Services
Dr Melissa Yeoh provides a wide range of gynaecological services. Some of the areas we can help you with include:
Heavy and/or irregular periods
Fibroids
Painful periods and endometriosis
Pelvic pain
Contraception including insertion of intra-uterine devices (IUDs/Mirenas)
Abnormal cervical screening tests and cervical issues
Menopause, including menopause hormone replacement therapy
Ovarian cysts
Post-menopausal bleeding
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
Heavy Periods
Heavy, prolonged bleeding is known as abnormal uterine bleeding. This can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, and can lead to other symptoms including fatigue and anaemia. There are a number of causes such as fibroids, polyps, hormonal changes, medication and bleeding disorders. Treatment options can include medication (both hormonal and non-hormonal), as well as surgical options (including endometrial ablation and hysterectomy).
Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis is a condition that affects up to 1 in 10 women, and can cause painful periods, pelvic pain and subfertility. This is a result of cells from the lining of the womb growing on tissue in the pelvis. This can be diagnosed through a laparoscopic (key hole) procedure where endometriosis can be removed or burnt/ablated. A diagnosis with a laparoscopy is not always essential, and Dr Melissa will discuss a number of treatment options with you to ensure you are able to make an informed choices regarding your care. Treatment options may include medications, hormonal treatments, physiotherapy and surgery.
You can read more about endometriosis on the Pelvic Pain Foundation website here.
Mirena Insertion
An intra-uterine device (IUD) can be suitable for many women for contraception, as well as helping with managing heavy, painful periods. There are two type of IUDs – a Copper IUD and the Mirena (which releases a small amount of progesterone). These can be inserted for women even if they haven’t had children. Dr Melissa can work with you to optimise timing of insertion, and offers a number of pain relief options which can be discussed at the time of your consultation.
You can read more about the Mirena on their website here.
Abnormal Cervical Screening
A colposcopy is recommended when someone has an abnormal cervical screening test (CST). This can be due to the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and/or abnormal cells on the cervix. A colposcopy involves a speculum examination, where the cervix is visualised with a specialised microscope. Dyes are placed on the cervix to see abnormal cells. If any abnormal cells are present, a small biopsy of the cervix may be taken.
When someone has high grade abnormal cells on the cervix, a procedure is usually recommended where the top part of the cervix is removed. This is called a LLETZ procedure (Large loop excision of the transformation zone). This can be done under local anaesthetic in the consultation rooms, or under a general anaesthetic in the operating theatre.
You can read more about cervical screening on the Cancer Council website here.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Prolapse is when pelvic organs protrudes out of the vagina. This can cause symptoms including a dragging sensation/heaviness, feeling a lump outside the vagina, as well as bladder and bowel changes. Prolapse symptoms can be very distressing for women and have a significant impact on their quality of life. Options to manage prolapse symptoms include physiotherapy, non-surgical options (including a pessary) as well as a prolapse repair. (See surgery for more information).
You can read more about vaginal prolapse on the Urogynaecological Society of Australasia website here.
Gynaecology
Surgery
While not everyone requires surgery, it does play an important role in the treatment of many gynaecological conditions. Dr Melissa aims to provide a comprehensive service when it comes to surgical options for treating your condition.
Hysteroscopic surgery - In many circumstances, treatment options for heavy periods can involve no cuts to the abdomen. This usually means placing a camera inside the womb through the cervix to identify any abnormalities. During this time polyps and fibroids can be removed. An endometrial ablation (burning of the lining of the womb) can also be undertaken to treat heavy periods.
Laparoscopic surgery - Laparoscopic surgery (key hole) is a procedure where a camera is placed into the abdomen through a small incision (usually the umbilicus). Additional small incisions are used for instruments to perform the procedure required. This allows a fast recovery allows women to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Dr Melissa is trained in advanced laparoscopic surgery and is able to provide services including removal of ovarian cysts, removal of endometriosis, removal of fallopian tubes (reduces risk of ovarian cancer and is a permanent contraception), and laparoscopic hysterectomies.
Prolapse surgery - Prolapse surgery may be the best treatment option for women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse. This involves the repair of the supportive structures in vagina with dissolvable suture (no mesh is used). A vaginal hysterectomy may be performed at the same time –the benefits of this will be discussed during your consultation. Suspension of the upper vagina or cervix (apical support) through a dissolvable suture may also be placed to reduce the risk of vault prolapse and recurrence.
Individualised Care
Women’s issues are never easy to talk about. They can cause stress and anxiety, have a significant impact on all aspects of our lives, and busy lives mean we often put our health last. We are also all unique – one size never fits all. However we need to support each other and be advocates to our own wellbeing, and Dr Melissa will work with you to find the best possible solution for you to manage your gynaecological concerns. By discussing the options, current evidence-based treatments, Dr Melissa will support you to make an informed decision about your care and play a role in restoring the equilibrium in your life.