News

• 3rd March 2025  |  Posted by Evan Doan

  17 Questions About Vaginas and Sexual Health

  Many questions remain unanswered or are too sensitive or embarrassing to ask during a gynaecology appointment. Miss Aref-Adib spoke with Stylist to address some of the common concerns that many patients think about but are too afraid to bring up. With over half a million people in the UK waiting for a gynaecology appointment, there is ample opportunity for unanswered questions to arise.

  Some of the questions addressed include:
  – Is penetrative sex ever going to feel as good after I’ve had a baby?
  – My discharge seems to be bleaching my underwear – is that normal?
  – I feel I’ve got too much labia skin. What’s a ‘normal’ size, and at what point should I consider surgery?
  – How has being a gynaecologist shaped the way you view your own vagina and vulva?
  – What’s the coolest thing about vaginas people don’t know?

  You can read the full article, From post-baby sex to smells and UTIs: 17 questions about vaginas and sexual health that you’re too embarrassed to ask – answered by gynaecologists, here.

  If you have any questions you’d like answered or need further information on a specific treatment, feel free to contact us.

• 27th February 2025  |  Posted by Evan Doan

  The WID-Easy Test – An Innovative Test for Post Menopausal Bleeding

  London Gynaecology will be offering an innovative test which saves several patients from having to undergo invasive procedures for a diagnosis. WID-easy is a genetic test for people suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding during or after menopause.

  How is the WID-easy test carried out? How does it work?

  Your clinician will take a sample from your vagina and behind your cervix, similar to a PAP smear test, and send it to the lab for analysis. Samples are collected before a transvaginal ultrasound and the overall procedure is simple. WID-easy measures chemical modifications (specifically the methylation levels of DNA in the GYPC and ZSCAN12 genes) of your DNA from your cervix and womb which indicates the presence or absence of cancer cells.

  The Benefits

  The WID-easy test saves many patients from having to undergo invasive surgery to diagnose whether cancer is the cause of the bleeding. It assists in assessing the urgency of treatment and identifying the appropriate type of treatment needed. WID-easy helps you make informed decisions about your next steps in care, while helping you avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.

  • Accurate – results have shown unnecessary follow-up procedures to be reduced by over 90% without missing cancers.
  • Rapid – it has been designed for quick analysis, providing fast results within days.
  • Simple – the cervical and vaginal swab sample collection is minimally invasive.

  WID-easy can be used alongside other diagnostic procedures such as transvaginal ultrasounds however it should be conducted before applying lubricant and taking samples for tests like a PAP smear. It can also simplify diagnosis for women with fibroids or a high BMI.

  The WID-easy Test in 7 Steps

  

  1. 1. The swab is inserted into the vagina in the upper vaginal region around the cervix.
  2. 2. For 2-3 seconds, the swab is slowly rotated 360 degrees.
  3. 3. It is then placed in an eNAT® tube to the predetermined level.
  4. 4. The sample is deposited within the break point marked in red.
  5. 5. The tube is then stored safely in an upright position before being sent to a lab.
  6. 6. Analysis of the sample is performed by a lab using PCR, similar to a COVID test.
  7. 7. Results are then sent to London Gynaecology within a few days.

  What Is the Cost of a WID-Easy Test?

  • The WID-easy test is available to self-pay patients for £450 and is not currently covered by insurance.
  • For each test, £20 will be donated to the Eve Appeal.

  The WID-easy test was developed by researchers at University College London and the University of Innsbruck, in collaboration with The Eve Appeal, the UK’s largest gynaecological cancer charity. To show our support, we donate to The Eve Appeal for each test used.

  Where Can I Find More Information on WID-Easy?

  For more information on WID-easy, please visit AGHealth. Please do not hesitate to ask our expert gynaecologists about WID-easy during your next appointment.

• 22nd January 2025  |  Posted by Emma Orman

  Cervical Screening Awareness and Recommendations: How To Make Your Smear Test More Comfortable

  It is extremely important to attend regular cervical screening appointments and to adopt other preventive care such as having the HPV vaccination – both help significantly with cancer prevention.

  Cervical screenings – more commonly known as a smear test – can be a painful experience, and we understand that for many women and people with a cervix, the expected discomfort may be discouraging. Our consultants and nurses have helped support thousands of people through this process over the past two decades – here are some tips to make your cervical screening more comfortable:

  
  1. Listen to music or watch TV: Nowadays with smartphones, watching a movie or listening to music or a podcast is easy to do in any location. Take your headphones and your phone and get prepared to zone out. And don’t worry, if you do forget your headphones ask the nurse if she minds you watching or listening anyway.
  
  2. Equipment: Ask, if available, for the nurse to use a plastic speculum or a small speculum. Plastic is often warmer than metal and it’s clear so it’s easier for the nurse to see the cervix and a smaller speculum is more comfortable. They aren’t always available but don’t be afraid to ask.
  
