Helping women’s health across the ages
MENSTRUAL problems at all ages can be successfully investigated and treated by a specialist gynaecologist. At Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, Jonathan Pembridge is one of five gynaecological surgeons specialising in managing menstrual problems, such as those affecting adolescents, concerns over heavy periods and women reaching the menopause.
Qualifying from the University of Wales College of Medicine in 1994, Mr Pembridge trained in South Wales and London and continued his specialist training on the all Wales training rotation. In addition to his private practice at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, he works in the NHS as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital where he has been a consultant for 13 years.
One of Mr Pembridge’s specialist areas is menstrual irregularities and he explains that heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as, “excessive menstrual loss which interferes with a woman’s physical, emotional, social and material quality of life.”
One-in-four women aged between 15 and 50 experience heavy menstrual bleeding, which often has a severe impact on their quality of life.
Each year, approximately 30,000 women undergo surgical treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in an NHS hospital in England and Wales. A recent study performed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists found that nearly one-third of women reported that they had not received any treatment for their heavy menstrual bleeding from their GP.
Jonathan Pembridge says: “Symptoms differ from one woman to the next, so I ask my patients to tell me what their normal loss is and how this is greater or longer than the usual 2-5 days or if it is associated with clots or flooding.
“Where heavy periods are affecting a woman’s quality of life and she reports particular symptoms, we will investigate and then treat her for these problems, using evidence-based treatment. Ultrasound scans are performed when necessary to exclude pelvic pathology such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps and changes in the lining of the womb known as the endometrium. Ultrasound scans are non-invasive with no adverse side effects.”
Specific treatments are decided upon, based on the woman’s age and future fertility plans. Medical, rather than surgical, treatments are usually the first option and this can include a hormonal coil, or oral contraceptive or non-hormonal treatments, such as drugs which help with clotting.
Surgery may be advised where medical treatment has been found to be ineffective. Mr Pembridge is qualified in surgical techniques for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding such as endoscopic and hysteroscopic techniques including endometrial ablation using the Novasure device and endoscopic techniques to removed polyps and fibroids using the Myosure device or a device called a resectoscope.
Minimally invasive techniques ensure speedy recovery and a quicker return to normal activities.
For more information or to arrange an appointment with Nuffield Health, please ring 029 2083 6714.