Women's Healthcare Unit

Women’s Healthcare Unit 

Patient Information

The Patient Information Leaflets page on the Trust website is available on the link: https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets or scan the QR code.

• Author ID: JM
• Leaflet ref: Gyn 055
• Version: 7
• Leaflet title: Women’s Healthcare Unit
• Last review: July 2024
• Expiry date: July 2026

Introduction

You have been referred by your GP to the Gynaecology Department – Women’s Healthcare Unit. The Women’s Healthcare Unit at Leigh provides a comprehensive range of services for women including General Gynaecology Clinics, Urodynamics, Hysteroscopy and Colposcopy Clinics.

During your visit, depending on the reason for your referral, you may be offered other services or procedures known as a “one stop clinic appointment”. The advantage of this service is that you could be diagnosed and treated in one visit rather than coming back for multiple appointments.

This leaflet provides you with information on the services we offer so that you are informed and understand what may be offered to you.

Menstrual Disorders Clinic/Post-Menopausal Bleeding

You may have been referred to this Clinic following episodes of post-menopausal bleeding or irregular vaginal bleeding.

• Trans-vaginal scan– a vaginal ultrasound scan may be performed to measure the lining of your womb. This involves a scan probe being inserted into the vagina to obtain a view of the inside of your womb. An empty bladder is required for this scan.
• Hysteroscopy– if necessary, following the ultrasound scan, a hysteroscopy may be performed. This is a procedure where a fine camera called a Hysteroscope is passed into the vagina and through the cervix (neck of the womb) to allow a view of the inside of your womb. Sometimes polyps are seen in the womb, mainly these can be removed on the day however occasionally you may need to return for a second visit.

Colposcopy Clinic

A referral to Colposcopy Clinic is indicated following an abnormal cervical smear or if your GP has concerns regarding the appearance of your cervix. 

Colposcopy is the direct visualisation of your cervix under magnification. A liquid is applied to your cervix using a soaked cotton wool ball and this can help to identify the abnormality. A tiny biopsy may be obtained with minimal discomfort. Treatment called LLETZ may be offered if appropriate which involves removing the abnormal area using local anaesthetic and a small, heated loop.

Bladder Assessment Clinic/Urodynamic Tests

You may be referred to a bladder assessment or urodynamic clinic with symptoms such as incontinence, frequent urination, a sudden urge to pass urine, painful urination, urine infections or problems emptying your bladder completely.   

Urodynamic testing is a procedure that assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. A small catheter is used to fill the bladder and record the measurements. A typical urodynamic test takes around 15-20 minutes to perform.

General Gynaecology Clinic

You may be referred to this Clinic with gynaecological symptoms including vaginal prolapse (insertion or change of ring/shelf pessaries), lumps and bumps, pain/bleeding during/after intercourse, menopause symptoms, vulval irritation, dysfunctional bleeding, pelvic pain, or you may be enquiring about a method of contraception i.e. sterilisation. You may be offered an ultrasound scan as part of the “one stop” service we offer. 

Contact

You can contact the Unit by telephoning: 01942 264959 or 01942 264960