Dr Tava Gynaecology

29/10/2025

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium), is found in places outside of the uterus. The tissue can form nodules or plaques which may be visualised at surgery. Endometriosis is commonly found in the pelvic region on the thin pelvic lining called the peritoneum. It may be also be found on the pelvic ligaments, ovaries and bowel. Endometriosis is occasionally found in places outside the pelvis such as in scar tissue, the bellybutton or lungs.

Often if you see your doctor with concern about your periods they will order an ultrasound scan. This can not diagnose most forms of endometriosis, but it can pick up cysts on the ovaries (endometrioma).

Endometriosis is commonly associated with adhesions, which can make surgery more challenging.

If there is endometrial tissue in the muscle of the uterus we call it adenomyosis in the pelvic cavity.

What are the stages?

Mild or Stage II endometriosis: more extensive than stage I but infiltration of pelvic organs still very limited, without a great deal of scarring or adhesions.

Moderate or Stage III endometriosis: sometimes more widespread and starting to infiltrate pelvic organs, peritoneum (pelvic side walls) or other structures. Sometimes there is also scarring and adhesions.

Severe or Stage IV endometriosis: infiltrative and affecting many pelvic organs and ovaries, often with distortion of the anatomy and adhesions.

It's important to know that the stage of endometriosis doesn't always correlate with the level of pain or other symptoms a person experiences. Someone with Stage I endometriosis could have debilitating pain, while another with Stage IV may have minimal symptoms. This is because pain is influenced by where the tissue is located, not just how much of it there is. The condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including severe pain, fatigue and infertility.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to learn more, reach out to Dr. Tava to book an appointment. You can contact us at info@drtava.co.nz or call 0212214183.

www.drtava.co.nz

15/10/2025

It's World Menopause Month, a time to raise awareness and support for women's health.

Menopause is a natural transition, and while every woman's journey is unique, it's important to be aware of the common symptoms you might experience.

Common Menopause Symptoms:
• Hot Flushes & Night Sweats - A sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over the face, neck, and chest, sometimes accompanied by sweating. Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common menopausal symptoms experienced by women in New Zealand.

• Vaginal & Urinary Changes - The decrease in estrogen can cause the va**nal lining to become thinner and drier, leading to pain during in*******se, and can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

• Muscle & Joint Pains - Aches and pains in muscles and joints are a common symptom due to the loss of estrogen.

• Changes in Sexuality - Many women find that their s*xual desires change around menopause. Physical changes, like va**nal dryness, can also affect s*xual desire.

• Psychological Changes - Hormonal shifts may contribute to mood changes, anxiety, irritability, and forgetfulness.

Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your symptoms and maximising your quality of life. If you're experiencing these or other symptoms, remember that it's helpful to talk to your doctor.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Tava, please contact the team at Dr Tava Gynaecology, email info@drtava.co.nz or call 0212214183.

Dr Tava is dedicated to a high standard of care in women's health.

02/10/2025

New Location Announcement!

From Thursday 9th October, Dr Tava Gynaecology will be moving to a new location.

You can now find us at John Sullivan House Gate 3, Level 1 62 Tristram Street Hamilton.

For any questions, please reach out via email at info@drtava.co.nz or by phone at 0212214183.

Dr Tava is dedicated to a high standard of care in women's health.

16/09/2025

This September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month in New Zealand.

Gynaecological cancers are cancers that start in parts of the female reproductive system, including:
• cervical cancer
• ovarian cancer
• uterus cancer
• vulval cancer
• va**nal cancers

Like the rest of your body, the female reproductive organs are made of tiny 'building blocks' called cells.

Gynaecological cancers begin when these cells grow abnormally.

The symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, but signs and symptoms may include:
• unusual va**nal bleeding or discharge, especially after menopause
• pain in your tummy (abdomen)
• pain during s*x
• itchy skin around the opening to the va**na
• difficulty peeing (passing urine)
• changes in toilet habits

Having these symptoms does not mean you have cancer, but it is important to get any changes checked by your doctor.

If you would like to speak to Dr Tava, email info@drtava.co.nz or call 0212214183.

