Hochstein, Eva

Definitions

Colposcopy is a procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument (a colposcope) is used to help examine the tissues of the vulva, vagina and cervix. Colposcopy is often used to check potentiallycancerous areas, usually after a Pap smear test has indicated a possible problem. During the procedure a biopsy may be performed to take a sample of tissue of an abnormal area. Colposcopy also can be used to detect inflammatory or infectious changes, harmless growths, and injuries to the vulva, vagina and cervix.moreGynaecology is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries and vagina, and associated organs andstructures. Gynaecologists treat a wide range of conditions, including cancer and pre-cancerous diseases of the reproductive organs including ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva; urinary incontinence; painful, heavy or absent menstrual periods; infertility; prolapse of pelvic organs; and infections of the vagina, cervix and uterus.moreMenopause is the period in a woman’s life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, when her ovaries stop producing eggs as well as less oestrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Specific symptoms and severity varies from woman to woman. Menopause symptoms may last five years or longer. Common symptoms include: heart pounding or racing; hot flashes; night sweats; skin flushing; and sleeping problems. There may be a variety of additional symptoms, including: headaches; joint aches and pains; mood swings, irritability and depression; vaginal dryness and painful sex; and decreased interest in sex. One management option is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It may not be suitable for all women as HRT carries the risk of developing breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Ways of reducing the risk and still getting the benefits of HRT may be required. As alternatives to HRT, there are medications available to help with mood swings, hot flashes and other symptoms. These include low doses of some antidepressants. Acupuncture has also proved successful for some women. Symptoms may also be reduced by lifestyle changes, including: avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods; dressing lightly and in layers; regular exercise, and using relaxation techniques; Kegel exercises to strengthen vaginal and pelvic muscles; and remaining sexually active.moreThe vulva is the external female genitalia. It includes the ‘lips’ or folds of skin (labia majora and labia minora), clitoris, and the openings to the vagina and urethra (tube which carriesurine). There is a wide range of vulvar (or vulval) conditions and diseases including: fungal, bacterial or viral infections (e.g. yeast infection, sexually transmitted infections); skin conditions (e.g. contact dermatitis); epithelial disorders (relating to the epithelium, the outside layer of cells that covers the skin and mucous membranes, e.g. lichen sclerosus); raised lesions or masses (e.g. cysts or abscesses); potentially malignant or malignant (cancerous) conditions (e.g. vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma); and injuries to the vulva. Treatment varies and depends on the specific condition and may include medication and surgery.more