Problem | Guidance | Useful Information and Pre-Referral Checklist | Refer to: | Patient Resources |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bleeding on HRT | Awaiting local guidelines |
Unscheduled bleeding common in first 3-6 months - no action. >6 months, consider trial off HRT or USS and endometrial biopsy (if endometrium thickened). If investigations normal, consider E2 HRT and IUS. |
Gynaecology; Menstrual Disorders | |
Cervical Polyps | Awaiting local guidelines |
Asymptomatic polyp with normal appearance and normal cytology - no action. Symptomatic polyp - remove if <2cm, send for histology. Refer to secondary care if >2cm or abnormal appearance. |
Gynaecology; Menstrual Disorders. 2WW if suspected Cervical Cancer. |
Common Problems of the Cervix |
Fibroids | Awaiting local guidelines |
FBC, USS: Symptomatic fibroids <3cm/not distorting cavity - IUS/medical management. Symptomatic fibroids >3cm, consider Esmya, Uterine Artery Embolisation, Myomectomy, GnRH Analogue. |
Gynaecology; Menstrual Disorders | Fibroids |
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding |
FBC (Not TFT/Hormone Tests): USS if history/exam abnormal or failed medical treatment. Endometrial Biopsy if >45 years or risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia/cancer. IUS first line hysterectomy only offered in exceptional cases if all other treatments failed. |
Gynaecology; Menstrual Disorders | Menorrhagia Patient Information | |
Intermenstrual Bleeding | Awaiting Local Guidelines |
Consider pregnancy test, chlamydia test. Review hormonal contraception. USS if history/exam abnormal or persistent symptoms. Endometrial biopsy if >45 years. |
Gynaecology; Menstrual Disorders | Vaginal Bleeding between periods or after sex |
Postcoital Bleeding | FSRH: Problematic Bleeding with Hormonal Contraception |
Examine cervix. Chlamydia swab; treat and review after 4-6 weeks. Smear only if due. <25 years, on hormonal contraception; consider change in method and review if exam/investigations are normal. Cervical Polyp; consider removal and review. |
2WW if suspected Cervical Cancer. Colpscopy if >25 years. Gynaecology if <25 years, IMB and PCB (any age), polyp/ectropion. |
Vaginal Bleeding between periods or after sex |
Post-Menopausal Bleeding (Excluding bleeding on HRT) | NICE: Suspected Cancer Recognition and Referral |
Examine to exclude cervical cause. Consider urgent USS if <55 years and no risk factors for endometrial cancer. Risk factors include obesity, DM, PCOS, tamoxifen, unopposed oestrogens. |
2WW referral | Post-Menopausal Bleeding |