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BENIGN GYNAECOLOGY

Benign gynaecology is a medical field that deals with all benign pathologies that can affect a woman's reproductive organs while she is not pregnant. Common gynecologic symptoms include an unpleasant odour, discomfort, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and period pain.

These symptoms are typical issues that interfere with daily life. Unfortunately, many women frequently ignore their symptoms or attempt to treat the warning signs themselves.

For high-risk women who present with the following:

• BRCA positive
• Known with Endometriosis
• Lynch Syndrome
• Previous abnormal Pap smear

These will require more frequent and tailored gynaecological evaluation. Your risk will be assessed by Dr Bryant, and a screening plan is recommended.

HPV screening is done more frequently in women living with HIV or other immune conditions – every 3 years.

Types of benign gynaecological conditions Dr Bryant treats include:

Fibroids
Normally, non-cancerous growths called fibroids appear in or near the womb. The growths range in size and are composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. Fibroids can grow, varying in size. However, some women appear asymptomatic, while others experience heavy menstruation and, in some cases, severe pelvic pain.

Insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny plastic T-shaped device inserted within your uterus to prevent conception. Additionally, an IUD reduces symptoms of fibroids by lessening pain and reducing the length of the period.

Ovarian cysts
An ovary can develop a fluid-filled sac called an ovarian cyst. These types of cysts are quite prevalent and appear asymptomatic in some cases. Naturally, ovarian cysts are full of fluid found on the surface or inside the ovaries. Surgery can be done to remove the cyst (cystectomy), or sometimes both the ovary and cyst are removed (oophorectomy).

Pelvic floor disorders
Pelvic floor disorders affect the correct functionality of a woman's pelvic organs. Pelvic floor disorders arise from the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. As a result, the pelvic organs begin to sag, and the connective tissue weakens. Due to the condition, you can experience loss of bladder and bowel control or pressure or a bulge in the vaginal area.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) creates inflammation in a woman's reproductive system through infection. Normally, one or several reproductive organs are affected, which include the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.

Sexual dysfunction
When you have a condition that keeps you from seeking or enjoying sexual activity, you will experience emotional distress. Sexual dysfunction in women leads to pain during intercourse, sudden contraction of vaginal muscles and general issues with arousal. For further information, visit www.mysexualhealth.co.za.

Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the outflow of urine, which is uncontrollable. You may be aware or unaware of the leakage. Urinary incontinence in women occurs as a result of issues with the muscles and nerves that control the bladder’s function.

Vaginal pathology
Vaginal pathology is a branch of medical pathology that focuses on understanding and diagnosing diseases of the female vaginal system.

Vaginal ulcers
Vaginal ulcers are lesions that primarily affect the vulva, the female genitalia's exterior portion. Vaginal ulcers may or may not hurt but usually occur as a result of sexually transmitted diseases.

Vulva skin disorders
Vulva skin disorders refer to inflammatory vulva ailments that affect the extragenital region. These types of vulva skin disorders include dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, folliculitis and Bartholin gland cysts.

Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that typically occurs on the vulva and perianal areas. Lichen sclerosus causes fine, discoloured and unevenly textured skin. Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing the condition. If left untreated, the condition can increase the risk of developing vulva cancer.

Treatment

The kind and severity of the disease determine the treatment. Treatment options include potential steroid therapy, medication, and surgery. Dr Bryant will consult with you to find the best course of action for your unique problem.

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