News

• 25th May 2023  |  Posted by Emma Orman

  What to Expect in a Private GP Appointment?

  If you have never visited a private GP before, you may be unsure of what to expect.  Below outlines what a private GP consultation typically comprises of:

  1. Medical history: We will begin by taking a detailed medical history, which includes information about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, and previous surgeries.

  2. Physical examination: We will carry out a thorough physical examination, which may include checking your observations, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. We may also examine your ears, nose, and throat, listen to your heart and lungs, and check your reflexes.

  3. Health concerns: You will have the opportunity to discuss any current health concerns or symptoms that you are experiencing. We will ask you questions to help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

  4. Diagnosis and treatment plan: Based on your medical history, physical examination, and symptoms, we will diagnose your condition and develop a customised treatment plan. This may include prescribing medication, recommending lifestyle changes, or referring you to a specialist for further investigation or treatment.

  5. Follow-up care: We may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan, if necessary.

  6. Additional services: We offer additional services, such as health screenings, diagnostic tests, and vaccinations, which can be arranged during your consultation or at a later date.

• 30th March 2023  |  Posted by Sara Wolfe

  Everything you need to know about a Transvaginal Scan

  Feeling anxious about an upcoming transvaginal scan appointment? 

  Stylist Magazine writer Abbi Henderson recently underwent her first transvaginal scan.  Although the thought of the scan itself didn’t cause her much mental anguish (though, it very commonly can), She did have a lot of other, unanswered concerns. Did she need to do anything special – food and drink-wise – beforehand? What, exactly, would be picked up on the scan? And, were the treasure hunt successful, would she receive info on the whereabouts of the sneaky thread or even be able to have the IUD removed same-day? So she turned to our expert consultant gynaecologist Mrs Pradnya Pisal to provide the answers.

  Can you give an outline of what actually happens at a transvaginal ultrasound? What’s the process from start to finish?

  For an internal (vaginal) ultrasound scan, you will be advised to empty your bladder and then undress completely from the waist down. A hospital gown or sheet will be given to cover you. You will be asked to lie on your back on the ultrasound couch. A chaperone is always present for this scan. Your knees will be bent and your feet will be on movable feet rests. The knees will then be raised in a way that allows the scan to be performed easily. A thin elongated ultrasound probe is used for this procedure. It will be covered with a protective sheath and lubricating gel and then gently inserted into the vagina.

  The ultrasound probe will need to be moved into different positions in order to visualize the uterus and ovaries clearly. Ultrasound scans are generally painless, although you may experience some discomfort as the probe is inserted into your body.

  An ultrasound scan takes around 15-20 minutes. It will be carried out in the ultrasound department or in the consulting rooms of the clinic.

  What is the ultrasound looking for? What info can it obtain (obviously, someone may be having one for many reasons but for those feeling anxious about it, can it locate cysts/endo tissue/cancers/irregularities/awkwardly positioned contraceptives, etc)?

  An ultrasound scan is an investigation to create an image on a screen of the organ or body part being examined using sound waves. It is used to help in making a diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be offered. It is carried out by medical doctors and specially trained health care professionals (sonographers). The scan is performed using an ultrasound probe that gives out high frequency ultrasound waves. These sound waves cannot be heard. The size and shape of the ultrasound probe depends on the part of the body being examined.

  The internal (vaginal) ultrasound scan allows the probe to be placed inside the vagina so that it is closer to the pelvic organs being examined. This provides clearer pictures of the uterus, ovaries and abnormalities that may lie deep in the pelvis.

  What happens after? Do patients receive results straight away or is there a wait? If there is a wait, is there anything that can be done for those with anxiety to make the wait less stressful for them?

  The person performing the scan will usually inform you of the findings or arrange for you to see your doctor. If your scan is performed by a sonographer, if appropriate, they will tell you if any abnormality is detected.

  You will be given a report immediately or the report will be emailed to you. For pregnancy scans, you will be given a copy of the images of your baby. Your consultant will explain the scan findings, make a diagnosis and then discuss further investigations and treatment options.

  What if someone is allergic to latex?

  If you’re having an internal (vaginal) scan and are allergic to latex, it’s important to let the sonographer or doctor carrying out the scan know this so they can use a latex-free probe cover.

   If someone has sexual trauma, how is that handled?

  Please inform the clinic / person carrying out the scan of this. You can also ask to take a friend with you and request a female sonographer. You can also request a local anaesthetic gel to be used to make the scan less uncomfortable. If you think that you may not be able to go through a transvaginal scan, you can request a transabdominal scan (you will need a full bladder) or an MRI scan.

  Why aren’t virgins allowed to have a transvaginal ultrasound?

  A transvaginal scan involves insertion of a probe which can be uncomfortable and also not appropriate. Hence, a transabdominal scan is preferred.

  Are there alternatives if someone absolutely doesn’t want to have a transvaginal ultrasound?

  The three types of ultrasound scans commonly used in obstetrics and gynaecology are:
  1. External abdominal ultrasound scan – the probe is moved over the skin
  2. Internal (vaginal) ultrasound scan – the probe is inserted into the body (vagina)
  3. HyCoSy or Aqua scan – this scan is performed to assess the uterine cavity and patency of fallopian tube

  An external ultrasound scan is most often used to examine your unborn baby (after 10 weeks of pregnancy) or when an internal scan cannot be performed to examine the pelvic organs. A small handheld probe is placed on your skin and moved over the part of the body being examined. A lubricating gel is put on your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly. This also ensures there’s continuous contact between the probe and the skin. You shouldn’t feel anything other than the probe and gel on your skin (which is often cold). If you’re having a scan of your womb or pelvic area, you may have a full bladder that causes you a little discomfort.

