Benign Gynaecology

About 1 in 20 smear tests show mild cell changes.

If your cervical smear test indicates abnormal cells are present your consultant may recommend a colposcopy to examine the cells and tissue in your vagina and cervix.

A cone biopsy is performed to investigate abnormal cells in your cervix.

Cytology is a form of pathology that diagnoses diseases and abnormalities at a cell level using a microscope.

A small sample of cells may be taken from the lining of your womb, cervix or vagina by a gynaecologist or specialist nurse.

A Gynaecological ultrasound is often used to examine conditions affecting the organs in a woman's pelvis - the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

To fully examine the inside of your uterus (womb) your consultant may recommend a hysteroscopy.

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and sit either side of the womb.

A smear test, or cervical screening, is used to detect abnormal cells in your cervix (the entrance to your womb).

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure to investigate and treat problems with your womb such as heavy or abnormal bleeding, abnormal growths (polyps) or cancer of the womb.

If you experience heavy periods that do not respond to conservative treatments methods your consultant may recommend endometrial ablation.

If you have heavy periods or fibroids or polyps in your uterus (womb) your consultant may commend endometrial resection. During this procedure your consultant will remove the lining of your womb (the endometrium).

Female sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception. It involves blocking both fallopian tubes to prevent you from becoming pregnant.

A hormonal coil is a form of birth control (contraception) called an intrauterine system (IUS).

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces your lost hormones to counteract the effects of the menopause.

To fully examine the inside of your uterus (womb) your consultant may recommend a hysteroscopy. This procedure can be used to both diagnose and treat problems.

An ovarian cystectomy can be carried out through two different types of surgery.

If your pelvic floor disease symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment your consultant may recommend surgery for pelvic floor repair.

When the muscles and ligaments in your vagina become weak the organs (including your bladder, bowel or uterus) they support may push forward or prolapse.