Cervical Screening: Common Myths Debunked

It’s extremely important to attend your regular smear test when due – as this helps save thousands of lives each year. A smear test is a simple routine health check that unfortunately many women put off. The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is not having a smear test and remaining unaware of the development of the pre-cancer.

London Gynaecology’s Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jennifer Byrne spoke to @wyldemoon to quash the 10 most common thoughts and worries about this check up.

Everyone who walks into the examination room feels awkward. Being anxious beforehand is normal but turning up for smear tests every three years is so important. Tell your nurse that you’re feeling nervous and remember you can always bring a friend or a family member with you.

Also don’t be afraid to ask questions – sometimes knowing exactly what’s going to happen and in what order can help. We don’t mind stopping

No procedure or exam should be painful but it might feel uncomfortable. If it gets too much, tell your nurse – we really don’t mind pausing. Most exams won’t take more than a couple of minutes.

We don’t care what your ‘down there’ looks like! We see hundreds of women every week – and they come in all shapes and sizes. We aren’t here to judge or even look – our job is to check inside the vagina and look at the cervix to make sure everything is healthy.

To keep reading more of Jennifer’s advice and tips, click here.

Jennifer offers a range of Nurse-led services including smear tests from our conveniently located clinic in the City of London, learn more click here.

Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause (GSM)

What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), formerly known as Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA) or atrophic vaginitis, is a condition that affects many perimenopausal and post-menopausal women. It is a group of symptoms and physical changes in the genital and urinary tract areas, primarily caused by the hormonal changes associated with menopause, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels.  

What are The Symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

GSM symptoms encompasses a range of symptoms and can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Common genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms and manifestations of GSM include: 

• Vaginal Dryness: A decrease in oestrogen levels leads to reduced vaginal lubrication, resulting in dryness and discomfort. 
• Vaginal Itching and Burning: The thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues can cause itching and a burning sensation. 
• Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse is a common symptom of GSM due to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. 
• Vaginal Discharge: Changes in the vaginal tissues can lead to altered vaginal discharge. 
• Urinary Symptoms: GSM can affect the lower urinary tract, leading to symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. 
• Urinary Incontinence: The weakening of pelvic floor muscles and changes in the urinary tract can contribute to urinary incontinence. 
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Thinning of the urethral tissues can make women more prone to urinary tract infections. 
• Pain or Burning During Urination: Urinary symptoms may also include pain or a burning sensation during urination. 

What are The Treatment Options for Symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

GSM symptoms can have a substantial impact on a woman’s sexual function and overall well-being. However, there are various effective treatments  and management options for GSM symptoms: 

• Local Oestrogen Therapy: Low-dose estrogen creams, vaginal tablets, or vaginal rings may be prescribed to deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues. These are very safe and can be used alongside hormone replacement therapy if needed.  
• Non-Hormonal Moisturisers and Lubricants: Over-the-counter or prescription moisturisers and lubricants can provide relief from vaginal dryness and discomfort. 
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: This type of therapy can be helpful in managing urinary incontinence and improving pelvic floor muscle tone. 
• Lifestyle Changes: Staying well-hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing stress reduction techniques can contribute to overall vaginal and urinary health. 

It’s essential for women experiencing GSM to consult with a doctor to discuss their symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options. With proper management, many women can find relief from the discomfort and distress associated with this condition.  If you would like to book in with a menopause specialist, click here.

Menopause Diagnosis: Is There a Menopause Blood Test

Is there a test for the menopause?

Most women will not require a blood test to diagnose the perimenopause or menopause. For most, the menopause diagnosis will be based on your symptoms, your age and your period history.

Blood tests can be helpful in younger women where the perimenopause is questioned, and of course some blood tests can be helpful to look at in order to gauge a picture of your overall health. These tests can be discussed with your doctor.  

Menopause and Weight Gain

Does menopause cause weight gain?

Many women find it harder to control their weight as they enter the peri/menopause. Weight gain is complicated and due to a variety of factors:  

• Fluctuating levels of hormones: As oestrogen levels decline the way the body stores fat changes. Fat is more likely to be stored around the abdomen and thighs and is less evenly distributed compared to perimenopauslly. This can then lead to a change in your body shape even if your weight actually remains the same.  
• Women’s metabolic rate: (the rate at which you burn calories) slows down. Women often require fewer calories as they transition through this phase meaning that eating the same way as you have done before may cause weight gain.  
• Muscle mass: We lose muscle mass as we age (known as sarcopenia) and muscle helps to burn calories, less muscle mass means burning fewer calories leading to weight gain.  
• Symptoms: The menopause symptoms experienced as we transition through this time can be hard to manage – lack of sleep, lack of energy, fatigue, low mood to name a few. This can leave us reaching for the higher energy, less healthy snacks.  These symptoms can also reduce our desire to exercise which can lead to weight gain.  
• Many of us are juggling relationships, work, and our menopause symptoms and we forget to take time to self-care. The stress hormone cortisol can be triggered which also causes us to gain weight 

How to manage weight changes in the peri/menopause?

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, eat more protein, and whole grains. Fat is not your enemy – focus on eating good fats like avocados, oily fish, nuts and seeds. In short, eat the rainbow! 
• Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism. A combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training can be effective. 
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, to manage stress and emotional eating. 
• Adequate Sleep: Prioritise good sleep hygiene to ensure you get enough rest each night. 
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT is an excellent treatment option for managing menopausal symptoms. Discuss the benefits and risks of HRT with your healthcare provider. 
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you are struggling with significant weight gain during menopause, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide personalised advice and recommendations.

