Gynecology & Obstetrics

Our Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics covers the full spectrum of women's health - from adolescence through reproductive years and into menopause. We manage routine obstetric care alongside complex high-risk pregnancies, and we offer fertility evaluation and treatment, including IVF for couples who need assisted reproduction. UMC Hospital, a leading gynaecology hospital in Entebbe, offers the most advanced gynaecological and reproductive care services.

Conditions We Treat

• General gynaecology — menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, vaginal health, ovarian cysts, fibroids
• Obstetrics — antenatal care, high-risk pregnancy, labour and delivery, postnatal care
• Fertility evaluation and treatment — ovulation disorders, tubal assessment, male factor review, IUI
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) and related assisted reproductive procedures
• Minimally invasive gynaecological surgery — laparoscopy and hysteroscopy
• Cervical screening and management of abnormal smear results
• Adolescent gynaecology — first menstrual concerns, cycle irregularities, reproductive health education
• Menopause management — symptom control, bone health, hormonal and non-hormonal options
• Gynaecologic oncology pathways — screening, early detection, coordinated management of cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers

Common Symptoms

The following are concerns we encounter regularly in our outpatient clinic:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding - soaking through pads or passing clots
• Irregular, absent, or very painful periods
• Pelvic pain that is present throughout the cycle or worsens before and during periods
• Unusual vaginal discharge, odour, or recurrent infections
• Difficulty conceiving after twelve months of trying, or six months in women over 35
• Lower abdominal swelling or a sense of pressure or fullness
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Urinary leakage, urgency, or a feeling of something prolapsing
• Hot flushes, mood changes, or vaginal dryness in women approaching or past menopause
• Nausea, breast tenderness, or missed periods in women who may be pregnant

A detailed evaluation can help determine further investigation.

How We Diagnose

This includes:

• Pelvic ultrasound — first-line imaging for uterus, ovaries, and pelvic structures; also used to assess fetal growth, position, and placental location during pregnancy
• Transvaginal ultrasound — provides more detailed views of the uterine lining, ovarian follicles, and early pregnancies
• Hormonal blood tests — including FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone, AMH (ovarian reserve), prolactin, thyroid function, and androgen levels where indicated
• Cervical smear (Pap test) and HPV testing — for cervical screening
• Colposcopy — magnified examination of the cervix following an abnormal smear result
• Hysteroscopy — direct visualisation of the uterine cavity for polyps, fibroids, or abnormal bleeding
• Diagnostic laparoscopy — keyhole examination of the pelvis when endometriosis or tubal disease is suspected
• Semen analysis — conducted in parallel when a couple is being assessed for infertility
• Antenatal investigations — blood group, haemoglobin, malaria screening, syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, and urine analysis as part of routine pregnancy care

Treatments We Offer

Gynaecology

• Medical management of menstrual disorders — hormonal therapy, iron supplementation, pain management
• Treatment of PCOS — cycle regulation, ovulation induction, metabolic management
• Management of endometriosis — medical suppression and laparoscopic excision
• Fibroid management — medication, hysteroscopic removal, laparoscopic myomectomy, or hysterectomy based on individual circumstances
• Treatment of ovarian cysts — conservative monitoring or laparoscopic surgery
• Cervical treatment — LEEP or cone biopsy for pre-cancerous changes identified on colposcopy
• Management of vaginal and pelvic floor conditions — physiotherapy, pessary fitting, or surgical repair
• Gynaecologic oncology — coordinated multidisciplinary management for cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries

Obstetrics

• Antenatal care — structured visits through pregnancy, including growth scans, blood tests, and risk assessment
• High-risk pregnancy management — hypertension in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancy, previous caesarean section, anaemia
• Labour and delivery — normal vaginal delivery and operative delivery when clinically indicated
• Caesarean section — planned and emergency
• Management of pregnancy complications — miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, antepartum haemorrhage
• Postnatal care — mother and newborn assessment, breastfeeding support, family planning counselling

Fertility and IVF

• Fertility workup — ovulation assessment, tubal patency testing (HSG or laparoscopy), semen analysis
• Ovulation induction — oral or injectable medications to stimulate ovulation
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) — for selected cases of unexplained infertility or mild male factor
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) — controlled ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) — for significant male factor infertility
• Frozen embryo transfer — for couples with surplus embryos from a previous IVF cycle
• Counselling and support throughout the fertility treatment process

Technology and Infrastructure

Our department is supported by diagnostic and procedural equipment that allows us to manage most gynaecological and obstetric conditions on site.

