Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Gynaecology is the medical specialty that deals with problems related to fertility, menstruation, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hormone disorders.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder that is common among women who are of reproductive age. PCOD may cause prolonged or irregular menstrual periods and also increase the level of androgen (a male hormone) in the body. The ovaries may develop small fluid-filled sacks and the regular release of eggs may be affected. The long term complications of PCOS include heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Complications include infertility, high blood pressure, miscarriage, premature birth, excessive uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, and more.

The cause of PCOS is commonly attributed to insulin resistance. Early diagnosis of the condition to enable treatment to begin (often weight loss may also be required) will open the door to a faster recovery hence mitigating long term complications. At NMC our PCOS screening procedures will enable early detection and effective treatment of the condition.

Adolescent Wellness

A woman’s body undergoes many changes with the onset of puberty. The changes and the altered emotional responses also place a young woman under physical and psychological strain. Mothers and other elder female members of the family are there to help the young girl understand the changes and deal with the effects. However, often that is not enough. Girls are often frightened or embarrassed about discussing sexual health and wellbeing and issues like birth control with family members. They may not appreciate the seriousness of any gynaecological problems they may be having. NMC’s highly qualified and experienced doctors and support staff know how to make patients comfortable so that can discuss any physical issues that may be worrying them and also discuss all matters related to adolescent health with trained professionals. From annual check-ups to spot any potential problems early and begin treatment to answering questions on gynaecological health, NMC is a most comprehensive adolescent wellness resource.

Urogynecology

Urogynecology is the field of medicine that that deals with medical conditions affecting the female pelvis. This includes conditions such as a sagging bladder pelvic organ prolapse (the sagging of the uterus, urinary bladder or intestine).

Urogynecology is a relatively new medical specialization. While the problems of the pelvic regions have been known for a long time, it was only in 2011 that the American Board of Medical Specialties approved the certification making urogynecology its own field of study. The rest of the world followed suit. The common problems urogynecology deals with include overactive bladders, incontinence, weak pelvic muscles, reproductive issues, etc. Treatment options will depend on the nature of the condition and any health factors the patient may have that could affect the treatment process. Treatments include exercises, medications, pessaries, nerve stimulation and surgery. At NMC our urogynecologists will diagnose, evaluate and treat problems using the latest medical advances.

Menstrual Disorders

Menstrual disorders is an umbrella term that covers any medical problem that affects a woman’s menstrual cycle. The cycle is regulated by the production of hormones by the metabolic system. There are many types of menstrual disorders including:

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding.
  • Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Amenorrhea - the absence of menstrual bleeding
  • Oligomenorrhea - light or infrequent menstruation
  • Fibroids - noncancerous uterine tumours
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - physical and emotional discomfort prior to menstruation

Menstrual disorders may have a wide range of symptoms. These can include, but at not limited to:

  • A change in bleeding pattern
  • Pain or cramping
  • Bloating or fullness in the abdomen
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain during intercourse
  • White discharge

Any sign of menstrual disorders should not be ignored. Problems often begin with just a little discomfort. The earlier a patient comes to NMC, the earlier we can diagnose the condition and begin treatment. The earlier treatment is begun, the quicker the recovery.

Menopause

Menopause is part of the natural aging process, but it does mark a period of significant changesoccurring in a woman’s body. It generally begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and normally lasts for 7 years, but it can extend to 14 years. During the time, known as the menopausal transition, the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuates causing irregular periods, hot flashes, cramps, insomnia and other problems. Because of the hormonal changes, bones become less dense and more prone to fractures. The body’s use of energy also changes which makes it easy for weight to be gained.

Menopause is a natural occurrence. What often adds to the stress of the condition is that it happens at a stage of a woman’s life when other transitions are occurring–children are moving away, elderly parents need to be cared for and so on.

That does not mean that the pain, discomfort and emotional stress that it causes cannot be treated. If you are in the menopausal age group regular check-ups at NMC will help to detect the early signs of the condition developing so that medication (if required) to control the symptoms and other support services may be provided to help you get through this transitional phase.

