Women's Health Articles

What is your story?

I am a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist. I practice as a general gynaecologist but I am specifically trained in supporting women with the problems that they encounter after having children and as they get older. I trained in London and knew this was the speciality I wanted to follow from a young age!

What drove you to wanting to specifically improve women's health?

I think that it’s an area that’s often neglected because women can be embarrassed and sometimes do not want to speak to health professionals about their problems. A lot of female-specific health problems are simply treated and a woman’s quality of life can be improved easily with treatment. Women are working longer and living longer and I want them to be in the best possible health!

Do you think that women-specific health related issues have been neglected? 

I think that some health professionals can be dismissive about women's health problems. Often this is due to a lack of education. There has also been a lot of scaremongering around treatments like HRT when actually they can really improve a woman's quality of life! 

Are some women more prone to issues relating to pelvic pain, periods and PMT?

Absolutely. Your genes, environment and lifestyle are all things that can contribute to symptoms. Weight, diet and family history are some of the key things. Often, painful, heavy periods are passed down through the females in a family. 

Is the strength of a woman's pelvic floor important throughout her life?

The pelvic floor is the hammock that holds in our organs down below. It is important that we  learn to train these muscles early so that we can avoid lots of the problems associated with ageing and the natural weakening of the area.

Why is having an awareness of general health and women-specific issues so important for females throughout their lives?

We are working longer and living longer. Most women have children to look after and elderly parents too! Having terrible periods, problems with incontinence or menopause can affect a person’s coping strategies and can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. So, having an awareness of your body and the red-flags for ill health is key to the maintenance of a happy life. 

Do you think that there are conditions that women are still naive about?

There are definitely a couple! I know that endometriosis is often poorly managed and underdiagnosed. The condition causes tissue to grow in areas of the body that it shouldn't, like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can be very debilitating. 

A lot of women think that urinary incontinence and vulval problems are a normal part of ageing. Often, women are embarrassed and avoid exercise, social interactions and sex. Many don’t think that anything can be done to help, but simple measures and operations can be performed that help or even solve the issues! 

How far have we come in breaking the taboos that surround women's health? 

We definitely are getting there. We now talk about the menopause openly and HRT is more accessible. The things we really need to start talking about more are urinary incontinence and prolapse. Also, opening up the conversation around the importance of vulvas and vaginal health is important too.

If people want to educate themselves, there is lots on the internet and the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has lots of information in patient leaflets. 

What are some top tips for women trying to stay on top of their health or for the prevention of future health issues?

Diet, weight and exercise are key here. Don't get constipated, women are more prone to getting constipation when they are pregnant, before their periods and after the menopause. Also, do your pelvic floor exercises. I also love oestrogen, but it is not for everyone! 

Miss Georgina Fraser's webinars are both available to watch for the next 12 months: 

WATCH NOW: TH+ Expert Webinar: Investigating pelvic pain, periods and PMT with Miss Georgina Fraser

WATCH NOW: TH+ Expert Webinar with Miss. Georgina Fraser: How important is your pelvic floor?