Sterling Hospitals, Ahmedabad, is a multispeciality hospital with a dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology department for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting women's reproductive health. The department provides gynaecological consultations, diagnostic investigations, medical management and surgical treatment, with care planned according to each patient's condition, symptoms and clinical needs.
Gynaecological conditions can affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina and other parts of the female reproductive system. While some conditions cause noticeable symptoms, others may develop without obvious signs and require medical evaluation for diagnosis. At Sterling Hospitals, Ahmedabad, patients are evaluated and managed for a range of gynaecological conditions, including:
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Menstrual Disorders: Conditions involving unusually heavy bleeding, irregular periods, painful menstruation or bleeding between periods. These changes may be associated with hormonal imbalances, fibroids, endometriosis or other underlying conditions.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that can affect ovulation and menstrual regularity. It may also cause acne, excess facial or body hair and difficulties with fertility.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before menstruation, potentially including bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, irritability and mood changes.
Uterine Conditions
- Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Depending on their size, number and location, fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain or difficulties with fertility.
- Endometrial Polyps: Growths that develop in the inner lining of the uterus and may cause irregular bleeding, heavy periods or bleeding after menopause. Some polyps cause no noticeable symptoms.
- Adenomyosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into its muscular wall. It may cause painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia: A condition involving excessive thickening of the uterine lining, often associated with hormonal changes. It may cause abnormal uterine bleeding and sometimes requires further investigation to assess the risk of precancerous changes.
Ovarian and Fallopian Tube Conditions
- Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs or other growths that develop in or on the ovaries. Many resolve without treatment, while others may cause pelvic pain, menstrual changes or complications that require medical attention.
- Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, potentially affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other pelvic structures. It may cause painful periods, persistent pelvic pain and difficulties with fertility.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection affecting the upper female reproductive tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever and pain during intercourse.
Vaginal and Cervical Conditions
- Vaginal Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms that may result in abnormal discharge, itching, irritation, odour or discomfort. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Cervical Abnormalities: Changes in the cells of the cervix that may be detected through cervical screening. Some abnormalities resolve naturally, while others require further assessment or treatment depending on their type and severity.
- Bartholin's Cyst: A fluid-filled swelling that develops when a Bartholin's gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. An infected cyst may develop into an abscess, causing pain, swelling and difficulty sitting or walking.
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A condition in which the uterus, bladder or another pelvic organ descends towards or into the vagina because the supporting tissues have weakened. It may cause pelvic pressure, a vaginal bulge or urinary and bowel symptoms.
- Urinary Incontinence: The involuntary leakage of urine, which may occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, pregnancy, childbirth, ageing or other underlying conditions.
Menopause-Related Conditions
- Menopausal Symptoms: Physical and emotional changes associated with declining reproductive hormone levels during the transition to menopause. Symptoms may include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and changes in mood.
- Postmenopausal Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause. Although some causes are benign, the symptom requires medical evaluation to identify its underlying cause and rule out serious conditions.
Fertility-Related Conditions
- Female Infertility: Difficulty conceiving that may be associated with ovulation disorders, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, age-related changes or other reproductive health conditions. Evaluation helps identify potential causes and guide further management.
- Ovulation Disorders: Conditions that affect the release of an egg from the ovary, potentially resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and difficulties with conception. Causes may include PCOS, thyroid disorders and other hormonal disturbances.
Gynaecological Cancers
- Cervical Cancer: Cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Screening may identify precancerous changes, while diagnosis and treatment depend on the findings and stage of disease.
- Ovarian Cancer: Cancer that develops in one or both ovaries. Symptoms may include persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, feeling full quickly or changes in bowel and urinary habits.
- Endometrial Cancer: Cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly after menopause, is an important symptom that requires evaluation.
- Other Gynaecological Cancers: Cancers can also affect the vagina, vulva and other reproductive structures. Investigation and treatment depend on the site, type and extent of the disease.
Diagnosing gynaecological conditions involves assessing symptoms, menstrual and reproductive history, medical background and relevant clinical findings. As different conditions can cause similar symptoms, the investigations recommended depend on the suspected diagnosis and the information required to guide treatment. Diagnostic services may include:
Clinical Evaluation
- Gynaecological Consultation: A review of symptoms, menstrual history, reproductive health, previous pregnancies, medical history and current medicines. A physical or pelvic examination may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
- Pelvic Examination: An examination of the external and internal reproductive organs to assess symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge or suspected structural abnormalities.
Laboratory Investigations
- Blood Tests: May be used to assess blood counts, hormone levels and other relevant parameters. The specific tests depend on the symptoms and suspected condition.
