Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 12-18% of women of reproductive age and up to 21% in some high-risk groups, such as Indigenous women. In these pages you will learn all about the signs and symptoms of PCOS, how it is diagnosed and what treatments are available to help. There is information on PCOS and irregular periods, acne, excess hair, hair loss, depression, anxiety, sex and relationships and other health problems associated with PCOS such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms & causes

The symptoms of PCOS include excess hair (hirsutism), scalp hair loss, acne, weight gain, difficulties with fertility, increased anxiety and depression and irregular or infrequent periods. There is also information on the possible causes of PCOS, and other health problems linked with PCOS.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed by ultrasound and blood tests .
when to see your doctor and how your doctor might test you for PCOS depends upon the clinical sins and symptoms

Management & treatment Management and treatment of PCOS can include a range of elements such as a healthy approach to diet and physical activity, medications and complementary therapies.

Irregular periods - management & treatment

Irregular periods can be a symptom of PCOS. Learn about what an irregular period is and the different ways to manage and treat irregular periods if you have PCOS including hormonal contraception, such as the oral contraceptive pill, and metformin.

Hair & acne - management & treatment

Excess hair, hair loss and acne are often symptoms of PCOS. Learn about the different ways to manage these symptoms including waxing, laser hair removal, electrolysis, hormonal contraceptives, drugs for insulin resistance and anti-androgen drugs.

Fertility - management & treatment

Find information on the different ways to increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant if you are having difficulties with fertility. Learn about weight and fertility, monitoring ovulation, different medications you can try, ovulation induction, surgery and assisted reproductive technology.

Weight - management & treatment

It can be difficult to manage your weight when you have PCOS. Below you will find information on the influence of weight on PCOS symptoms, the benefits of preventing weight gain and different ways to manage weight loss.

Complications

Other health problems that have been linked to PCOS include information on prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer. You can also learn about BMI (body mass index) and how to measure your BMI.

Good & Bad Bacteria in Vagina

There are many different types of micro-organisms (tiny living organisms that are invisible to the naked eye) that are found in the vagina. They include bacteria and fungi, however the main types can be generally called 'good bacteria' and 'bad bacteria'. Healthy vaginas are rich in good bacteria and these friendly micro-organisms help to protect the vagina from infections and keep the populations of bad bacteria in check.

An imbalance or overgrowth of bad bacteria and other unfriendly micro-organisms in the vagina can cause symptoms such as vaginal discharge, redness and itch. They can make you more prone to the common conditions of fungal infections such as vaginal candidiasis (thrush) or bacterial infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). It's important to note that not all vulval irritation is due to an imbalance of vaginal bacteria.

Your vaginal bacteria is closely connected to the bacteria in your digestive system, and what you eat and digest can affect the health and populations of bacteria in both your gut and your vagina.

Live cultured yoghurt and other fermented foods contain good bacteria as an ingredient. Eating these foods regularly can help to maintain healthy populations of good bacteria, introducing the right types to your digestive system and your vagina.

High sugar foods, soft drinks, too much alcohol and too many refined carbohydrates in your diet (such as white breads, biscuits and white pasta) can help the bad bacteria to grow and flourish in place of the good.

Probiotics

Some women who have thrush, bacterial vaginosis or vulval irritation may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement. Probiotics can be taken orally as a capsule and contain good bacteria in much higher quantities than what you would get from fermented foods alone. There are many different kinds of probiotic supplements available and research has found that only specific strains of bacteria are effective in treating infections such as BV. These strains include:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr 35

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1

• Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 (also known as Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14)

Note: the numbers and letters at the end of each probiotic name are very important and identifies the exact strain of probiotic. Research suggests that a dose of 10 billion CFU/day (colony forming units) of both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 for at least 2 months is most beneficial for BV, with some women requiring longer treatment of up to 6 months

Other Natural Therapies

Other commonly used natural therapies for vulval and vaginal irritation including special diets, vinegar treatments, tea tree oil and garlic.. However, it is important to remember that if you are experiencing vulval or vaginal irritation and it isn't getting better, make an appointment with your doctor at Varenya Clinic on 9818575098

For More Information

For more information please call at VARENYA CLINIC on 9818575098

Introducing

Colposcopy services at VARENYA CLINIC for prompt diagnosis of abnormal cervix

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a close examination of a woman's cervix, the entrance to the uterus (womb) from the vagina, using a special microscope called a colposcope. You may be referred for a colposcopy after an abnormal Pap smear, or due to symptoms such as unexplained abnormal bleeding including bleeding after intercourse. The colposcope looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand and allows the gynaecologist to have a magnified view of the cervix to check the extent and nature of any abnormal cells. At no time does the colposcope enter the body.

Abnormal Pap Smear Result & Colposcopy

An abnormal Pap smear result means that some of the cells of the cervix are different from normal cells. This can be a low-grade or high-grade change or is sometimes undertermined.

For most low-grade changes, more frequent Pap smear tests are all that is needed for a period of time, however, if low-grade changes persist or if a high-grade abnormality was reported, a colposcopy will be needed.

What Happens During A Colposcopy?

Before the colposcopy the doctor will talk with you to make sure you know what is going to happen. A colposcopy cannot be performed while you have your period. You will also need to advise if you are or may be pregnant.

During the colposcopy a speculum will be inserted into the vagina much like during a Pap smear test. Iodine and acetic acid solutions will then be used to paint your cervix that will highlight any abnormal areas. If you are allergic to iodine you need to let your doctor know before your procedure.

The doctor will then look through the colposcope to carefully examine the cervix and will be able to see the location and pattern of any abnormal cells. The entire examination takes about 5-10 minutes.

Is it Painful?

Most women do not experience any pain, although you may have some discomfort from having the speculum inside your vagina for this length of time. If a biopsy sample is required, you may experience minor period like cramps for a short time immediately after the biopsy is taken. You may wish to take some simple analgesia (paracetamol or ibuprofen) 1-2 hours beforehand.

Biopsy

During the colposcopy a small sample of tissue from the area where the abnormal cells are (a biopsy) may be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. It can take up to two weeks for the result to come back. Arrangements should be made for you to discuss the results when they are available and to find out if treatment is required.

Aftercare

It is normal to have a little spotting for 2-5 days after a colposcopy, especially if you have also had a biopsy. It is a good idea to bring a sanitary pad with you to the consultation. Tampons, menstrual cups, lubricants, creams and douches are not suitable to use for two weeks following a colposcopy. You should also avoid vaginal intercourse, swimming, bathing and spas during this time, but showers are okay. These precautions are aimed at reducing the risk of increased bleeding or infection. Post colposcopy, infection and/or bleeding occasionally occurs. Contact your doctor if:

• you experience heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than 5-7 days.

• you develop a temperature, a smelly vaginal discharge or severe abdominal pain.