Dr Roger Perkins
Perth gynaecologist

When to see your gynaecologist?
Conditions I can help you with
As a Perth gynaecologist, I see patients from all over the metro area. On this page, I explain a range of gynaecological issues I can help you with.
 

Endometriosis

Your (normal) endometrial tissue creates a lining inside your uterus. This type of tissue is important at the start of your pregnancy when an embryo needs a place in the uterus to attach. This exact same type of tissue can also grow outside your uterus. That is what leads to a diagnosis of endometriosis. Endometriosis is essentially abnormal endometrial tissue growth outside the lining of the uterus.

If endometriosis is a concern, please read further here or get in touch to make an appointment with Perth gynaecologist Dr Roger Perkins.

Heavy period | Dr Roger Perkins Perth
 

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition diagnosed when cells from the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) infiltrate the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterus). As your uterine walls become thicker, the uterus may actually increase in size. You may experience cramps, pelvic pain, pressure and bloating. It can be hard to diagnose adenomyosis so if you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to make an appointment.
 

Heavy periods

Heavy periods are a common complaint and a reason to see your gynaecologist. As a woman, you know that some level of period pain and bleeding is normal. However, if you experience severe symptoms, it is best to ask your GP for a gynaecologist referral so that I can check for underlying problems such as fibroids, endometriosis or adenomyosis.
 

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women. There’s a range of symptoms that may occur, but not all women with PCOS have the same symptoms. Some of the symptoms are anovulation (or a lack of ovulation), irregular periods, high testosterone levels, unwanted excess hair growth of the face and body, weight gain, and ovaries that have multiple small cysts containing eggs. Because the syndrome impairs the ovaries' ability to develop and release eggs, PCOS is a problem when you want to fall pregnant.

Unfortunately, about half of women who have PCOS don’t know they have it. That’s why it is important to make an appointment so that we can assess your symptoms. Remember, you may only have a few of the symptoms as described above.

 

PCOM

Polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) refers to an ultrasound scan image of the ovaries that appear to be polycystic. Polycystic ovaries may be seen in about 20% of women of reproductive age and are more common than PCOS (see above). PCOM is not a condition, whilst PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal disorder.
 

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumours arising from the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterus). When uterine fibroids become too numerous, or some become too large, or they start pressing against another organ, you may experience severe pelvic pain. Other symptoms are abdominal swelling, heavy menstrual bleeding, discomfort during sex, problems when going to the toilet, anemia due to blood loss and even infertility, miscarriages and other pregnancy complications. When you do experience some of the symptoms described above it is best to make an appointment so that we can assess your individual case.
 

Uterine polyps

Uterine polyps are growths attached to the endometrium (the inner wall of the uterus) that extend into the uterine cavity. Uterine polyps are prone to bleeding and large polyps can contribute to infertility and miscarriage. Usually, they are benign but some can become cancerous. So it’s always best to make an appointment if you are worried about your symptoms.
 

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovary. They usually are harmless and benign. Often ovarian cysts involve no symptoms or complications and may resolve on their own, so you may not even know you have them. Only about 8% of premenopausal women who develop ovarian cysts need treatment.

If you have an ovarian cyst that causes symptoms, you may experience some pressure or swelling in your abdomen, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding/spotting, or pain during intercourse or when you go to the toilet. It’s always best to make an appointment with your Perth gynaecologist.

 

Painful intercourse

There are many reasons why intercourse may hurt. There may be emotional factors or physical factors. Some are caused by illnesses or certain conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, prolapse, fibroids, ovarian cysts and many more. When you have painful intercourse, please make an appointment so that I can assess your individual case.
 

Contraception

With so many birth control options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you or your partner. From implants, hormonal options, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and more permanent methods (tubal ligation/vasectomy), Perth gynaecologist Dr Roger Perkins explains what is available and which contraception fits best your lifestyle.

If you are ready to start a family and you want to get off contraception, Dr Perkins can help as well.

"Only a few doctors in Perth do tubal sterilisation reversals and vasectomy reversals. If you opted for a more permanent birth control method but your circumstances have changed, I welcome you to make an appointment."
Dr Roger Perkins Perth Gynaecologist
Dr Perkins also can help with implant/IUD removal. If you want to get off the pill, it is also recommended to make an appointment.
 

Tubal sterilisation reversal

Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control method that requires surgery to close off your fallopian tubes. That way eggs released from the ovaries cannot enter the uterus and sperm cannot reach the egg.

Dr Roger Perkins offers tubal sterilisation reversal for women whose circumstances have changed and want a reversal.

"Women who have had their "tubes tied" can have the procedure surgically reversed. Using a microscope, the fallopian tubes that were blocked previously are reconnected to the remainder of the fallopian tubes with tiny stitches."
Dr Roger Perkins Perth Gynaecologist
This procedure is not for everyone, so it’s best to make an appointment to know your options.
 

Asherman’s syndrome

Asherman’s syndrome is a rare condition that may prevent you from falling pregnant. It’s an acquired syndrome which means you are not born with it. When you have Asherman’s syndrome you have scar tissue in your uterus, which may have developed after a D&C, a c-section or from sutures to stop hemorrhages. Asherman’s syndrome impacts your fertility and your menstrual cycle. It may become lighter or more painful.
 

Colposcopy

A colposcopy procedure can be advised if your gynaecologist has detected any problems in your cervix: inflammation, infection, precancerous or cancerous changes in the cells.
 

LLETZ procedure

If high-grade abnormal cells are detected at the colposcopy, then a LLETZ procedure is the usual recommendation.
 

Menopause and perimenopause

When your menstrual cycle ends and you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months, you have entered menopause. It means you can not fall pregnant anymore. The average age of menopause is 51, with the transition occurring most often between the ages of 45 and 55.

Perimenopause means “around menopause” and refers to the time when your body naturally transitions to menopause. It most often occurs sometime in your 40s.

Symptoms of perimenopause are irregular periods, irregular ovulation, hot flashes, painful intercourse mood swings... When you are experiencing these symptoms, and they interfere with your lifestyle, please make an appointment.

 

Prolapse

When the ligaments and muscles around your pelvic organs have stretched and no longer support these organs, you may experience a prolapse. The word prolapse literally means to 'fall out of place'. There are different types of prolapse.

A vaginal prolapse means your vagina is dropping from its normal position.

Uterine prolapse happens when your womb and cervix drop down towards the vaginal entrance.

I can help with both types of prolapse. If you have vaginal or uterine prolapse, please make an appointment with Perth gynaecologist Dr Roger Perkins.

 

Mullerian anomalies

A woman’s reproductive system is formed when she is still a foetus herself, in her mother’s womb. At about 12 weeks in pregnancy, all female organs are formed, including the uterus and fallopian tubes which develop from two ducts known as Mullerian ducts. When all goes normal, these ducts come together and a single uterus with an open cavity is formed, as well as the two fallopian tubes. But in some cases, things go wrong and a malformation of the uterus or vagina occurs, and this is referred to as a Müllerian anomaly. An anomaly that affects the uterus is called a uterine anomaly.
Dr Roger Perkins Gynaecology Perth