- Hormonal Testing: Measurements of selected hormones may help investigate irregular periods, ovulation disorders, PCOS and other conditions associated with hormonal changes.
- Vaginal and Cervical Swabs: Samples may be collected to identify infections when symptoms or examination findings indicate the need for further investigation.
- Cervical Screening: Tests such as cervical cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing may be recommended, as appropriate, to identify cervical cell changes or high-risk HPV infections.
Gynaecological Imaging
- Pelvic Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images of the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic structures. It can help assess fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometrial changes and other structural abnormalities.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: Involves placing an ultrasound probe in the vagina to obtain detailed images of the uterus, endometrium and ovaries. It may be recommended when a closer assessment of the pelvic organs is needed.
Specialised Diagnostic Procedures
- Colposcopy: A procedure that uses a magnifying instrument to examine the cervix, vagina or vulva more closely when screening results or clinical findings indicate the need for further assessment. A biopsy may be taken if an abnormal area is identified.
- Hysteroscopy: Involves inserting a thin instrument with a camera through the vagina and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus. It can help identify abnormalities such as endometrial polyps and certain fibroids.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Involves collecting a small sample of the uterine lining for laboratory examination. It may be recommended to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial thickening or suspected abnormalities of the uterine lining.
Treatment for gynaecological conditions depends on the underlying diagnosis, severity of symptoms, age, medical history and individual reproductive goals. Depending on these factors, management may involve medicines, hormonal therapy, minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
Medical and Hormonal Management
- Medical Management: Many gynaecological conditions can be managed with medicines. Treatment may include pain-relieving medicines, antibiotics, antifungal medicines or other condition-specific therapies to address symptoms and the underlying cause.
- Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal medicines may be used to manage conditions such as PCOS, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis and selected symptoms associated with menopause. The choice of treatment depends on the diagnosis, medical history and individual needs.
- Menstrual Disorder Management: Treatment for heavy, painful or irregular periods depends on the underlying cause. Options may include medicines, hormonal treatment or procedures when structural abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps are identified.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Operative Hysteroscopy: A procedure in which a thin, lighted instrument is passed through the cervix to remove certain polyps, fibroids or other abnormalities within the uterine cavity.
- Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery: A minimally invasive surgical approach that uses a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small abdominal incisions. Depending on the condition, it may be used for procedures involving ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids and the uterus.
Gynaecological Surgery
- Hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It may be recommended for selected conditions, including symptomatic fibroids, adenomyosis, certain cases of abnormal uterine bleeding and some gynaecological cancers, when clinically appropriate.
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A minimally invasive approach to removing the uterus using a camera and specialised surgical instruments inserted through small abdominal incisions. Its suitability depends on the underlying condition and clinical assessment.
- Myomectomy: A surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. It may be considered for women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to retain their uterus. The approach depends on the size, number and location of the fibroids.
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A minimally invasive approach to removing selected uterine fibroids through small abdominal incisions. It may be suitable for certain patients, depending on the fibroids and the surgeon's assessment.
- Ovarian Cyst Surgery: Surgical removal of an ovarian cyst may be considered when it is persistent, symptomatic, large or has features that require further investigation. The approach depends on the nature of the cyst and the patient's clinical condition.
- Surgery for Endometriosis: Surgical treatment may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite medical management or when endometriosis affects pelvic structures. The procedure depends on the extent and location of the disease.
- Robotic Gynaecological Surgery: Robotic-assisted techniques may be used for selected procedures, such as hysterectomy and myomectomy. Suitability depends on the condition, the complexity of the surgery and the treating surgeon's assessment.
Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Exercises and other supportive measures may help strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs and control bladder function. These measures may be recommended for selected cases of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Surgical Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Surgery may be considered when prolapse causes significant symptoms or when non-surgical measures do not provide adequate relief. The procedure depends on the type and severity of prolapse and the patient's clinical needs.
Fertility-Related Care
- Infertility Evaluation and Management: Assessment may involve reviewing menstrual and reproductive history, investigating ovulation and evaluating other potential causes of difficulty conceiving. Further treatment depends on the findings and may involve medical management or referral for specialised fertility procedures when indicated.
Gynaecological Cancer Management
- Surgical Treatment: Surgery may be recommended for selected cancers affecting the cervix, uterus, ovaries or other reproductive organs. The type and extent of surgery depend on the cancer's location, stage and other clinical factors.
- Coordinated Cancer Care: Depending on the diagnosis, patients may require additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The treatment plan is determined according to the type and stage of cancer and the relevant clinical recommendations.
The Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at Sterling Hospitals, Ahmedabad, includes gynaecologists and obstetricians who diagnose and manage conditions affecting women's reproductive health, including menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. The list below provides details of the doctors, their qualifications and areas of expertise.