Dr Tava is dedicated to a high standard of care in women's health.

03/09/2025

September is Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month in New Zealand. PCOS is a hormonal condition that can cause a range of symptoms.

Symptoms may include:
• Period problems occur in about 7 in 10 women with PCOS. You may have irregular or light periods, or no periods at all.
• Fertility problems - you need to ovulate to become pregnant. You may not ovulate each month. Some women with PCOS do not ovulate at all. PCOS is one of the most common causes of not being able to get pregnant (infertility).
• Excess hair growth (hirsutism) occurs in more than half of women with PCOS. It is mainly on the face, lower tummy (abdomen) and chest. This does not happen to all women with PCOS.
• Acne may persist beyond the normal teenage years.
• Thinning of scalp hair occurs in some cases.

Tests may be advised to clarify the diagnosis and to rule out other hormone conditions.
• Blood tests may be taken to measure certain chemicals (hormones). For example, a test to measure the male hormone testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) which tend to be high in women with PCOS.
• An ultrasound scan of the ovaries may be advised. An ultrasound scan is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of structures in the body. The scan can detect the typical appearance of PCOS with the many small cysts (follicles) in slightly enlarged ovaries.

The condition is diagnosed when a person has at least two of the following :
• At least 12 tiny cysts (follicles) develop in your ovaries. (Polycystic means many cysts.)
• The balance of hormones that you make in the ovaries is altered. In particular, your ovaries make more than normal of the male hormone testosterone.
• You do not ovulate each month. Some women do not ovulate at all. In PCOS, although the ovaries usually have many follicles, they do not develop fully and so ovulation often does not occur. If you do not ovulate then you may not have a period.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Tava, please email info@drtava.co.nz or call 0212214183.

Dr Tava is dedicated to a high standard of care in women's health.

22/08/2025

What are the stages of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a natural process. It's a complex cycle controlled by female hormones that cause regular bleeding (periods). The menstrual cycle has four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.

The menstrual cycle prepares your body for pregnancy. If you are not pregnant, your hormones send a signal to your uterus to shed its lining. This becomes your period. Once you start your period, the cycle starts again.

A menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 to 29 days, but every woman’s cycle is different.

1. Menstruation - commonly known as a period. When you menstruate, your uterus lining sheds and flows out of your va**na. Your period contains blood, mucus and some cells from the lining of your uterus. The average length of a period is three to seven days.

2. The follicular phase - starts on the first day of your period and lasts for 13 to 14 days, ending in ovulation. The pituitary gland in the brain releases a hormone to stimulate the production of follicles on the surface of an o***y. Usually, only one follicle will mature into an egg. This can happen from day 10 of your cycle. During this phase, your uterus lining also thickens in preparation for pregnancy.

3. Ovulation - when a mature egg is released from an o***y and moves along a fallopian tube towards your uterus. This usually happens once each month, about two weeks before your next period. Ovulation can last from 16 to 32 hours.

4. The luteal phase - after ovulation, cells in the o***y (the corpus luteum), release progesterone and a small amount of oestrogen. This causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Tava, please email info@drtava.co.nz or call 0212214183.

www.drtava.co.nz

10/08/2025

Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine - Women's Health Week is here! It's a fantastic reminder for all wāhine in Aotearoa to prioritise their health.

At Dr Tava Gynaecology, we are committed to supporting you on your health journey. From general gynaecology care to specialised treatments for conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain and heavy periods, we are here to provide the care and guidance you need.

Take this week to book that overdue check-up, ask those hard questions and put your health first. Your wellbeing matters, not just for you, but for your whānau and community too.

Learn more about our services at www.drtava.co.nz and find more resources at www.womenshealthweek.nz

Dr Tava is dedicated to a high standard of care in women's health.

16/07/2025

Giving birth can be transformative, but for some, it can be traumatic.
This Birth Trauma Awareness Week, know that your feelings are valid. You are not alone, and help is available.
Reach out to Birth Trauma Aotearoa at www.birthtraumaaotearoa.org.nz – your journey to healing matters.

Dr Tava is dedicated to a high standard of care in women's health.