• High-resolution ultrasound machines with Doppler capability for obstetric and gynaecological imaging
• Dedicated laparoscopy and hysteroscopy equipment for minimally invasive procedures
• IVF laboratory with a controlled environment for egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo culture
• Operating theatre equipped for gynaecological and obstetric surgery, including emergency caesarean section
• Labour ward with foetal monitoring capability
• Colposcopy unit for cervical assessment
• On-site laboratory for hormonal, haematological, and antenatal investigations

Preventive Care

We encourage women to engage with preventive services before symptoms develop.

• Cervical screening — Pap smear and HPV testing are recommended every three years from age 25, or earlier with risk factors
• HPV vaccination — available for eligible girls and young women to reduce long-term cervical cancer risk
• Antenatal booking — early registration in pregnancy allows us to identify risks and plan care appropriately
• Family planning counselling — contraceptive options discussed clearly, including long-acting reversible methods
• Breast self-examination and awareness — we guide women on what to look and feel for
• Lifestyle counselling for PCOS and hormonal disorders — weight management, diet, and physical activity have a measurable effect on cycle regularity and fertility
• Preconception assessment — for women planning pregnancy, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid conditions, or a history of pregnancy complications

When to See a Doctor

Seek prompt attention for:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding that is not your normal period - particularly if accompanied by dizziness or faintness
• Severe lower abdominal pain, especially if sudden in onset
• Suspected ectopic pregnancy - lower abdominal pain with a missed period or a positive pregnancy test
• Bleeding in pregnancy at any stage
• Reduced fetal movements in the third trimester
• Signs of pre-eclampsia - severe headache, visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain, or facial swelling in pregnancy
• A mouth or vaginal ulcer or unusual growth that has not healed within three weeks

For concerns that are troubling but not urgent - irregular periods, difficulty conceiving or pelvic discomfort - a scheduled consultation allows sufficient time for a proper assessment.

Why Patients Choose Us

The best gynaecologists in Entebbe at UMC Hospital are committed to offering specialized gynaecology and fertility care to patients. It includes:

• IVF and assisted reproduction services are available within the hospital, reducing the need to travel to Kampala for fertility treatment
• Capacity to manage high-risk pregnancies and obstetric emergencies on site, including emergency caesarean section
• Minimally invasive surgical options - laparoscopy and hysteroscopy - that reduce recovery time and hospital stay
• Clear explanation of diagnoses and treatment options, including costs and expected timelines, before any procedure is initiated

Frequently Asked Questions

• I have been trying to conceive for over a year. When should I seek help?
  For women under 35, a fertility assessment is appropriate after twelve months of regular unprotected intercourse without conception. Many causes of delayed conception are identifiable and treatable.
• What does IVF involve, and how many cycles are typically needed?
  IVF begins with hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These are retrieved under sedation and fertilised in our laboratory. The resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus several days later. The number of cycles required varies depending on age, diagnosis, and embryo quality.
• I have irregular periods and have been told I may have PCOS. Can it be treated?
  Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects ovulation and the menstrual cycle. It is common and manageable. We approach PCOS as a long-term condition that requires ongoing review rather than a single intervention.
• Can I have a cervical smear if I have never had symptoms?
  Yes - and this is exactly when it should be done. We recommend a Pap smear every three years from age 25 for women who are or have been sexually active, regardless of whether any symptoms are present.
• What antenatal care does the hospital offer, and when should I register?
  We recommend registering as early as possible in pregnancy - ideally in the first trimester. Early booking allows us to establish your blood group, screen for various infections, and schedule scans at various intervals to monitor your pregnancy.