Gynaecology
We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions such as:
- post-menopausal bleeding
- heavy or painful periods
- continence symptoms such stress and urge incontinence
- endometriosis
- uterine fibroids or polyps
- ovarian cysts
- pelvic pain and pelvic inflammatory disease
- gynaecological cancers
- miscarriage
- ectopic pregnancies
- excessive nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (hyperemesis)
- fertility problems
We also carry out research into women’s health.
Treatment is carried out at the Alan Cumming Day Surgery Unit at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) and by a number of general outpatient clinics and specialist services, including:
- Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU), at the Princess Royal University Hospital – for complications or concerns in early pregnancy up to 16 weeks.
- Colposcopy, at Orpington Hospital – diagnosis and treatment after an abnormal cervical smear.
- Urodynamics, at Orpington Hospital – diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence.
Women’s health research
We are dedicated to improving our understanding of health in women’s health, and to supporting better evidenced-based care.
Research is important as it helps us to:
- develop new and better treatments
- be better at preventing problems and making a quick diagnosis
- give you the best care
There are lots of research projects running in Women’s Health at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. You may be approached to participate in one or more of these studies during an outpatient appointment or an inpatient stay.
If any of the projects are of interest to you or you would like more information, please email the women’s health research team at kch-tr.womenshealthresearch@nhs.net
You can also find out information about the maternity research we carry out at the Trust
Open research
APPRAISE (a patient-reported outcome measure for prolapse, incontinence and mesh complication surgery)
What is the study investigating?
To develop a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) to compare outcomes for the different surgical treatments to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mesh complications that captures the full range of effects on quality of life. Information about previous patient experience and long-term complications will be used to inform better support and improved services.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you:
- have undergone surgery for POP, SUI or mesh complications (at any time)
- are aged 16 years old or over
Further information
Developing tools for prenatal therapy using fetal fluid and tissues
Comprehensive collection and analysis of fetal tissues for hematopoietic and immune cell research.
What is the study investigating?
The study aims to enhance the understanding of haematopoiesis, which is the process by which blood cells are formed as a fetus grows during pregnancy, and the interactions between immune cells and tissue cells during this. The study will include the collection of fetal tissues from the termination of pregnancies between the ages of 12 and 24 weeks of gestation.
Additionally, the research seeks to enhance treatments for hereditary anaemias, such as sickle cell disease (SCD).
Who is eligible?
Pregnant woman undergoing a termination of pregnancy between 12 and 24 weeks gestation.
Further information
Developing tools for prenatal therapy using fetal fluid and tissues – patient information sheet
EMERALD (evaluate NGM120 in women with hyperemesis gravidarum)
What is the study investigating?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 50 pregnant women in the UK. Current treatments are limited, and research is needed to safely test new treatments to see if they can help women to feel better and avoid problems during pregnancy. The purpose of this clinical research study is to learn more about the use of the study medicine, NGM120, when used in addition to standard treatments to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you are aged from 18 to 40 and between 10 to 15 weeks pregnant.
Further information
MY IOTA (masses in young people – international ovarian tumour analysis)
What is the study investigating?
The study explores the ways different ovarian cysts look on ultrasound scans. The main things the study looks at are:
- how cysts look in the womb, in babies, children and young people up to 20 years of age
- if we can use the same tools that we use when looking at adult cysts in people aged under 20 and in babies while they are still in the womb
- how ovarian cysts in babies change over time
Who is eligible?
All newborns, young girls and adolescents from birth to the age of 20 years old with an ovarian mass diagnosed on ultrasound scan.
Further information
PEPPY (prolapse management: effectiveness of PMFT plus pessary)
What is the study investigating?
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that can cause symptoms that interrupt a woman’s day-to-day life. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) supervised by a specialist physiotherapist is an option often used to improve prolapse symptoms. A vaginal pessary, a support device inserted into the vagina to hold the prolapsed organs in place, can also improve prolapse symptoms.
PFMT and pessary are used together by some healthcare professionals, however we don’t know if this combination is beneficial for women. Therefore, this study aims to find out if using supervised PFMT and a pessary together works better than PFMT alone at reducing prolapse symptoms and improving women’s quality of life.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you are diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse and have been referred for PFMT as treatment.
Further information
PEPPY patient information sheet (Arabic)
PEPPY patient information sheet (English)
PEPPY patient information sheet (Polish)
PEPPY patient information sheet (Portugese)
POISE (premature ovarian insufficiency study of effectiveness of hormonal therapy)
What is the study investigating?
In women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) what is the relative effectiveness, in terms of bone mineral density (BMD), of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) compared to the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC)?
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you:
- have a diagnosis of POI
- will be aged from 18 to 40 at randomisation
- are not intending to become pregnant within 12 months
- have not taken any HRT or COC treatment for the last 4 weeks or are willing to stop HRT or COC treatment for a minimum period of 4 weeks before randomisation
Further information
UNiTY (evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of IUI versus IVF for unexplained infertility)
What is the study investigating?
This randomised controlled trial explores the different ways to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of up to three cycles of intra uterine insemination (IUI) versus one cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in couples with unexplained infertility (UEI).
Who is eligible?
Couples with a diagnosis of UEI referred to fertility centres for assisted conception.
Further information
Contact
Princess Royal University Hospital
- First appointments, general gynaecology outpatients, tel: 01689 865800
- Follow-up appointments, general gynaecology outpatients, tel: 01689 865736 / 01689 865737 / 01689 865738
- Early Pregnancy Unit, tel: 01689 865721
Orpington Hospital
- Colposcopy appointments, tel: 01689 866080
For GPs and referrers
Urgent Early Pregnancy Unit referrals
See the Early Pregnancy Unit service page.
Colposcopy
Referrals are via the national screening programme.
Suspected cancer
Refer via the urgent suspected cancer pathway.
All other referrals
- GPs should use NHS e-Referral only.
- Other health professionals can refer by emailing kch-tr.br-referrals@nhs.net. Send one referral per email and include patient and GP practice details.