PCOS is a condition associated with certain hormones within the body, and affects roughly one in 10 women. 

There are several helpful resources available, including the Ask PCOS app, developed by the leading PCOS experts worldwide. 

Endometriosis is a complex condition which can cause painful periods or potentially affect fertility. It is common effecting 1 in 7 women by the age of 50.

Pelvic pain can be associated with endometriosis but also has many other causes relating to the pelvic floor muscles, nerves and bowel and bladder related conditions.

Menopause is the time in your life when you have had your last period and may develop symptoms relating to hormone changes. The average age for menopause is 52 years but may occur earlier than expected.

Many women experience incontinence problems — often these can be noticed after childbirth and menopause, but it is not limited to those who have been through these experiences. 

Vaginal prolapse occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and fascia holding the pelvic organs in their correct positions become weakened. 

Your best protection against cervical cancer, this test detects the presence of HPV which, if untreated, can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. As cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it is important to ensure you are screened once over the age of 25. 

There are some great resources online to find out more about what can cause changes to your menstrual cycle and period, and what treatments are available if you need help. 

Many things can affect your fertility, and not being able to conceive can be understandably distressing. It's important to speak with your doctor to understand your options and learn more about any concerns you may have about your fertility. 

Additionally there are many resources online that can also help support and guide you through this. 

It is important not to suffer in silence when you have pain or a concern relating to vulval care. 

This depends on the type of closure method and dressing applied to your wound. There are two possible methods used for either laparoscopic or open wounds:

• Skin glue is a water-proof adhesive that will hold the skin together while it heals. You will not need a dressing over the top and can shower like normal. The glue will come off on its own over the first 1-2 weeks.
• Dissolvable stitches are under the skin which do not need removing. You will have a dressing over the wound which can go in the shower and then pat dry afterwards. You can remove the dressings after 5 days and leave the wounds open.

You will be given instructions specific to you when you are discharged from the hospital. However common pain tablets prescribed include:

• Paracetamol: 1g (2 tablets) every 4-6 hours (do not take more than 8 tablets in a 24-hour period). Taking paracetamol regularly can decrease your need for stronger medications.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg. Voltaren, Nurofen, Advil, Ibuprofen): follow the dosing directions on the packet and ensure you take them with food to prevent stomach upset. Taking anti-inflammatory tablets regularly can decrease your need for stronger medications. These can be taken at the same time as paracetamol.
• Oxycodone/Tapentadol: directions for the appropriate dose for you will be on the box. This is a strong pain medication and should be only used as long as severe pain persists. Once the pain improves, oxycodone should be the first medication to stop.

Day surgery (minor procedures):

• You should not drive for 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic.
• You can resume driving when you are comfortable, not in pain and not requiring strong pain relief (ie. oxycodone or tapentadol).

Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery):

• You can generally begin driving within 1-2 weeks of your surgery, however if you have had a laparoscopic hysterectomy it may take 2-4 weeks before you can drive.
• You can resume driving when you are comfortable, not in pain and not requiring strong pain relief (ie. oxycodone or tapentadol).

Open surgery (caesarean type cut or up and down cut on the abdomen):

• It may take 4-6 weeks before you are able to drive.
• You can resume driving when you are able to comfortably move your feet between the pedals and perform an emergency break. You should also not be taking strong pain relief (ie. oxycodone or tapentadol).

Lifting:

• You should be careful lifting heavy objects. If you lift something and feel pain in your abdomen, then it is too heavy.
• If you have had a hysterectomy or a prolapse repair then you should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg for at least 6 weeks after your surgery, preferably 12 weeks. This will improve the outcome of your surgery.
• You should organise for family or friends to assist with house hold chores and shopping during your recovery.

Moving around and exercise:

• You will be tired when you go home but it is important that you move around every day. Initially you can take short walks around your house, building up to longer walks over the next days to weeks.
• The timing for returning to strenuous activity or exercise will vary depending on your surgery, we can give you advice specific to you when you are discharged from the hospital.

You should monitor your wounds for signs of infection:

• Redness around the wound
• Surrounding skin becoming hot
• Discharge from the wound
• Worsening pain around the wound

If there is a minor infection, you can clean the wound with betadine twice daily and apply a new dressing. 

If there are ongoing symptoms or you are concerned please contact us for further advice.

Constipation is common after surgery and may be made worse due to the strong pain medications such as oxycodone or tapentadol. Make sure you maintain good hydration with water and dietary changes increasing fibre, fruits and/or prunes. Multiple over the counter medications are available from the pharmacy:

• Coloxyl and senna 1-2 tablets twice a day
• Lactulose 30ml up to 3 times a day
• Microlax enema following the instruction of the packet

If your constipation persists please contact us for further advice.

Minor surgery or laparoscopy:

• It is common to have a small amount of bleeding after a minor vaginal procedure (such as a hysteroscopy or a curette) or a laparoscopy which may last for about a week.
• You should avoid using tampons, going swimming or having intercourse for a week after the surgery.

Hysterectomy:

• It is normal to have light vaginal bleeding after a hysterectomy, lasting for 2-4 weeks.
• You should avoid using tampons, going swimming or having intercourse for 6 weeks after the surgery.
• If you have heavy bleeding or there is bad smelling discharge, please contact us for further advice.

• Cramping or period type pain may last for a few days after having an IUD inserted. This can be treated with a combination of paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Persistent bleeding or intermittent spotting bleeding can last a few weeks or even a few months in some cases.

If you experience worsening abdominal pain, fevers or bad smelling vaginal discharge in the days/weeks following insertion of your IUD, please contact us for further advice.