Services

Are you worried or in pain?

If you have abnormal periods, painful periods, bleeding after sex or irritation in your vulva or vagina, you should consider seeing a gynaecologist. These symptoms may be an indication of an undiagnosed condition such as fibroids or endometriosis. In rare cases, this may be an indication that you have cancer. At AWG, we have the tools and expertise to help you.

Are you dissatisfied with public health services?

The quickest and most direct way to get excellent, personalised medical care specific to your needs is to meet with a private gynaecologist. At AWG, we will quickly assess, diagnose and treat your condition, without the waiting lists or constraints found in the public healthcare system. Do you want a Mirena IUD? Done. Do you need surgery to remove abnormal tissue? No problem. Your health is our priority.

Do you value your privacy?

We are women, and we understand how embarrassing or distressing gynaecological problems can be. By seeing a private consultant gynaecologist at AWG, you are ensuring that you receive the utmost discretion and compassion in dealing with your gynaecology concerns. Your consultant gynaecologist will be your personal, private doctor throughout the process of your diagnosis, treatment and after-care.

Saturday clinics

We know that you are a busy woman, which is why we offer convenient clinic hours both during and outside of the working week. You can choose to see us on either on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, or you can attend our weekend morning clinics if these are more convenient for you

Same Day Hysteroscopy Service

Usually, it takes three visits to investigate abnormal periods or post-menopausal bleeding: 1) You see your GP, who does a speculum exam and refers you to a specialist, 2) You see the specialist who does a second speculum exam and refers you for a hysteroscopy, 3) You attend another appointment to have a hysteroscopy (where a camera is used to examine the womb) and collect a tissue sample from the womb for analysis.

At AWG, we will do everything in one visit, under local anaesthetic. You can self-refer for this service, or get a referral from your GP. Before you attend, you will need to have an ultrasound, which we or your GP can arrange.

Gynaecological Cancers

There are five types of gynaecological cancer: ovarian cancer, cancer of the womb, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer and vulval cancer. In all cases of cancer, early diagnosis and treatment is the key to a good outcome. For example, having regular cervical smears is the best way to prevent cervical cancer, but after an abnormal smear, it is important to undergo a further investigation called a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a procedure where a microscope is used to examine the cervix in order to diagnose the cause for the abnormal smear. Our knowledgable clinicians at AWG are also part of the cancer treatment team at Counties Manukau DHB, and are committed to providing you with fast and effective investigations and management.

Endometriosis and Fibroids

Endometriosis is a common condition that can cause pelvic pain and painful periods. Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found elsewhere in the body, most commonly in the pelvis. This can result in cysts, inflammation and scar tissue. Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) can also develop in the uterus, most typically during the childbearing years. Large fibroids can lead to heavy bleeding and severe pain, especially at your time of the month. Other signs of this condition include abdominal pressure or bulging, urinary issues (frequent urination/retention) due to pressure on the bladder, constipation, lower back pain, pain during sexual intercourse, anaemia brought on by heavy bleeding, or infertility and pregnancy issues. At AWG, we offer expert diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Menstrual Disorders

Problematic periods are common and can have a big impact on your quality of life. Your symptoms may include difficulties related to pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), heavy bleeding during your period, bleeding after intercourse, intense pain, or irregular periods. At AWG, we diagnose if this is being caused by an underlying medical condition (e.g. endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, endometrial polyps, polycystic ovarian syndrome) and offer the full range of treatment options, from tablets, to the Mirena, to hysterectomies and endometrial ablation.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural event which marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. However, although menopause is natural, it can cause a range of debilitating symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. At AWG, we are experienced at managing menopausal symptoms with both hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal methods. Our goal is to tailor an individualised treatment plan for you.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain refers to lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort, which can range from dull and aching to sudden and sharp. Common symptoms may include cramping (becoming severe during your periods), pressure in the pelvis, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination or bowel movements, and changes in your mood, such as depression. Chronic pelvic pain is a complex issue and often has many causes. Treatment may include hormonal therapies, physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments or surgery. Sometimes, but not always, a physical cause for the pain is present, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or irritable bowel syndrome. At AWG, we offer diagnostic and surgical treatment for the common gynaecological causes of pelvic pain.

