and pelvic floor (superficial) or deeper pelvic structures like the uterus and ovaries that may be affected by endometriosis or adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and prolapse. Psychological issues can frequently arise and Mr Aldrich can deal with your problems sympathetically, and give advice on helpful management with local anaesthetic agents and vaginal dilators if he feels they are needed.

Mirena Coil

Modern gynaecological practice frequently involves the use of a progestin-releasing IUCD (Mirena). Mr Aldrich is an expert in their use, insertion and removal.