  In some cases, ultrasound scanning has no alternatives but an MRI or CT scan can be used instead or in addition to ultrasound scanning.

  Anything else to know to make the experience less uncomfortable? Any specific questions to ask the gynae/info to disclose to them? Advice on what to wear/what to eat or drink before and after?

  Before having some types of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions to help improve the quality of the images produced. You may be advised to drink water and not go to the toilet until after the scan – this may be needed before a scan of your unborn baby or your pelvic area. You can eat as normal and you do not need to starve. There will be a toilet nearby to empty your bladder once the scan is complete. If you are using a tampon, this will need to be removed before a vaginal scan.

  Patients can bring a friend or relative with if it makes them feel more comfortable.

  Click here to view the full article.

• 28th March 2023  |  Posted by Sara Wolfe

  Beverley Knight’s personal battle with fibroids

  Did you know Beverly Knight suffered from fibroids and had to take a break from showbiz as she recovered?

  Singer’s scary condition ‘I had no idea’!  Beverley Knight didn’t know what fibroid were when she was diagnosed. The NHS notes that fibroids are more common in women of African-Caribbean descent and a 2015 study highlighted that 80 per cent of Black women will suffer from fibroids, compared to 70 per cent of white women by age 50.

  Beverley Knight is a recording artist and musical theatre actress. She is widely labelled as one of Britain’s greatest soul singers and is best known for her hit single “Greatest Day”. The singer endured a health scare and was forced to take time out.  Beverley Knight’s battle with mystery condition that affects 80 per cent of Black women.

  The hitmaker, who now appears on TV each Saturday night on the judging panel of Starstruck, told Hello! at the time: “I have no idea why, I’m just glad that I got through it.” She added: “‘I’m a proud aunty and godmum, but having children of my own has never been part of the plan”.

  Beverley Knight spoke candidly about her experience in 2017 to the Mirror recently.

  Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist , says more awareness needs to be raised. “I don’t think there is much awareness of fibroids, even in the African-Caribbean community,” the expert, who has practised gynaecology in London for over 21 years, tells the Mirror. “I see women and they are often shocked. It does become a taboo, kept a secret, it is a private thing for a lot of women, they won’t talk about it. “The more awareness we increase, the better it will be.”

  He has called for every woman at the age of 25 to have an ultrasound – which can pick up conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovaries.

  This is why fibroids can remain undetected, he says, until women start trying to have a baby and then go for a pregnancy scan, most commonly in their 30s. Click here to view the full article online.

• 21st March 2023  |  Posted by Sara Wolfe

  Endometriosis Instagram Live Tonight

  Save the Date Tonight Instagram Live Tuesday 21st March 7pm

  Every March, Endometriosis Month takes place across the world, with the aim of increasing awareness and highlighting the symptoms of this debilitating condition that affects millions of women worldwide.

  So tonight, Tuesday 21st March 7pm join us for an Instagram Live. Leading consultant Mr Narendra Pisal will be a guest presenter, joining Endometriosis Advocate Shivani Gadhia for an informative and educational session on Endometriosis. They will be discussing Shivani’s personal journey, the condition and treatment options for sufferers.

  Engage with us live on Shivani’s Gadhia Instagram (@miss_shivv), tonight Tuesday 21st March at 7pm.

  Shivani Gadhia, is on a mission calling an end to the stigma associated with Endometriosis. Her personal battle with endometriosis has been a challenging one. But she has learned many lessons along the way and hopes to help other women by sharing her story.

   

   

• 10th March 2023  |  Posted by Beki McGee

  How much does a colposcopy cost?

  The cost of a private colposcopy with one of our specialist Consultant Gynaecologists starts from £675 and includes a full consultation.

  We understand that cost can be an important factor when considering private health services. We have a transparent approach to our fees and offer packages where possible to ensure clarity upfront whilst keeping our costs as low as possible.

  Here at London Gynaecology, we see patients who are covered by private health insurance along with self-paying patients.

  Who is a colposcopy for?

  A colposcopy is for women who have:

  • had an abnormal smear result and need further examination
  • symptoms such as bleeding after sex, irregular bleeding or contact bleeding
  • been referred by their GP for unusual appearance of the cervix

  The examination is carried out by one of our specialist gynaecologist’s who is accredited by the British Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP). A nurse will also be present and you will be given an option to see your cervix on the screen.

  All of our colposcopy packages include the below as standard:

  • 30 minuite consultation with a consultant gynaecologist
  • Full history taking
  • Colposcopy procedure
  • Explanation of results
  • Recommendation for any required tests (tests are always charged in addition to the appointment)
  • Detailed written report emailed or posted to you and your GP
  • Arrangement for prescription and onward referral if required
  • Direct access for any urgent health concerns

  This package is our consultation + colposcopy package and is priced at £675 (as priced at date of publication)

  If you are a self-paying patient and are considering booking in for a package please discuss any queries with the practice secretary.

  Make an appointment

  If you would like to enquire about a colposcopy or learn more about any of our services please call 0207 10 11 700 or email our team on [email protected]

  If you are unsure whether you need a colposcopy and therefore interested in a consultation, please visit our fees page for pricing.

  London Gynaecology is proud to be rated of 4.9/5 overall by patients across Trustpilot, Google and Doctify.