Vulval Disorders

Vulval disorders are conditions that affect part or all of the vulva – the skin around the opening of the vagina and perineum. Common complaints include vulval itch and discomfort. These symptoms may frequently occur due to irritating substances, infections or menopause. These symptoms may also occur as a result of certain skin disorders. In rare cases, the itching may develop due to vulval cancer or pre-cancer. At AWG, we offer diagnosis and management of all common vulval conditions.

Preventing Pregnancy

There are many options available to prevent pregnancy. At AWG, we provide up-to-date individualised assessments and advice regarding contraceptive methods for all ages and stages. Contraception can include hormonal, long acting reversible, and surgical methods.

Biopsy

To diagnose conditions like endometriosis or cancer.

A small segment of tissue from the area of concern is extracted for testing. Performed under local or general anaesthesia.

Endometrial ablation

To treat menorrhagia (abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding).

The inner lining of the womb is carefully ablated. Done under general anaesthesia.

Myomectomies

To remove problematic uterine fibroids that are causing bleeding, pain or bladder difficulties.

This surgery is an option if you’d like to have children in the future. Fibroids are taken out of the womb, but the womb is left intact. Done under general anaesthesia.

Ovarian cystectomies

To remove non-cancerous ovarian cysts.

A key-hole surgery (laparoscopy) is performed to remove a cyst from the ovaries. Done under general anaesthesia.

Oophrectomies

To remove the ovaries, for example in the case of cancer.

One or both of the ovaries are removed. This procedure is sometimes combined with a salpingectomy to further reduce cancer spread. Done under general anaesthesia.

Salpingectomies

For permanent contraception.

This procedure involves removal of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are what allows eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Done under general anaesthesia.

Hysterectomies

Removal of the womb, for example to manage cancer or a painful uterine condition.

The uterus (womb) is surgically removed. Once you’ve had a hysterectomy, you’ll stop having menstrual periods and you’ll also be unable to get pregnant.

Tubal ligation

For permanent contraception.

A key-hole surgery (laparoscopy) is performed to remove a segment of the fallopian tubes, or small metal clips are placed on the fallopian tubes to block them. Done under general anaesthesia.

Laparotomies

To perform larger surgeries.

Sometimes the size or complexity of the surgery requires a bigger incision, rather than a keyhole cut. Done under general anaesthesia.

Laparoscopies

To perform small surgeries through a key-hole.

Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is a type of minimally-invasive surgery. It uses a small, slender camera called a laparoscope and only requires small incisions to see into the abdomen. Done under general anaesthesia.

MyoSure

To remove a specific section of abnormal tissue (e.g. a polyp) from the womb.

A special device is used to perform targeted removal of tissue from within the womb. May be under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.

Dilation and Curettage (D & C)

To diagnose or treat conditions that affect the inside of the womb.

In this minor procedure, the cervix is dilated and a spoon-shaped device is used to remove tissue from the inner lining of your uterus. Usually done under general anaesthesia.

Pipelle

To collect tissue from within the womb, for analysis.

This is a quick and simple procedure where a thin, flexible tube called a pipelle is inserted through the opening of your cervix into the uterus, where it is moved back and forth to get a tissue sample.

Hysteroscopies

For visual inspection of the womb via small camera.

A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which your doctor inserts a small device with a light and camera into your uterus. Auckland Women's Gynaecology are the only private gynaecologists in Auckland who offer this under local as well as general anaesthesia.

Knife cone biopsies

To remove cancerous cells of the cervix.

A scalpel is used to remove a larger outer layer of the cervix due to pre-cancerous or cancerous changes on smears. Done under general anaesthetic.

LLETZ / LEEP

To remove abnormal cells of the cervix.

Also called loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), a large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is the most common way of removing cervical tissue to treat pre-cancerous changes of the cervix. The abnormal tissue is removed using a thin wire loop that is heated electrically. May be under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.

Colposcopy

For visual inspection of the vulva, vagina and cervix via small camera.

A colposcopy is a method of examining the cervix, vagina and vulva with a microscope. Done under local anaesthesia.

Mirena and IUDs

For contraception or to manage heavy periods.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, flexible, T-shaped device that’s placed in your uterus. May be inserted under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.

Medicines

For contraception, to treat infections, to reduce heavy periods, manage pain or reduce menopausal symptoms.

We offer a number of medications, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to manage different conditions.