Dr Mandy CHU Man Yee

Menstrual cycle and abnormal bleeding refer to variations in the length, flow, or duration of the menstrual cycle outside the normal range. Irregular menstrual cycles may include intervals between periods that are too long or too short, excessively heavy or light periods, and intermittent bleeding between periods. Abnormal uterine bleeding may involve bleeding outside of the menstrual period.

Adenomyosis is a condition that affects the uterus in women. It occurs when the tissue from the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) breaks through the uterine wall and develops into new endometrial tissue within the uterine muscle layer. This growth can cause the uterine tissue to enlarge and thicken, leading to various symptoms.

Cancer is the generic name given to a cluster of related diseases. In a normal healthy body, human cells grow and divide as the body needs them. When cells become old or damaged, they die and new cells take their place. However, cancer relates to body cells dividing uncontrollably and spreading to neighbouring tissues.

Cervical cancer, also known as cancer that occurs in the cervix, is statistically caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection in over 90% of cases, leading to abnormal cell growth and eventual development of cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the common cancers among women, and women of all age groups are at risk of developing cervical cancer. In Hong Kong, cervical cancer ranks the 7th most common cancer among women and the 9th leading cause of fatal cancer among women. In 2020, there were a total of 556 new cases recorded, with 159 fatalities.

Cervicitis refers to the infected and inflamed condition of the cervical tissue. Cervicitis typically occurs when viruses or bacteria, introduced through sexual activity, miscarriage, childbirth, or uterine procedures, enter the cervix and cause inflammation.

Contraception is a measure or method used to prevent pregnancy. These methods can be temporary or permanent, aimed at helping individuals choose whether and when to conceive while engaging in sexual activity.

Corpus Uteri Cancer is a common gynaecological malignant tumour. Common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, etc. Early screening and treatment are needed.

Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps or period pain, refers to the abdominal pain experienced by women during menstruation. This pain may be accompanied by lower back pain, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, and other symptoms, and its severity and duration vary from person to person. Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent symptom that affects the quality of life of many menstruating women.

Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus and can cause pain, irregular periods and fertility problems in women. The most common places for the growths to appear are the ovaries, pelvis and abdomen, and if it affects the ovaries, it can cause cysts known as "chocolate cysts". Although there is no cure for endometriosis, symptoms can be managed with medication or surgery.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a procedure within the abdominal cavity that combines localized hyperthermic treatment with chemotherapy.

Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure used to examine and treat uterine issues. One end of the hysteroscope is equipped with illumination and a camera, allowing doctors to directly observe the condition of the uterine lining by entering the uterus through the vagina without the need for open surgery.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves inserting a laparoscope and other surgical instruments through one or several small incisions in the abdomen to examine and perform surgery on internal organs. A laparoscope is a long, tube-like instrument with a light source and camera at one end, which transmits images from inside the body to an external monitor, allowing doctors to view the internal situation.

Menopause is a natural transitional period that women experience, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, during which ovarian function gradually declines, leading to a decrease in oestrogen levels and the cessation of menstruation. During this stage, appropriate healthcare is crucial.

The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system, consisting of two small organs in the pelvic cavity on either side of the uterus. Their function is to produce eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers and has the highest mortality rate among female cancers.

Ovarian Cysts refer to a sac-like structure filled with fluid or solid material formed within the ovaries of females. Ovarian cysts typically develop during ovulation and are generally benign, but certain diseases can also cause them.

Vaginitis is a common gynaecological condition, referring to the inflammation of the tissues inside the vagina. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microorganisms, leading to discomfort and inflammatory responses in the vaginal area."

Peritoneal cancer is a rare but severe form of cancer that involves malignant changes in the peritoneal tissues. The peritoneum is the thin membrane that surrounds the abdominal organs, and peritoneal cancer typically occurs due to metastasis from cancers originating in other organs within the abdominal cavity. In Hong Kong, peritoneal cancer is most commonly caused by the metastasis of ovarian cancer, making the incidence higher in female patients.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease affect the female reproductive system. Excessive male hormones are produced by the ovaries. As a result, patients may suffer from irregular period, difficulties in ovulation and reproductively challenged.

Uterine Fibroids, also known as Uterine Leiomyomas, are non-cancerous tumours of the female reproductive organ. They typically develop in the muscular layer of the uterus and are considered benign tumours. Uterine fibroids are a common gynaecological issue, especially among women of reproductive age.

Uterine Polyps refer to benign tumours formed by the overgrowth of mucosal cells in the uterine cavity. It can be further classified as an endometrial and cervical polyp based on its growth location. Uterine polyps may cause mild bleeding or discomfort and are typically discovered during routine gynaecological examinations in women.

Uterine Prolapse refers to the partial or complete descent of the uterus from its normal position. The pelvic floor muscles and ligaments usually support the uterus. When these muscles or ligaments become damaged or weakened, the uterus may gradually descend towards the opening of the vagina, leading to what is known as uterine prolapse.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is one of the common gynaecological conditions, referring to the condition where there is an infection and inflammation in the pelvic organs of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. As PID is often caused by bacterial infections, especially those transmitted through sexual contact, it is more prevalent among young women aged 15 to 44.

Vaginal Itching refers to the itching sensation in the external genital area of women, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, burning sensation, increased discharge, or an unusual odour. Various factors, including infections, skin inflammation, allergic reactions, hormonal changes, etc, can cause Vaginal Itching.