Dr Zukile Ngayo · Patient care
Procedures
Know what a test or operation involves before deciding.
What it means
A scan may be over the abdomen or use a vaginal probe for clearer pelvic detail. Preparation differs, so check whether your bladder should be full or empty. An internal scan requires your consent and may be uncomfortable.
Options & things to consider
An abdominal scan or another investigation may sometimes be suitable but may not provide equivalent detail. Ask for a chaperone and tell the clinician if you want to stop.
Questions for your consultation
Why is an internal scan suggested? What can this scan tell us?
Read the NHS patient guideWhat it means
A small sample is taken from the cervix using a speculum. Screening helps prevent cervical cancer, but is not a test for symptoms or all gynaecological cancers. Discuss eligibility and timing using South African guidance.
Options & things to consider
Sampling may cause discomfort or light spotting. Screening may miss changes or lead to additional tests. Ask for adjustments if you are anxious or have pain; you can decline after discussing the implications.
Questions for your consultation
Which test am I having? When and how will I receive my results?
Read the NHS patient guideWhat it means
A magnifying instrument stays outside your body while the clinician examines the cervix. A small biopsy may be taken. An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean cancer.
Options & things to consider
Monitoring or treatment depends on findings. Biopsy or treatment can cause bleeding and infection. Removing cervical tissue may slightly increase premature-birth risk in future pregnancies. Report heavy bleeding, fever or worsening pain afterwards.
Questions for your consultation
Will I need a biopsy or treatment today? How might treatment affect future pregnancy?
Read the NHS patient guideWhat it means
A thin telescope passes through the cervix to investigate bleeding and sometimes take a biopsy or remove a polyp. Pain can be substantial. Discuss pain relief and anaesthesia options beforehand; you can ask to stop.
Options & things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection and rarely perforation of the womb. Ultrasound or other sampling may sometimes be alternatives but are not always equivalent. Ask about outpatient versus theatre-based care.
Questions for your consultation
What pain relief is available? Can the procedure be stopped if it is too painful?
Read the NHS patient guideWhat it means
Small abdominal cuts allow a camera and instruments to be used under general anaesthetic. Bloating and shoulder-tip pain can occur afterwards. Your recovery depends on what was done.
Options & things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anaesthetic complications and injury to organs or vessels. Open surgery may be needed. Alternatives may include imaging, medicines or observation. Chest pain or breathlessness after surgery needs urgent help.
Questions for your consultation
Will you diagnose only, or also treat? What changes might be needed during surgery?
Read the NHS patient guideWhat it means
A caesarean can be planned or needed urgently when vaginal birth is unsafe. Discuss the reason, anaesthesia, recovery and implications for future pregnancies.
Options & things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, clots, organ injury and anaesthetic complications; babies can have breathing difficulties. Vaginal birth, induction or assisted birth may be alternatives in some circumstances, but not all.
Questions for your consultation
Why is this recommended for me? What are the options and the urgency?
Read the NHS patient guideWhat it means
Removing the womb permanently ends your ability to carry a pregnancy and usually stops periods. Removing the ovaries is a separate decision; removing both before natural menopause causes surgical menopause.
Options & things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anaesthetic complications and injury to nearby organs. Medicines, an intrauterine system or womb-preserving procedures may be alternatives for some conditions; cancer requires a different discussion.
Questions for your consultation
Will my ovaries be kept? Are womb-preserving options appropriate for me?
Read the NHS patient guide