A gynaecology consultation is an appointment focused on evaluating a woman’s reproductive and gynaecological health. It involves discussing symptoms and menstrual history and determining whether a clinical examination or further investigation is needed.
A consultation can be a routine well-woman visit or a problem-focused appointment for a specific symptom. It does not always involve a physical examination; whether one is appropriate depends on your age, symptoms, medical history and the reason for your visit.
You should consider a gynaecology consultation if you have persistent irregular periods, unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe period pain, pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, pain during intercourse, or if you are planning a pregnancy, having difficulty conceiving or experiencing symptoms associated with perimenopause or menopause.
Regular well-woman visits can also be useful even when you do not have symptoms. The timing and type of preventive care depend on your age, medical history, reproductive plans and individual risk factors.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
These symptoms do not confirm a specific diagnosis on their own. Several gynaecological conditions can have overlapping symptoms, which is why an appropriate medical evaluation is preferable to trying to identify the cause from symptoms alone.
Dr. Ladu Dewasi will ask about your cycle length and regularity, pain patterns, previous pregnancies, contraception use, family history and other symptoms you have noticed. Bringing a rough record of your recent menstrual cycle dates can be helpful.
A general examination and, when clinically appropriate, a pelvic examination may be carried out. The need for an examination should be explained beforehand, and it is not automatically required for every visit.
Dr. Ladu Dewasi will ask about your cycle length and regularity, pain patterns, previous pregnancies, contraception use, family history and other symptoms you have noticed. Bringing a rough record of your recent menstrual cycle dates can be helpful.
Once your symptoms, examination findings and investigation results are reviewed, Dr. Ladu Dewasi will discuss what they may indicate and the appropriate next steps. Depending on the condition, management may include lifestyle guidance, medication, monitoring or referral for a procedure. Follow-up is planned according to your individual needs.
Irregular periods, cycles that vary widely in length or periods that stop unexpectedly, can have several possible causes, including PCOS, thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, stress and perimenopause. A gynaecology consultation can help assess the possible cause and determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.
Heavy menstrual bleeding may include periods lasting more than seven days or bleeding that requires changing a pad or tampon every one to two hours. Passing large clots or bleeding that interferes with daily activities can also be reasons to seek medical evaluation.
Possible causes include fibroids, hormonal changes, polyps and other gynaecological conditions. Prolonged heavy bleeding can also contribute to anaemia, making evaluation important.
Some period discomfort is common, but pain severe enough to affect daily activities, or pain that is new, worsening or occurring outside your period, should not simply be ignored.
Pelvic or period pain can be associated with conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic infection. A gynaecology consultation can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and menstrual cycles. It may also be associated with acne, excess hair growth and other symptoms.
PCOS can contribute to difficulty conceiving. Evaluation considers your symptoms, menstrual pattern and other relevant findings so that an appropriate management plan can be discussed.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, often around periods, and may sometimes be associated with difficulty conceiving.
Evaluation considers your symptoms, medical history and clinical findings, with imaging used when appropriate. A clinical diagnosis may sometimes help guide treatment while further evaluation continues. Persistent or worsening pelvic pain deserves medical assessment.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. Many fibroids cause no symptoms and may be discovered incidentally, while others can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain depending on their size and location.
Not every fibroid requires treatment. Management depends on factors such as symptoms, size, location and whether you are planning a pregnancy.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within an ovary. Many are functional and resolve on their own, while some can cause pain or require monitoring or treatment.
An ultrasound may be used to assess an ovarian cyst and understand its characteristics. The appropriate next step depends on the individual findings.
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause and can involve changes such as irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems and mood changes. The transition can continue for several years.
A gynaecology consultation can help evaluate these symptoms, assess your stage of the menopausal transition and discuss appropriate options for managing symptoms that affect your quality of life.
The first gynaecology visit does not necessarily involve an examination. It may focus on understanding periods, menstrual health, development and any questions or concerns that arise.