  3. Count from 1 to 100: Paula Radcliffe used to use this strategy towards the end of her marathon and many patients have found it useful. Often the smear is done well before you get to 50.
  
  4. Paracetamol: Take a dose of paracetamol 30 minutes before your smear which will take some of the discomfort away.
  
  5. Numbing gel: If all else fails, ask the nurse to use a small amount of numbing gel. Previously there was a concern that the gel would affect the smear cytology but with liquid based cytology which is used nowadays a small amount of gel will not interfere with the quality.
  
  6. Vaginal oestrogen cream: If you have vaginal dryness symptoms linked to breast feeding or menopause ask for local vaginal oestrogen cream. This can make a smear test much more comfortable and is a very safe treatment. It can be stopped 2 days prior to the smear test. In addition to, or as an alternative to, local oestrogen, using a good pH-balanced vaginal moisturiser several times a week can be very beneficial such as YES vaginal moisturiser.
  
  7. Practicing with a speculum: If you are concerned about the speculum, why not ask your practice nurse if you can try one out at home to get used to the sensation.
  
  8. Communicate: If it feels uncomfortable or you feel worried at any point during your smear, ask the smear taker to stop. We can go at your pace.
  
  9. Relax: Try taking slow and deep breaths which can help to relax your pelvic muscles. Find a technique that works for you – mindfully changing your breathing patterns can improve relaxation which in turn will help to make the appointment smoother and quicker.
  
  10. Ask for specialist care: For anyone who has experience trauma or FGM often referral to a specialist service is best. Your healthcare provider will be able to arrange this for you. It is reasonable to ask for adjustments when you have a cervical screening although many are unaware that their tests can be slightly altered – as highlighted by The Eve Appeal.

   
  In general, there remains a knowledge gap and lack of understanding around what a cervical screening is for and how it can help.

  People with a cervix aged from 25 to 64 are offered the NHS cervical screening programme in England and routine screening is offered every 3 years up to the age of 49; every 5 years for those from 50 to 64 years old.

  The NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2023-2024 annual report, published in November 2024 by NHS England, showed:

  • Only 63% of 5.12 million individuals invited to book an appointment were tested.
  • 31.2% of 25 to 64-year-olds were not screened within the recommended time.
  • For the 2023-24 period, there was a 1.8% increase in referrals (approximately 250,000) to colposcopy considering all ages and referral reasons.

  Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV or think that you have not seen or experienced any symptoms, it is still important to attend cervical screening appointments.

  We encourage anyone whose test is overdue to book their appointment. If you have any questions or need further information, London Gynaecology can help.

• 13th June 2024  |  Posted by Alina Kalinina

  How to help relieve period pain at home

  Dr Claire Phipps, GP and Advanced Menopause Specialist at London Gynaecology, spoke to GoodToKnow about several strategies designed to provide relief and soothe menstrual pain during your period.

  Period cramps can be debilitating, but there are several effective home remedies to alleviate the discomfort. Here are some doctor-recommended strategies to help you feel better:

  1. Apply Heat

  Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad on your lower abdomen can significantly reduce menstrual pain. A warm bath can also provide soothing relief.

  2. Stay Active

  Engaging in regular exercise helps to reduce cramps. Activities like yoga and Pilates are particularly beneficial for gentle stretching and muscle relaxation.

  3. Massage

  Gently massaging your abdomen can ease muscle tension and reduce pain. Use essential oils like lavender or peppermint for added relief.

  4. Watch Your Diet

  Certain dietary adjustments can make a difference. Avoid sugar and dairy, which can exacerbate inflammation. Instead, focus on anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens.

  5. Hydrate and Sleep Well

  Drinking plenty of water helps reduce bloating, which can make cramps worse. Ensure you get adequate sleep to help your body manage pain more effectively.

  6. Increase Magnesium Intake

  Magnesium-rich foods such as bananas, almonds, and spinach can help relax muscles and reduce cramping.

  7. Try a TENs Machine

  A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENs) machine can provide pain relief by sending mild electrical pulses through the skin.

  Incorporating these strategies into your routine can help manage and alleviate period cramps, making your menstrual cycle more bearable.

• 11th June 2024  |  Posted by Alina Kalinina

  Cost of Uterine Artery Embolisation for Fibroids

  We understand that many patients self-fund their medical treatment, making early visibility of the costs involved essential. At London Gynaecology, we offer self-pay packages to ensure patients can easily understand the costs associated with their treatment.

  What is the Cost of Uterine Artery Embolisation for Fibroids?

  The cost for uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for fibroids starts from £7,750.

  What Does the Cost Include?

  The charges for the uterine artery embolisation procedure for fibroids include:

  • Hospital fees
  • Surgical fees
  • Anaesthetist
  • Post-procedure follow-up consultation

  Does the Cost of Uterine Artery Embolisation for Fibroids Vary?

  The cost is dependent on the specific case. An accurate quotation will be provided following your consultation with an Interventional Radiologist. Please note that the charges on this page are correct at the time of writing. For our latest fees, please visit our Fees page.