At London Gynaecology, we have specialist menopause clinicians and nutritional therapists to support you through the menopause, if you would like to book a personalised menopause consultation, click here.

Happy New Year!

To everyone around the globe, London Gynaecology wishes you a Happy New Year filled with joy, prosperity, love, and good health.

We hope that you have had a happy and healthy start to 2023.

Another year has come to an end, and this past year can be summarised with some incredible insights.

In 2022 there were over 11,000 appointments served by the incredible team, for new and follow up consultations.

Over 6000 new patients were seen by us, that’s more than 16 a day.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2023.

Shortlisted Doctify Review Award 2022

Doctify launched their first Patient Voice Awards, the industry’s first data-driven and transparent recognition programme honouring providers that put patients at the centre of everything they do.

We were absolutely delighted and proud to be informed that we have been shortlisted for this award for the category of ‘ Review ‘ of the year!

The Doctify Review Award recognises and highlight the most unique and heart-warming review on the platform that showcases a patient’s real experience and provides reliable and representative feedback about the care they have received. Something London Gynaecology has always put at the heart of everything we do.

As London’s leading gynaecology clinic, this shortlisting is testament to the hard work of our team.

We now await the results.

Mr Pisal Presents Period Poverty with a Cheque for £7619

We were delighted to present The Gift Wellness Foundation led by Founder and chair Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed a cheque for £7,619, that will be used to help support women experiencing period poverty across the UK.

The funds were raised by kind and generous donors after Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist completed the Chicago Marathon in October. His aim was to help raise funds for this dedicated charity that supports women in crisis by providing non-toxic sanitary pads.

The total amount raised to date is £7,619 – this will provide over 80,000 sanitary pads and will help over 900 women for 6 months. The Gift Wellness Foundation aim is to eliminate period poverty in Britain’s most deprived communities by 2025.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported this fundraiser. London Gynaecology was proud to support this fundraising campaign and we are committed to raising awareness and supporting this fantastic charity in the future.
#periodpovertyuk

Sheerluxe awards London Gynaecology

The Gynaecologists To Book An Appointment With Now

SheerLuxe has become one of the most successful women’s magazines for those in the know – without actually printing a magazine. It is the number one online destination for women wanting to lead a stylish life.

Hundreds of women who urgently require gynaecological treatment are being left to suffer in silence and thousands more remain on the waiting lists. Gynaecology waiting lists reach record numbers and women are forced to wait for a routine appointment or treatment.

Women living with debilitating symptoms say they are suffering with poor mental health as more than 1 in 20 people in England face a year long wait for treatment

When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, it can be hard to know what’s “normal” and what may be a sign of a potential health problem. Even if you feel embarrassed about certain issues, your gynaecologist has seen and heard it all and is there to help you.

Sheerluxe recently awarded London Gynaecology for being the best gynaecology clinic for sexual and reproductive health.  Same day appointments are available at London Gynaecology so why not book with London’s largest gynaecology clinic today.

If you’re experiencing issues related to sexual desire or sexual function, we can help. Although these issues are quite common, especially as women age, they are not frequently discussed or properly diagnosed.

Sexual health is an important part of your well-being. Many women with sexual complaints suffer in silence. Our team of gynaecologists and urologists has advanced training in conditions that can affect your sexual health.  A regular sexual health check can be performed at any time for peace of mind. Book your appointment today.

For the full article click here.

Our clinicians are recognised by insurer Aviva

Currently the most popular insurance provider in the UK, Aviva has won plenty of awards over the years for the quality of its insurance policies.

Amongst Aviva’s most popular insurance policies, the company offers full health coverage across a range of hospitals in the UK. We see patients who are covered by Aviva private health insurance If you are paying with private medical insurance, it is essential you contact your insurer to confirm they will cover the costs of any treatment. You must do this before you have a consultation, investigation, any diagnostic imaging or surgery.

Our clinicians are recognised by all major insurers; including Aviva.

Private medical insurance with Aviva could be for you if:

• You don’t want to drag your feet on health matters – faster access to diagnosis, treatment and aftercare is important to you
• You’d prefer continuity of care where possible
• You’d like treatments that you might have to wait for long periods for an appointment to become available on the NHS

Most insurance companies pay fees in full, however with some there may be a small shortfall. Please check your policy with your insurance company prior to visiting. If you are Aviva insured, contact us to book your appointment.

Helping End Period Poverty

At London Gynaecology, it goes without saying that women’s health is a subject close to our heart.  We are continually focussed on delivering the best care to our patients and we also try to help women who we don’t see in our clinics.  Over the years, we have supported many charitable causes that are focussed on improving the lives and healthcare of women.

This Sunday, consultant gynaecologist and keen runner, Mr Pisal, is putting on his running shoes to run the Chicago marathon to help end period poverty with the Gift Wellness Foundation.

Sadly, studies show that 1 in 10 girls and women in the UK cannot access feminine hygiene products during their period (known as period poverty) and this is only anticipated to worsen in the current financial climate.  The Gift Wellness Foundation aims to eliminate period poverty in Britain’s most deprived communities by 2025.

We have always been humbled by the generosity and kindness of patients, colleagues and friends, who like to support our charitable efforts, so if you would like to donate to this cause, help Mr Pisal over the finish line and take us closer to eliminating period poverty, please click here.

London Gynaecology are proud to have donated the first £1000.