ConditionsA to Z.
Short, plain-English explanations of the conditions and procedures Dr Dharsh sees most, with links to read more.
A
- Abnormal Pap smear
- Cervical cells that look different from normal on screening. Usually caused by HPV and rarely cancer; followed up with a repeat test, an HPV test or colposcopy.
B
- Bleeding after sex
- Also called postcoital bleeding. Can be caused by a growth on the cervix or an infection, and should always be checked.
- Bleeding between periods
- Also called intermenstrual bleeding. Can be caused by polyps, fibroids, infection or hormonal changes.
C
- Caesarean section
- Delivery of a baby through a cut in the tummy and womb, planned in advance or done when needed during labour.
- Cervical screening
- Regular tests to find cervical cell changes early: a Pap test every 3 years from 25 to 29, and an HPV test every 5 years from 30 to 69, in Singapore.
- Cystitis
- A bladder infection causing pain or burning when passing urine and a frequent need to go. Treated with medication.
E
- Ectopic pregnancy
- A pregnancy growing outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. A medical emergency that needs urgent care.
- Endometriosis
- Tissue similar to the womb lining growing outside the womb, causing pelvic pain, painful periods and sometimes fertility problems.
F
- Fibroids
- Non-cancerous growths of the womb muscle. Often silent, but can cause heavy periods, pressure symptoms or fertility problems.
G
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy, usually tested between 24 and 28 weeks, and usually resolving after birth.
H
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Periods heavy enough to affect daily life, such as soaking protection every one to two hours or lasting over seven days.
- HPV vaccination
- A vaccine that protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, best given before any exposure to HPV.
- Hysteroscopy
- A thin camera passed through the cervix to look inside the womb, and to remove polyps or some fibroids without cuts on the tummy.
I
- Infertility
- Not conceiving after 12 months of regular unprotected sex. If you are 35 or older, assessment is advised after 6 months. Both partners are assessed.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Placing prepared sperm directly into the womb around the time of ovulation, to help conception.
- Irregular periods
- Cycles that vary a lot in length, or long gaps between periods. Often hormonal and usually treatable.
L
- Laparoscopy
- Keyhole surgery through small cuts in the tummy, used to diagnose and treat conditions such as ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
M
- Menopause
- The point when periods have stopped for 12 months, usually between ages 45 and 55.
O
- Ovarian cysts
- Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Most are functional and disappear on their own; some need keyhole surgery.
P
- Painful periods
- Also called dysmenorrhoea. Period pain that affects daily life is worth checking, as it can be a sign of endometriosis or fibroids.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infection of the womb, fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing pelvic pain. Diagnosed with swabs and treated with antibiotics.
- Perimenopause
- The years before menopause, when hormone levels change and periods, sleep, mood and temperature control can be affected.
- Polyps
- Small growths of the womb lining that can cause irregular bleeding or affect fertility. Removed with hysteroscopy.
T
- Teenage gynaecology
- Care for girls and young women from their first period through the teenage years, including period problems and HPV vaccination.
V
- Vaginismus
- Involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles that makes sex or examinations difficult. Treated gently with dilators and guidance.
Not sure what your symptoms mean?
Book a consultation and talk it through with Dr Dharsh.