Gynaecology

A Holistic Approach to Women's Health

Dr Ljiljana Miljkovic-Petkovic understands that choosing a gynaecologist in Newcastle is a personal decision and therefore ensures compassionate consultations as they are just as important as successful treatments.

Dr Ljiljana offers a wide range of specialist gynaecological solutions that help women overcome debilitating and sometimes embarrassing pelvic floor conditions. She will help you choose the treatment option that best suits your gynaecology needs.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition where endometrial cells (which normally line the inside of the uterus) grow outside of the uterine cavity, usually in the abdominal cavity.

It’s important to note that symptoms do not always present themselves or have an impact on the patient’s life.

Studies have shown that about 40% of women with endometriosis also experience difficulty getting pregnant.

Endometriosis can be treated with either hormonal treatment or surgical treatment.

Read more about endometriosis.

Fibroids

Fibroids affect 20-25% of women worldwide and about 3-5% of women will require them to be surgically removed. They can cause symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain and can make it difficult to fall pregnant.

You will need to consult with your doctor about a treatment that can be tailored to your symptoms and needs.

  • Initial pelvic ultrasound scan
  • Diagnosis is based on pelvic examination and imaging (saline hysterosonogram (HSG and MRI)
  • Medical therapy is offered before considering surgical options, these include various contraceptive options, GnRH agonist or antagonists, anti-progestins and progesterone receptor inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators
  • If surgery is necessary, the options include myomectomy, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or hysterectomy

Ovarian Cysts

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting women of reproductive age, which generally manifests with irregular periods signifying irregular ovulation.

Symptoms may include excessive facial hair growth, acne, male-pattern hair thinning, irregular menstrual cycles and greater risk for type 2 diabetes.

With professional medical assistance, virtually all PCOS symptoms are treatable:

  • Primary investigation and work up
  • Advice on diet, exercise and dietician referral as necessary
  • Period control
  • Infertility management (ask Dr Ljiljana about her fertility services)

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain in the lower part of your abdomen and pelvis can be disabling, but is often left undiagnosed.

To help find the cause of your symptoms we may do one of the following:

  • Initial investigation with ultrasound, swabs, bloods
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy
  • Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis/division of adhesions
  • Laparoscopic removal of ovarian cysts/other masses
  • Laparoscopic removal of ectopic pregnancy

Prolapse & Incontinence

Women no longer need to tolerate embarrassing pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and prolapse due to the availability of both surgical and non-surgical techniques that are extremely successful at restoring pelvic floor function.

Urinary incontinence affects one third of women over 35 years of age. Fortunately, over 80% of women who are treated for urinary incontinence experience successful results.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that affects women in their daily life including exercise and sexual function. Risk factors include, multiple childbirths, advancing age, obesity, lack of estrogen following menopause and hysterectomy.

Treatment options include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle exercise.
  • Surgical repair and correction of utero vaginal prolapse.
  • Tape procedures for urinary stress incontinence.
  • Medical management of urinary urge incontinence.
  • MonaLisa Touch Vaginal Laser

Menopause

Today, the average menopausal age for Australian women is 51 years, and with women now living longer, it means that 40% of a women’s life is post menopause.

You are still an active woman in the prime of your life and shouldn’t let the symptoms of hot flushes, mood changes and vaginal atrophy affect your quality of life.

Read more about menopause symptoms and treatments.

Speak to Dr Ljiljana to discuss the important issues surrounding menopause and providing effective and lasting solutions:

Heavy Periods

If you’ve been experiencing heavier/more painful periods for several months in a row, you may wish to consult with your doctor to find out what may be causing your pain.

  • Initial investigation with ultrasound, bloods, Pap smear as required
  • Hysteroscopy D&C
  • Removal of uterine polyp if required
  • Mirena insertion
  • Endometrial ablation
  • Resection/removal of fibroids if required
  • Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy

The last thing any women wants to consider is getting a hysterectomy, however when all other treatment options for severe pain, discomfort, uterine bleeding, cervical cancer or other complications prove ineffective, we put the highest priority on eliminating the cause of the problem.

There are three types of hysterectomies available:

  • Vaginal Hysterectomy
  • Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
  • Abdominal Hysterectomy

It is recommended that you discuss these options with Dr Ljiljana about the best solution for your needs.

Pap Smears & Colposcopy

A Pap smear is a quick and simple test to check for any changes to your cervix. These changes may lead to cervical cancer if left untreated and it is recommended that all women from the age of 18 have a Pap test every two years.

If you receive an abnormal result, there is no need to be worried. A more accurate diagnosis will quickly determine if further treatment is necessary:

  • Colposcopy and biopsy
  • LLETZ procedure

Click here for lots more information about Cervical Screening.

Contraception

Trying to choose the contraception that’s right for you can be overwhelming and confusing. Dr Ljiljana can assist you in choosing and implementing either a temporary or permanent contraceptive option that suits your needs.

  • Advice on all forms of contraception
  • Mirena insertion and removal
  • Tubal ligation