Reasons patients seek gynaecology care
Periods & bleeding
Irregular, heavy, prolonged, frequent or painful periods; bleeding between periods; bleeding after sex; or bleeding after menopause.
Hormonal & reproductive health
PCOS, cycle changes, fertility-related concerns, adolescent menstrual health and menopause symptoms.
Pelvic conditions
Endometriosis, fibroids, endometrial or cervical polyps, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain and discomfort during intercourse.
Everyday & preventive care
Vaginal discharge or infection, contraception, HPV vaccination, cervical screening and age-appropriate check-ups.
Irregular, heavy or painful periods
Changes in periods can relate to pregnancy, PCOS, thyroid concerns, perimenopause, medicines, stress, weight change, structural conditions such as fibroids or polyps, or other causes. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, blood tests, examination or ultrasound depending on the pattern.
Treatment is based on the cause, impact on health and daily life, age and fertility goals. Options can include observation, correction of anaemia, lifestyle support, medicines, hormonal treatment or a procedure when indicated.
PCOS
PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect periods, ovulation, skin, hair and long-term health. Diagnosis is not based on ultrasound alone. The plan should match the main concern, such as cycle control, fertility, acne or hair growth, metabolic risk, or a combination.
Endometriosis and pelvic pain
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. Symptoms may include painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, bowel or bladder symptoms around periods, or fertility difficulty. Symptoms and scan findings do not always match severity.
Management can include pain relief, hormonal treatment, fertility planning, physiotherapy or surgery in selected cases. The decision is individual and should consider symptoms, previous treatment, imaging and future pregnancy plans.
Fibroids, polyps and ovarian cysts
These findings are common and often discovered on ultrasound. Their significance depends on type, size, location, symptoms, change over time, age and fertility goals.
Does every ovarian cyst require surgery?
No. Many simple or functional cysts resolve or remain safe to observe. Surgery may be considered for persistent, large, symptomatic, complex or concerning cysts, or when complications are suspected.
When should fibroids be removed?
Removal may be considered when fibroids cause significant bleeding, anaemia, pressure or pain; affect the uterine cavity or fertility in selected cases; grow or appear concerning; or do not respond to less invasive treatment. Size alone is not the only factor.
Can an endometrial polyp affect fertility?
It may in some cases, particularly depending on its location and size, but the decision to remove a polyp should consider symptoms, fertility history, imaging certainty and the overall treatment plan.
Vaginal infections and abnormal discharge
Discharge can be normal or related to infection, irritation, sexually transmitted infection or another condition. Colour alone is not enough to diagnose the cause. Examination and targeted testing can prevent repeated, unnecessary broad treatment.
Contraception and family planning
Contraceptive choice depends on health history, bleeding pattern, pregnancy plans, preferences, convenience and possible side effects. Options may include condoms, oral pills, injectable contraception, intrauterine devices, implants where available and appropriate, or permanent methods.
Adolescent gynaecology
Teenagers may need support for period problems, severe pain, delayed or early puberty, PCOS-related symptoms, discharge, contraception or questions about sexual and reproductive health. Consultations are respectful, age-appropriate and attentive to consent and privacy.
Preventive women’s healthcare
- HPV vaccination counselling according to age and health context
- Cervical-cancer screening based on current recommendations and individual history
- Contraception review and reproductive-life planning
- Menopause and bone-health conversations
- Preventive check-ups guided by age, symptoms and risk factors
Menopause care
Perimenopause and menopause can affect bleeding, sleep, mood, temperature regulation, sexual comfort, bone health and cardiovascular risk. Care may involve lifestyle measures, non-hormonal treatments or menopausal hormone therapy after an individual assessment of benefits, risks and contraindications.
Seek urgent assessment for very heavy bleeding with weakness or fainting, sudden severe pelvic pain, pain with vomiting or fever, suspected ectopic pregnancy, severe pain with a positive pregnancy test, or any symptom that makes you acutely unwell. Bleeding after menopause also requires timely evaluation.
Draft prepared for medical review by Dr. Ishita Dwivedi (Chaturvedi), MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology). Publication and last-updated dates will be added only after that review. Educational content; not individual medical advice.