GYNAECOLOGY HUB
Gynaecology
Bleeding and periods, pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts, contraception, menopause and hormonal symptoms.
Not sure where to start? You can also view the full A–Z list of conditions or return to all hubs.
What’s covered
Bleeding and periods, pelvic pain and endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts, contraception, menopause and hormonal symptoms, fertility and planning, and cervical screening and results.
When to seek help
Book an appointment if you have ongoing or concerning symptoms such as heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, hormonal or menopausal symptoms, fertility concerns, or questions about scan or screening results.
How to use this hub
Choose a topic that matches your symptoms. Each page explains what to watch for, how we assess it, and common treatment options. If you’re unsure, browse the A–Z list.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical attention today if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking pads hourly or passing large clots)
- Severe, sudden, or worsening pelvic or abdominal pain
- Dizziness, fainting, or feeling acutely unwell
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection
- Pain or bleeding with a possible or confirmed pregnancy
- Any new vaginal bleeding after menopause
These symptoms may indicate conditions that require prompt assessment and should not be delayed.
If you might be pregnant and have pain or bleeding, please see the Pregnancy hub as well.
Start with your main concern
Choose the topic that sounds most like what you’re experiencing. Each page explains symptoms, what it may mean, how we assess it, and common treatment options.
Thrush, BV & vaginal irritation
Itching, discharge, odour, burning, repeated “thrush” treatment, and when the real route is BV, irritation, low-oestrogen change, or a cervix/STI concern.
Discharge, STI symptoms & testing
Sores, blisters, unusual discharge, bleeding after sex, a partner testing positive, and when confidential testing is the sensible next step.
Bleeding & periods
Heavy bleeding, spotting, irregular cycles, bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, and post-menopausal bleeding.
Pelvic pain
Period pain, pain with intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis.
Fibroids & ovarian cysts
Common benign causes of bleeding, pressure symptoms, pain, or incidental ultrasound findings.
Contraception
Options, side-effects, and choosing what fits your health profile and preferences
Hormones & menopause
Perimenopause, menopause symptoms, and hormone therapy options.
Fertility & planning
Fertility assessment, pre-pregnancy planning, recurrent pregnancy loss.
Cervical screening & results
Pap smears/HPV testing, abnormal results, follow-up, and common questions.
Prefer an A–Z list?
If you already know the condition name, the A–Z list is the fastest way to find it.
Looking for other topics? Urogynaecology hub · Pregnancy hub · All hubs
Dr Jan Adlam is a specialist gynaecologist and urogynaecologist in Cape Town, providing evidence-based care for menstrual problems, pelvic pain, hormonal concerns and complex pelvic floor disorders.
Common next steps
Self-check
Notice what’s been happening and for how long. This may include changes in bleeding, pain, discharge, cycle regularity, or hormonal symptoms. Note any triggers, severity, and whether symptoms are getting worse or interfering with daily life.
Tests
Depending on your symptoms, assessment may include a pelvic examination, ultrasound, blood tests, or swabs. Not everyone needs tests. The aim is to understand what’s going on and rule out anything serious.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and your preferences. Options may include reassurance and monitoring, medication or hormonal treatment, devices such as intrauterine systems, or procedures when appropriate.
What a typical visit looks like
1. History
We go through symptoms, timing, patterns, medical history, and what matters most to you (pain relief, bleeding control, fertility, contraception, or menopause support).
2. Exam and ultrasound
Only what’s needed. Often a pelvic ultrasound helps us understand bleeding, pain, fibroids, cysts, or endometriosis. You’re in control throughout.
3. Plan
You leave with a clear plan: what we think is going on, options to treat it, what to try first, and when to follow up.
Need to book or ask admin questions?
WhatsApp is for bookings/admin only. For urgent symptoms, please seek urgent medical care.