Women's health: common gynaecological and pregnancy concerns and finding care

Women's health covers the reproductive system through every stage of life, from the first period to the years after menopause, as well as care during pregnancy and childbirth. This page explains what the field covers, the concerns women most often bring to a clinic, how to protect your health, and how to find and check a provider.

What this field covers

Obstetrics is the care of women during pregnancy, labour and the weeks after birth. Gynaecology deals with the health of the female reproductive organs outside pregnancy: periods, contraception, fertility, infections, pelvic pain, menopause and cancers of the cervix, womb, ovaries and breast. Most specialists train in both and are known as obstetrician-gynaecologists. They work with midwives, who provide much routine antenatal and birth care, with general practitioners, who manage many gynaecological problems in the first instance, and with specialist nurses who run screening and family planning services.

Common problems

Pregnancy and antenatal care. Regular antenatal appointments monitor the health of mother and baby. The NHS describes a schedule of checks that includes blood pressure, urine testing, blood tests for anaemia and infections, and ultrasound scans, with advice on nutrition, vaccines and what to expect at birth. Midwives and obstetricians share this care; pregnancies with complications are managed by an obstetrician.

Pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Pre-eclampsia is a condition of later pregnancy involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine. The NHS lists severe headache, vision problems, pain just below the ribs, vomiting and sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet as warning signs. Gestational diabetes, bleeding and reduced fetal movements are other reasons for urgent obstetric review.

Heavy or painful periods. Bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons every hour, lasts more than seven days or includes large clots, and period pain that disrupts daily life, are common and treatable. The NHS notes that heavy periods can lead to anaemia. General practitioners investigate first; gynaecologists manage underlying causes.

Fibroids. Non-cancerous growths in or around the womb that can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder and sometimes difficulty conceiving. The NHS notes that many fibroids cause no symptoms and need no treatment, while troublesome ones are managed by a gynaecologist with medicines or procedures.

Endometriosis. Tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the pelvis, causing pain during periods, sex or bowel movements, heavy bleeding and sometimes infertility. According to the NHS it can take years to diagnose because symptoms overlap with other conditions. Gynaecologists diagnose and treat it.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A hormonal condition causing irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth, acne, weight gain and difficulty conceiving. The NHS, which now uses the name polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, notes that there is no cure but that lifestyle changes and treatment manage symptoms. General practitioners and gynaecologists share care, with endocrinologists involved for metabolic aspects.

Vaginal and pelvic infections. Thrush, bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections cause discharge, itching, odour or pain. Untreated infections can spread to the womb and tubes as pelvic inflammatory disease, which the NHS describes as causing pelvic pain, fever and pain during sex, and which can damage fertility. General practitioners and sexual health clinics treat most infections; gynaecologists manage complications.

Infertility. The NHS defines infertility as not conceiving despite regular unprotected sex for a year. Causes may lie with either partner, and include ovulation problems, blocked tubes, endometriosis and low sperm count. Investigation starts with a general practitioner and continues with a gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

Menopause. Periods stop, usually between 45 and 55, as hormone levels fall. The NHS describes hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness and joint aches, which can begin years earlier during perimenopause. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy and non-hormonal approaches, discussed with a general practitioner or gynaecologist.

Cervical cancer. Caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). The WHO cervical cancer fact sheet (3 July 2026) reports around 604,000 new cases and 280,000 deaths in 2024, with the highest rates in low- and middle-income countries, and describes the disease as largely preventable through HPV vaccination and screening. Screening (Pap smear or HPV test) is offered by gynaecologists, general practitioners and screening programmes.

Breast conditions. Lumps, nipple discharge, skin changes and pain are common and most are benign, but all new lumps should be checked. The WHO breast cancer fact sheet (2026) notes that about 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age, which is why awareness and prompt assessment matter. Gynaecologists, general practitioners and breast clinics assess lumps; surgeons and oncologists treat cancer.

Prevention and self-care basics

• Attend cervical screening at the interval your national programme recommends, and support HPV vaccination for eligible girls and boys.
• Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report any change promptly.
• Use condoms to reduce sexually transmitted infections, and have a sexual health check if you have a new partner or symptoms.
• Start antenatal care as early as possible in pregnancy and keep every appointment.
• Take folic acid when planning pregnancy and in early pregnancy, as advised by your doctor or midwife.
• Do not smoke, keep alcohol low or avoid it, and maintain a healthy weight; all three affect fertility, pregnancy and menopause symptoms.
• Keep a record of your periods; a pattern on paper or a phone app helps a clinician assess problems.
• Eat iron-rich foods if your periods are heavy, and ask for a blood test if you feel tired or breathless.

When to see a professional

See a general practitioner or gynaecologist for periods that are very heavy, very painful, irregular or have stopped without pregnancy; for bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause; for unusual discharge, itching or pelvic pain; for difficulty conceiving after a year of trying (or six months if you are over 35); for menopause symptoms that affect your life; for a breast lump or change; or if you are pregnant and have not yet booked antenatal care. Contraception advice, screening and pre-pregnancy checks are also good reasons to book.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Seek urgent care for:

• In pregnancy: heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache with vision changes or swelling, fluid leaking before 37 weeks, reduced or absent baby movements, fever, or seizures.
• Severe one-sided pelvic pain with a missed period, dizziness or shoulder-tip pain, which can indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
• Very heavy bleeding that soaks a pad every hour for several hours, especially with faintness.
• Pelvic pain with high fever and foul-smelling discharge.
• After childbirth: heavy bleeding, fever, a painful swollen leg, chest pain or breathlessness, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
• A new breast lump with redness, heat and fever that does not settle, or any lump in a woman who is not breastfeeding.

If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services.

How to find and check a provider

HealthNaro lists maternity homes, gynaecology clinics and obstetrician-gynaecologists. Each listing carries a verification label describing what has been checked: Public listing, Contact verified, Reviewed by HealthNaro or Credentials verified. HealthNaro does not endorse providers; the labels describe our checks, not the quality of care.

Questions worth asking include whether the specialist is registered with the national medical regulator, whether the facility is licensed for deliveries and what happens if a caesarean section or emergency transfer is needed, what an antenatal package includes, and whether ultrasound and laboratory tests are done on site. Browse providers by specialty:

• Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Our consulting service is free: tell us what you need and we will help you find a suitable clinic.

Frequently asked questions

When should I have my first antenatal appointment? As early as possible once you know you are pregnant, ideally before 10 to 12 weeks, so that screening tests and advice can be timed properly.

How often should I have cervical screening? Intervals differ between national programmes and by the test used. Ask your clinic what applies to your age group and follow their recall.

Is heavy bleeding during periods normal? Heavy periods are common but not something you have to live with. They can cause anaemia and may indicate fibroids or other treatable conditions.

Can I see a gynaecologist without a referral? In many private clinics, yes. In public systems a general practitioner referral is often required. Either way, a general practitioner can manage many problems directly.

Does HPV vaccination replace screening? No. The WHO recommends both. Vaccination prevents most but not all cancer-causing HPV infections, so screening remains important.

This page is general information, not medical advice.