Termination of Pregnancy Services

Abortion is not a subject that people want to talk about. However, it is a serious matter that affects the lives of all those involved. There are various reasons why a woman may want to go in for termination of pregnancy:

  • The pregnancy may put the mother’s life at risk
  • The foetus shows signs of being deformed
  • The woman or family may not be economically able to support the child
  • The pregnancy may be the result of rape or incest
  • Social pressures may compel it

Whatever be the reason there are various regulations that govern the conducting of abortions. A woman who comes to NMC is assured of confidentiality, understanding, and if she is a candidate for an abortion, a safe procedure from which she will soon recover and which will not affect her ability to have children in the future when she is ready for it.

At NMC a doctor will conduct a detailed examination to determine if there are any health issues that may affect the process and if any are found, begin treatment to stop them from affecting the abortion procedure. The type of procedure that will be used will depend on the patients’ health and the stage of the pregnancy.

If you come to NMC for an abortion not only are you assured of the best treatment and the use of the most advanced procedures, you will get the support you need to deal with any post-abortion problems that may arise.

Contraception and Family Planning

The subject of contraception and family planning is a very sensitive and a personal one. It involves the most intimate aspects of a woman’s personal life. That being said, it is also a subject that is most important, both in terms of physical health and also mental and spiritual wellbeing. Sexual intercourse is a normal and important part of life and must not be ignored. Unwanted or unplanned pregnancies can have a major impact on not just your life but that of your spouse or partner. Family planning is a complex subject – there are several methods of contraception. Knowing which one is right for you in terms of being right for your body and easy to use requires expert knowledge. At NMC our highly qualified and experienced medical specialists understand the sensitivity of the subject. They will make the discussion easy for you so that you can ask all your questions and obtain all the information you need to make the family planning decisions and choices that are right for you.

The security and peace of mind that comes from being sure of your family planning choices will add to the quality of your life.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

There is a great deal of misinformation about sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases come in various forms and are generally passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact may be of any kind -vaginal, oral or anal sex. However, there are some infections such as herpes or HPV that may be passed on by other intimate acts or by skin-to-skin contact.

There are over 20 types of sexually transmitted infections/diseases and these include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV/AIDS
  • HPV
  • Pubic lice
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

These diseases are spread by bacteria, viruses and parasites.

While both men and women are equally at risk of infection, the seriousness of the condition and possible complications are normally greater for women.

If you suspect you have an infection or have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, the earlier the diagnosis is confirmed and treatment begun, the faster the cure and recovery. At NMC our doctors understand the sensitivity of the matter and deal with patients with sensitivity and understanding so that they are able to discuss the problem freely, knowing their confidence will be respected. With highly-trained specialists, state-of-the-art laboratory and diagnostic equipment, and the latest treatment protocols, NMC is where you will find the best treatment options.

Gynaecologic Cancers

There are many types of cancer and each type is named for the part of the body where it is first detected. The term "gynaecologic cancer" means that the cancer is in a woman’s reproductive organs. The most common types of gynaecologic cancer include:

  • Cervical cancer that starts in the cervix – the lower end of the uterus.
  • Ovarian cancer that begins in the ovaries which are on each side of the uterus.
  • Uterine cancer, which starts in the uterus – the organ where the foetus grows in a pregnant woman.
  • Vaginal cancer is that which begins in the vagina- the tube-like channel that runs from the uterus to the outside of the body.
  • Vulvar cancer is a cancer that starts in the vulva, which is the outer portion of a woman’s sexual organs.

The symptoms of these types of cancer vary significantly and many women make the mistake of ignoring early warning signs thinking that they are just minor disorders that will settle themselves. This is a very serious mistake. The rapid advances in modern medicine mean that the possibilities of recovery and a return to normal life are today far greater than they have ever been. Early detection and treatment are the keys. At NMC we have state-of-the-art facilities for the diagnosis, preventive screening and early diagnosis of gynaecologic cancers and the most experienced and qualified specialists in the field to provide the best possible treatment.

The importance of being regularly screened and tested for gynaecologic cancers cannot be overstated. The earlier cancer is detected the better. Our gynaecology department has the most modern testing and screening facilities. A negative test result will give you peace of mind. If the result is positive, the early detection and treatment maximize the speed of the recovery.

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