{"id":16346,"date":"2024-11-07T15:09:01","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T15:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/?page_id=16346"},"modified":"2026-02-23T13:22:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T13:22:19","slug":"gynae","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/gynae\/","title":{"rendered":"Gynaecology"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gynaecology describes the medical field of women\u2019s health. It covers anything that could go wrong with the organs and structures of your body that enable you to have a baby.<\/p>\n

Scroll down for more information or:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Browse all patient information from RCOG<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Find local services<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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What would you like to know?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
About gynaecology<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Gynaecological problems<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Local services<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

About gynaecology<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Everybody’s reproductive system is unique to them. Understanding where the reproductive organs are in the body, knowing how they work and knowing what is \u2018normal\u2019 for you makes it easier to know when things change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Reproductive organs<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Vaginas and vulvas<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Glossary of terms<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LGBTQ+<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
How to live well<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Reproductive organs<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Having regular hassle-free periods is the best indicator that everything about your reproductive system is working as it should, so it is useful to know your \u2018normal\u2019 so you can notice quickly if something doesn\u2019t seem quite right.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>Top tips for managing periods as a teenager – Wellbeing of Women<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

For further information on periods:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Let’s talk about periods<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Vaginas and vulvas<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Each vagina and vulva is unique. Understanding where the reproductive organs are in the body, knowing how they work and knowing what is \u2018normal\u2019 for you makes it easier to know when things change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>Vulvas: worrying about what\u2019s \u2018normal\u2019 is common \u2013 Brook<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>What is a vulva anyway? \u2013 BritSPAG<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

LGBTQ+<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Not everyone\u2019s reproductive system \u2018fits\u2019 with or matches their sex or gender identity, but it is still important that you know what is \u2018normal\u2019 for you and look after your body and organs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>Information for trans, non-binary and intersex people \u2013 The Eve Appeal<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>What to expect at the OB\/GYN when you\u2019re trans \u2013 Clue<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

How to live well<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Leading a healthy lifestyle is important for both physical and mental health. It is the best way to keep your reproductive system healthy. A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced and varied diet and drinking plenty of fluids, moving around regularly and keeping active, and getting enough sleep.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>Eat well – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>Exercise – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>Sleep better – Better Health<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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A healthy lifestyle also means keeping up to date with health screenings and vaccinations.<\/p>\n<\/div>

For further information on vaccines and screenings, visit our page on prevention and protection:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Let’s talk about prevention and protection<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Physiotherapy and exercises<\/h3><\/div>

Specialist physiotherapists in pelvic health can help with some gynaecological conditions. You will need a referral from your doctor to use the NHS service in Dorset, or you can pay for private physiotherapy support.<\/p>\n<\/div>

If you are pregnant or if you had a baby less than 12 months ago you can refer yourself to the specialist team.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Physiotherapy self-referral during pregnancy and after delivery – Healthier Together<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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For further information, visit our page on pelvic health:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Let’s talk about pelvic health<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Talking or psychological therapy<\/h3><\/div>

Talking therapy can help with some gynaecological conditions or help you to manage distressing symptoms. Anyone can self-refer to Dorset\u2019s Steps2Wellbeing service for talking therapies, online courses and guided self-help.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Steps2Wellbeing<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Living well with with a long-term condition<\/h3><\/div>

A gynaecological problem can be something you live with long term. There are things you can do, and places you can go for support, to make sure your long-term condition doesn\u2019t stop you living the life you want to live \u2013 even if some symptoms are embarrassing or distressing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Pain<\/h3><\/div>

Chronic pain can be very difficult to live with and can cause emotional, social and economic difficulties. You may experience depression, difficulty sleeping and disruption to your daily routine. Talk to your doctor if this is the case. The support of other women who also experience pelvic pain may also help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Dorset Pain Management Service<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>Long-term pelvic pain – RCOG<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Incontinence<\/h3><\/div>

More than five million people in the UK have problems with urinary incontinence. Sadly, only one\u00a0in eight\u00a0people feel able to tell someone that they are also experiencing faecal incontinence or soiling. It is important to know that, given time and patience, a great deal of problems with incontinence can be cured or at least improved.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Dorset Bladder and Bowel Continence Service <\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Organisations like Live Well Dorset offer free support for people living with long term illness.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Live Well Dorset<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Mental wellbeing<\/h3><\/div>

Keeping your stress levels low and having close relationships with other people are important for your mental and emotional health, especially when you are managing a gynaecological condition that may have difficult or embarrassing symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i> 5 steps to mental wellbeing \u2013 NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i>Create a wellbeing plan – Public Health Dorset<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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For further information on how to live well, visit Live Well Dorset:<\/p>\n<\/div>

Live Well Dorset<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Gynaecological problems<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

The following symptoms and conditions are common, but aren\u2019t 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\u2019t any underlying causes.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>