Gynaecology

Gynaecological health is about more than a single symptom or test result. Your menstrual cycle, hormones, pelvic health, fertility, metabolic health and overall wellbeing can all be connected. That’s why our approach focuses on understanding the whole picture rather than treating an isolated symptom. Depending on your individual circumstances, your assessment may include a detailed medical and reproductive history, examination, pelvic imaging, blood tests or other investigations. Treatment may include medical management, monitoring, lifestyle considerations, allied health support or surgery where appropriate. You don’t need to have a confirmed diagnosis. If something about your menstrual or reproductive health doesn’t feel right, an assessment with a Stellar ertility specialist can help you understand what may be happening and what options are available.

Pelvic pain should not simply be something you learn to live with. Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, bowel or bladder symptoms and difficulties with fertility. Some people experience significant pain with relatively subtle findings, while others may have extensive endometriosis with fewer symptoms. Diagnosis often involves a detailed assessment of your symptoms, clinical examination and specialist pelvic imaging. A normal ultrasound does not necessarily exclude endometriosis. At Stellar Fertility Melbourne, we take an individualised approach to endometriosis and pelvic pain, considering your symptoms, quality of life and reproductive goals. Treatment may involve hormonal or non-hormonal medications, pelvic floor physiotherapy, multidisciplinary pain management or minimally invasive surgery. Depending on your individual circumstances, care may include imaging, medical treatment, symptom management or minimally invasive surgery. Where surgery is recommended, your symptoms, overall health and reproductive goals are considered as part of the decision-making process.

PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, androgen levels, skin, hair, metabolism and fertility. PMOS can look different from person to person. Some people experience irregular or absent periods, while others may experience acne, excess hair growth, changes in weight, difficulties with ovulation or challenges becoming pregnant. A diagnosis of PMOS does not mean that pregnancy will be difficult or impossible. However, understanding how PMOS affects your individual health can be an important part of managing your reproductive health and fertility. A Stellar Fertility specialist can assess and manage PMOS with consideration for your menstrual health, hormonal symptoms, metabolic health and reproductive goals.

Your menstrual cycle can provide important information about your reproductive and hormonal health. Heavy bleeding, severe period pain, irregular cycles, prolonged bleeding or significant premenstrual symptoms can affect your physical health, emotional wellbeing, work, relationships and quality of life. A gynaecology assessment can help investigate the underlying cause of changes to your menstrual cycle and identify appropriate treatment options. We can assess and manage concerns including:

• • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Painful periods
  • Irregular periods
  • Absent or infrequent periods
  • PMS and PMDD
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Adenomyosis, fibroids and other structural conditions

• Period-related anaemia
• Hormonal menstrual concerns

Changes within the uterus or ovaries can sometimes cause symptoms or affect fertility.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they may contribute to heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain or fertility concerns.

 Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining is present within the muscular wall of the uterus. It may cause painful periods, heavy bleeding, pelvic discomfort and, in some circumstances, reproductive difficulties.

Endometrial polyps are growths that develop within the lining of the uterus and can contribute to abnormal bleeding or, in some circumstances, fertility concerns.

Ovarian cysts are common and often resolve without treatment. However, some cysts require further assessment or treatment, particularly if they are persistent, large, painful or associated with fertility concerns.

At Stellar Fertility Melbourne our specialists can assess these conditions and discuss whether monitoring, medical treatment or surgery is appropriate.

For people considering pregnancy now or in the future, gynaecological surgery requires careful consideration. At Stellar Fertility Melbourne, our fertility-focused approach means that treatment decisions can take into account your ovarian reserve, tubal health, pelvic environment and reproductive goals where relevant. Surgery is not automatically the answer, and the fact that a condition can be treated surgically does not necessarily mean surgery is the best option for you. We consider whether surgery is likely to provide a meaningful clinical benefit based on your symptoms, diagnosis, overall health, fertility plans and the available evidence.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, often called keyhole surgery, uses small abdominal incisions and a camera to examine and allow treatment of conditions affecting the pelvis. Laparoscopy may be used to investigate or treat conditions including:

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts and endometriomas
• Pelvic adhesions
• Fallopian tube conditions
• Hydrosalpinx
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Selected fibroids
• Conditions affecting fertility

Minimally invasive surgery can offer smaller incisions and, for many patients, less postoperative discomfort and a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy allows the inside of the uterus to be examined using a small camera passed through the vagina and cervix. There are no abdominal incisions. Hysteroscopy may be used to investigate or treat:

• Endometrial polyps
• Fibroids within the uterine cavity
• Uterine septum
• Intrauterine adhesions/Ashermans
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Retained pregnancy tissue
• Some concerns associated with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss

If a structural problem within the uterus is identified, treatment may help restore the normal uterine cavity and, in some circumstances, support reproductive outcomes.