Gynaecology describes the medical field of women’s health. It covers anything that could go wrong with the organs and structures of your body that enable you to have a baby.

Gynaecological/reproductive health is not always straight-forward, and things can go wrong from time to time. Knowing your body and having the right information and advice can help you manage many difficulties without needing help from a doctor or other specialist.

This website has detailed information on many areas of women’s health:

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Symptoms

The following symptoms and conditions are common, but aren’t considered normal. If you have new or unexplained symptoms, or changes to your body or periods, talk to your doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying causes.

You should seek help and advice from your doctor or healthcare professional, if you notice changes to your usual menstrual cycle that are affecting you everyday life, or if you notice symptoms like:

  • Unexplained pain or other discomfort in your pelvic area, vulva, vagina, anus or breasts for an extended period, or during or after sex

  • Unexplained, heavy, irregular or painful bleeding, especially after sex, after the menopause or outside your usual menstrual cycle

  • A thick or unpleasant smelling or looking vaginal discharge

  • Problems controlling your bladder or bowels

  • A heavy or dragging feeling in your pelvis, bowels or vagina

  • Numbness, itching or tenderness or other unpleasant and unexplained sensations in your pelvic area, vulva, vagina or anus

  • Changes to the look, texture or feel of your breasts, vulva, or anus including swelling, rashes, sores, warts, lumps, puckering, crusty or fluid lesions

  • Loss of control of your bladder or bowels, or unexplained changes to your usual bowel habits like sudden urgency or frequency or bloating

  • Persistent nausea or difficulty eating, unexplained weight loss

Difficulties with sex

Some gynaecological conditions can interfere with your sex life. Physical changes in your pelvic area, particularly around your pelvic floor and genitals, can make things more challenging. Leaks from your bladder or bowels can interfere and be embarrassing, and pain, dryness or irritation can limit your sexual pleasure.

Trans and non-binary people

Not everyone’s reproductive system ‘fits’ with or matches their sex or gender identity, but it is still important that you know what is ‘normal’ for you and look after your body and organs.

When and where to get help

Urgent help

If you are experiencing uncontrolled vaginal bleeding, you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Gynaecological support services in Dorset

University Hospitals (Bournemouth)

Emergency Gynaecology Assessment Unit: 0300 019 4725

Jigsaw Unit: 0300 019 5713

Specialist clinics in Dorset

Menhorragia clinic

For investigation of heavy and painful periods

Menorrhagia clinic – Dorset County Hospital

Menorrhagia clinic information

Colposcopy clinic

For investigation of abnormal cells found at cervical smear test

Colposcopy clinic – Dorset County Hospital

Colposcopy clinic – University Hospitals Dorset

Menopause clinic

For severe menopause symptoms that have not responded to treatment

Dorset Menopause Service

Pessary clinic

For management of vaginal prolapse and incontinence

Pessary clinic – University Hospitals Dorset

Endometriosis clinic

For specialist support for endometriosis investigation and treatment

Endometriosis clinic University Hospitals Dorset

Endometriosis South Coast

Endometriosis UK

Fast track gynaecology clinic

For symptoms that may be cancer that need rapid investigation

Colposcopy outpatients – University Hospitals Dorset