This stage may involve routine check-ups, contraception counselling, management of menstrual problems and evaluation of fertility or reproductive-health concerns when needed.
A preconception consultation can review your general and reproductive health and identify conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders that may be relevant to fertility or pregnancy planning.
Care during this stage focuses on evaluating symptoms associated with the menopausal transition, discussing appropriate symptom management and addressing longer-term women’s health needs based on individual risk factors.
Gynaecology consultations are not only for treating symptoms. Depending on your age, medical history and individual risk factors, a visit may also be an opportunity to discuss menstrual health, contraception, pregnancy planning, cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination and other preventive care.
The specific screening and preventive services you need depend on your age, health history and individual risk factors.
Several conditions evaluated during a gynaecology consultation, including PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids and ovulatory problems, can also be associated with fertility difficulties.
Identifying and addressing relevant gynaecological concerns can be an important step for women who are planning a pregnancy or have been trying to conceive.
If a fertility concern is identified during your consultation, Dr. Ladu Dewasi can guide you through the appropriate next step, from a focused infertility assessment to ovulation induction, IUI or, where appropriate, IVF/ICSI.
Not every fertility concern requires advanced fertility treatment. The appropriate starting point depends on your individual history and clinical findings.
A little preparation can make your consultation more useful and may help your doctor understand your concerns more quickly.
Bring:
Dr. Ladu Dewasi is a consultant gynaecologist and infertility specialist in Bopal, Ahmedabad. She holds an MBBS and MD in Anaesthesia and consults at Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Bopal.
Each consultation considers your symptoms, menstrual history, medical background and reproductive goals rather than following the same approach for every patient.
Her MD in Anaesthesia is also relevant for gynaecological and fertility procedures performed under sedation, such as hysteroscopy, diagnostic laparoscopy or egg retrieval. Being trained in both fields allows her to plan sedation, pain control and recovery directly, rather than relying on a separate team. This can matter particularly to patients who are anxious about sedation, or who have a condition such as asthma, obesity, thyroid disease or a previous reaction to anaesthesia.
When relevant, gynaecological conditions can also be considered alongside fertility and reproductive-health concerns, particularly for women who are planning pregnancy or experiencing difficulty conceiving.
Recommended investigations and treatment options are based on your individual symptoms and clinical findings. The aim is to help you understand the possible cause of your concern and the appropriate next step.
Consider a consultation if you have persistent irregular or heavy periods, severe period pain, pelvic pain, unusual bleeding or discharge, fertility concerns or menopause-related symptoms. A consultation can also be useful for routine preventive women's healthcare.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, menstrual cycle and medical history. An examination may be recommended when clinically appropriate, and investigations such as an ultrasound or blood tests may be suggested depending on your individual situation. Your doctor will then discuss the findings and appropriate next steps.
Bring previous medical reports, ultrasound or blood-test results, relevant cervical screening reports, recent menstrual cycle dates, a list of current medications and supplements, and a short list of your main concerns or questions.
Yes. PCOS is assessed using a combination of symptoms, medical history and relevant clinical or laboratory findings. Depending on the individual case, blood tests, ultrasound or other evaluation may be recommended. Not every patient needs the same tests.
Bleeding that lasts more than seven days, requires changing a pad or tampon every one to two hours, or interferes with daily activities can be a reason to consult a doctor. Large clots or symptoms of anaemia may also warrant evaluation.
A preconception consultation can be useful for reviewing your general and reproductive health and discussing concerns such as menstrual irregularities, PCOS, thyroid problems, medications, previous pregnancy problems and other factors that may be relevant before trying to conceive.
No. A gynaecology consultation can be useful for both symptoms and preventive care. Depending on your age, medical history and individual needs, you may discuss menstrual health, contraception, reproductive planning, screening or other concerns even when you feel well.
Mayflower Women’s Hospital – 2nd Floor, Satyamev Elite Ambli, Junction, Sardar Patel Ring Rd, Bopal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380058