Harley Womens Health

Happy International Women’s Day !
International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on 8 March, is a special day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women and reminding us of the importance of supporting women’s rights, health, and wellbeing across the world.

This day is also an opportunity to encourage women to prioritise their health. Women often spend much of their time caring for families, work, and others, sometimes neglecting their own wellbeing. International Women’s Day is a gentle reminder that looking after your own health is just as important.

Regular health checks and preventive care can make a big difference. Women are encouraged to attend cervical screening, breast checks, and routine health appointments, and to seek medical advice early if they notice any unusual symptoms. Awareness about conditions such as gynaecological cancers, menopause, reproductive health issues, and mental wellbeing is vital for maintaining a healthy life.

Women’s health is not only about medical care. Good nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional support, and work–life balance all play an important role in overall wellbeing. Supporting each other as women, sharing knowledge, and speaking openly about health issues can help break stigma and improve outcomes.

On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate women’s strength and achievements, while also encouraging every woman to take time to care for her own health and wellbeing. A healthier woman means a healthier family and a healthier community. 💜🌸
Let us help you to look after your health .

Ms Lubna Haque
Consultant Gynaecologist

Reducing the Risk of Gynaecological Cancer

A simple guide for patients

Every year in the UK, over 20,000 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and more than 7,500 women die from these cancers.
The good news is: some causes are preventable, and there are steps you can take to reduce risk.

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1) HPV and Cervical Cancer

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a very common virus passed through skin-to-skin s*xual contact.
• HPV causes almost all cervical cancers (around 99%)
• HPV is also linked to around 70% of vulval cancers

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2) Know Your V***a – Don’t Feel Embarrassed

V***al cancer can sometimes be picked up early if symptoms are noticed.

See a doctor if you have:
• persistent itching or soreness
• a lump or thickened skin
• a sore or ulcer that does not heal
• skin colour changes
• bleeding or pain

These symptoms are often NOT cancer, but they should always be checked.

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3) Family History and Inherited Risk

Some women inherit gene changes that increase cancer risk.

Examples include:
• Lynch syndrome (linked to some womb/endometrial cancers)
• BRCA1 and BRCA2 (linked to ovarian cancer and breast cancer)

Genetic testing can:
• identify women at higher risk
• help plan prevention early
• support family members who may also be affected

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4) Weight and Cancer Risk

Body weight is a major risk factor, especially for womb (endometrial) cancer.
• Around 1 in 3 womb cancers are linked to obesity
• Around 7% of ovarian cancers are linked to obesity

Options that may reduce risk include:
• lifestyle support (diet, activity, weight management)
• anti-obesity medications (for some women)
• bariatric (weight-loss) surgery (for some women)
• Mirena coil (levonorgestrel IUS) – may reduce womb cancer risk in suitable patients

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5) Specialist Services for High-Risk Women

Women with inherited gene changes may be offered support through a Familial Gynaecological Cancer Service.

This can include:
• counselling and personalised risk advice
• psychological support
• menopause support (if surgery is needed)
• planning for risk-reducing surgery
• monitoring/surveillance for women who are not ready for surgery yet

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BRCA and Ovarian Cancer: Important Information

Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have a much higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, and may cause vague symptoms.

The most reliable prevention is:

✅ Risk-reducing surgery (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries)

This surgery can:
• reduce ovarian cancer risk significantly
• cause early menopause if done before natural menopause
• affect fertility
Some women delay surgery until family is complete.

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Key Take-Home Messages

✔ Attend cervical screening when invited
✔ Accept the HPV vaccine if eligible
✔ Do not ignore vulval symptoms — get checked
✔ Ask about genetic testing if you have strong family history
✔ Seek support for weight and long-term health
✔ High-risk women can access specialist clinics for personalised care

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If you are worried

If you have symptoms or a strong family history, speak to your GP or gynaecology team.
Early assessment saves lives


Enquiries
Email:[email protected]
Mobile: 07379 075580

Yes to Christmas treats… just not the whole tin 😉 Your hormones deserve some holiday love too!

🌸 Surgical Treatment Options for Fibroids in the UK 🌸

If you’ve been struggling with fibroids and medications aren’t giving you the relief you need, you’re not out of options. In more severe cases, surgical treatments can offer effective, long-lasting results.

✨ Laparoscopic Myomectomy
This minimally invasive procedure removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
✔️ Small incisions
✔️ Faster recovery
✔️ Ideal for intramural and subserosal fibroids
For many women, this means getting back to daily life sooner and with greater comfort.

✨ Hysteroscopic Resection
Perfect for submucosal fibroids, this technique uses a hysteroscope to remove fibroids from inside the womb.
✔️ No incisions
✔️ Performed through the va**na
✔️ Same-day discharge

A simple, effective option with minimal downtime.

💬 If you’re exploring treatment options, speak with a qualified healthcare professional to find the approach that’s best for you.

Did you know cervical ectropion is usually harmless and often goes away on its own? 💛 Still, some women may notice extra discharge or unexpected spotting between periods or after s*x. Listening to your body is power — don’t ignore the signs.

**naldischarge