women's health

Conditions Treated

The Portland Hospital offers a compassionate, convenient alternative for the assessment and treatment of:

Gynaecology

Colposcopy (for abnormal smears): A Colposcopy is a procedure in which a special magnifying device with a light called a colposcope is used to visually examine the vagina and cervix. This procedure is normally carried out after a smear result is found to be abnormal as it gives more information about abnormal cells that could lead to cancer. The procedure can be used to direct the location of where a tissue biopsy should be done and it can also be used to monitor treatment of cervix abnormalities
Cystitis: Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. The bladder is the part of the urinary tract that collects the urine from the kidneys which normally contains no micro-organisms. However, sometimes bacteria or yeast from the lower gastrointestinal tract or rectal area enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra (tube that allows urine to pass out from the bladder). When bacteria or yeast cling to the urethra, they can multiply and infect the urethra. They can then travel up and infect the bladder. Most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria from the rectal area.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a chronic disease involving endometrial tissue. Normally, endometrial tissue is found only inside the uterus, the reproductive organ where a foetus develops. Hormones direct the tissue to accumulate there, in preparation for a fertilised egg. If conception does not occur, the tissue passes out of the body during menstruation. In endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue is found outside the uterus. It may be found on organs in the abdomen, pelvis, or another location. Outside the uterus, the tissue continues to respond to hormones. It swells, breaks down, and bleeds, but it is unable to pass from the body during menstruation. Surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, often with scarring.
Fibroids: Fibroids are growths that form in the uterus (womb). They are benign (not cancerous) and are made up of muscle fibre. Fibroids can be as small as a pea and can grow as large as a melon. Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s, and tend to shrink after the menopause.
Health screening (smears): A diagnostic test of a sample of cells is collected from the surface of a woman's cervix (the lower, narrow end of a woman's uterus) to check for inflammation, infection or abnormalities that can develop into cancer.
Incontinence/Urogynaecology: Urinary incontinence is the loss of voluntary bladder control leading to the leakage of urine. It can be temporary or chronic. Incontinence is a symptom, not a condition in itself. In some cases, incontinence may have several different causes or sometimes the cause is unclear.
Infections (UTI, Pelvic inflammatory disease): Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that invade the urinary system and multiply. The infection can occur in any part of the urinary system, but usually starts in the urethra (a tube that carries the urine out of the body).

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. These include the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID can cause scar tissue to form in the pelvis and fallopian tubes. This damage may result in infertility, a future tubal pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain.
Menopause and HRT: Menopause is the time when the menstrual period ceases and the ovaries permanently stop releasing eggs. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for a full year. Although menopause can occur anytime between ages 40-58, the average age is 51 years old. Natural menopause is a gradual process. The ovaries begin producing lower amounts of hormones prior to menopause during a phase called perimenopause.
Prolapse: Your uterus (womb) is normally held in place by various muscles, tissue and ligaments. Prolapse of the uterus occurs when the muscles supporting the uterus become so weak that the uterus cannot stay in place so it slips down from its normal position. This can happen in various stages.
Premenstrual syndrome: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder marked by physical and emotional symptoms. It affects women one or two weeks before the beginning of their menstrual period. The cause of PMS is unknown. It may be that a complex combination of environmental, metabolic, and behavioural factors produces a 'vulnerability' to the hormonal changes associated with menstruation. A brain chemical, serotonin, may play a role in severe forms of PMS.

Contraception

Women need contraception for most of their reproductive lives and their needs differ at different stages; teenage, early (20 to 35 years old), late reproductive (36 to 45 years old) and Perimenopausal.

All methods of contraception including pills, patches, injections, implants, vaginal diaphragm and various coils (namely copper IUCD, GyneFix, and Mirena) are provided with the latest comprehensive information, guidance and advice and tailored to your individual needs.

Sexual Health

These services are dedicated to helping women, and their partners, care for and enjoy their sexual health. Seeing a specialist assures expert treatment and confidential advice. Listening with respect gives you the confidence to discuss even the most embarrassing of concerns with courtesy, care and confidentiality.

HPV vaccination
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus which causes genital warts and cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, which now has its European license, gives excellent protection for teenagers and women who have never come across the virus before.

Early Pregnancy Unit

Miscarriage: Miscarriage refers to the premature end of a pregnancy before the developing baby is able to survive outside the womb. Miscarriage can occur during the first or second trimester, before 20 weeks. Most occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and most miscarriages are unexpected and isolated events. About 15%-20% of recognized pregnancies end this way.
Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows in a location other than the lining of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies (95%) occur within a fallopian tube. Rare locations include on the cervix, in the abdomen, or on an ovary. An ectopic pregnancy cannot survive because only the uterus can support the growth of a foetus. If an ectopic pregnancy bursts a fallopian tube, it is a medical emergency that threatens the life of the mother. Ectopic pregnancies occur with a frequency of 1 in 100-200 diagnosed pregnancies. Most ectopic pregnancies occur because the fallopian tube is not functioning normally.

Breast Care

The Portland Hospital offers a fast and efficient service for women with symptomatic breast conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of breast surgeons, radiologists and nursing staff provide comprehensive care for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Diagnostic Infertility

Consultant Gynaecologists are available to discuss the diagnostic options available for the investigation and treatment of infertility. Please note that assisted reproduction is available through our sister hospital, The Lister, based in Chelsea.

Diagnostic Oncology

Oncology is the area of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of cancer.

Cervical: The cervix is the neck of the womb and is located at the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer develops if the cells of the cervix become abnormal and grow out of control. If abnormal cells are caught early, which they often are through the cervical screening programme, cancer can often be prevented or treated.
Ovarian: There are various types of ovarian cancer. The most common type affects the cells forming the surface layer of the ovaries, called epithelial cells. Epithelial cell cancer makes up 90% of cases of ovarian cancer. The other types of ovarian cancer are mostly germ cell cancers, which arise from the egg-making cells of the ovary.
Endometrial: The uterus (womb) is part of the female reproductive system and is located at the top of the vagina. It is where a baby grows during pregnancy. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium and is shed each month as part of your period. Most cancers of the uterus develop in the lining and are called endometrial cancer. Cancer of the uterus can also be called uterine cancer.

Minor Cosmetics

Termination of Pregnancy

Social Termination (up to 12 weeks)
Medical Termination (up to 23 weeks)
Counselling

Osteoporosis (bone density)

Osteoporosis means just as the name suggests - porous bones (also often called thinning of the bones). It is remarkably common: one in three women and one in 12 men in the UK develop osteoporosis, a rate that is increasing by about 10% each year.

Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor therapy
Pelvic floor muscle assessment and re-education for continence problems, weak pelvic floor or sexual dysfunction.

Complementary therapies

The Physiotherapy department are pleased to offer Bowen therapy, acupuncture/ dry needling, massage and reflexology as an alternative approach to relieving pregnancy or gynaecology related discomfort or simply to soothe and restore.

Imaging

Summary of services (pre and during admission)
Appointment request
Frequently Asked Questions
2007 Prices