Frequently Asked Questions

Most women return to light everyday activities within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Compared to traditional open surgery, keyhole approaches cause far less muscle trauma, allowing a significantly quicker return to work and exercise.

Smaller incisions (usually 5 to 10 mm) mean less post-operative pain, lower risk of wound infection, minimal blood loss, minimal scarring, and often day-surgery or single-night hospital discharge.

Yes. Laparoscopic gynaecological procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with full muscle relaxation to ensure patient comfort and allow safe, precise surgical access.

No. Dr Patravali controls every surgical movement in real time from an ergonomic console. The robotic system translates the surgeon's natural hand movements into micro-movements of tiny instruments inside the pelvis, filtering out any natural tremor.

Robotic surgery is especially advantageous in complex cases such as severe deep infiltrating endometriosis, large uterine fibroids, or complex pelvic adhesions, where 3D high-definition magnified vision and articulating instruments provide superior surgical precision.

Most private health funds cover the hospital stay and standard Medicare item numbers for gynaecological procedures performed with robotic assistance. Our rooms provide comprehensive written quotes prior to any planned surgery.

While mild cramping is common, debilitating period pain that disrupts school, work, or daily life is not normal. Common underlying causes include endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory changes, all of which benefit from specialist assessment.

Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days, requires changing pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, involves passing clots larger than a 50-cent coin, or leads to iron deficiency anaemia should be formally evaluated.

No. Many ovarian cysts are functional (related to the normal menstrual cycle) and resolve spontaneously over 1 to 3 cycles. Surgery is reserved for persistent, large, complex, or symptomatic cysts causing acute pain or twisting risk.

While specialised 'deep endometriosis' ultrasound and MRI can identify advanced lesions, laparoscopic visualization with tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis and simultaneous treatment.

Ablation burns the surface of lesions with diathermy, whereas surgical excision cuts out the entire disease implant from deep underlying tissue with clear margins. Excision provides superior long-term symptom relief and significantly lower recurrence rates.

Endometriosis can impact fertility by creating pelvic inflammation, anatomical adhesions, or ovarian endometriomas (chocolate cysts). Thorough surgical excision alongside fertility planning with Dr Patravali significantly improves conception chances.

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign, non-cancerous muscular growths. Less than 1 in 1,000 fibroid-like tumours are malignant. However, they can cause significant symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

Yes. A myomectomy removes only the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, which is ideal for women wishing to preserve fertility. This can often be performed via laparoscopic or robotic keyhole techniques.

Polyps inside the uterine cavity are treated with a hysteroscopy and gentle polypectomy under light sedation, with no external cuts or incisions required.

The examination itself feels very similar to a routine Cervical Screening Test (Pap smear). Most women find it comfortable and straightforward.

If an area looks unusual under magnification, a tiny tissue sample (about the size of a pinhead) is taken. This can cause a brief, mild cramping sensation. Results are discussed during a follow-up consultation.

Referrals are recommended when high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus) types are detected or abnormal cervical cells (dysplasia) are found, allowing early preventative care before any serious condition develops.

It occurs when the pelvic support structures and ligaments stretch or weaken, often secondary to vaginal childbirth, chronic heavy lifting, chronic cough, or hormonal shifts associated with menopause.

No. Mild to moderate prolapse often responds exceptionally well to targeted pelvic floor physiotherapy or a supportive vaginal pessary. Surgery is considered when conservative measures are insufficient.

Silicone pessaries can remain safely in place for several months before a routine clinic check and cleaning. Many women find pessary therapy a reliable, non-surgical long-term solution.

Modern body-identical MHT is highly effective and considered safe for most symptomatic women when initiated within 10 years of menopause onset. Your individual health profile is thoroughly assessed before starting therapy.

Hot flushes and night sweats typically peak for 2 to 5 years, though some women experience symptoms longer. Bone health, cardiovascular wellness, and vaginal comfort can also benefit from personalized long-term strategies.

We offer evidence-based non-hormonal prescription medications and targeted lifestyle strategies that provide meaningful symptom relief for women who have contraindications to hormone therapy.

Most women experience brief, period-like cramping during placement. Taking simple over-the-counter pain relief beforehand helps significantly. We also provide local anaesthetic options to maximise patient comfort.

A Mirena provides effective contraception and heavy period management for up to 5 consecutive years, after which it can be easily removed or replaced in our consulting suites.

Yes. Many women experience significantly lighter bleeding, and up to 20-30% find their periods stop completely after the first 6 to 12 months. This is medically safe and is often a desired therapeutic benefit.

If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months, or after 6 months if you are 35 or older, a fertility assessment is recommended. Immediate evaluation is also appropriate if you have known irregular periods, endometriosis, or prior pelvic surgery.

It includes blood hormone testing (including AMH ovarian reserve), pelvic ultrasound, and tubal patency evaluation for women, alongside semen analysis for male partners. Results guide an individualized treatment pathway.

Not necessarily. Many couples achieve pregnancy through ovulation tracking, lifestyle optimization, hormonal balancing, or minor corrective keyhole surgery. IVF via MonashIVF Penrith is recommended when simpler treatments are unsuitable or unsuccessful.

Yes. A current referral from your GP or referring specialist ensures you are eligible for the maximum Medicare rebate on your consultation and any surgical procedures performed.

Dr Patravali provides specialist fertility and gynaecology consultations in Sydney NSW across MonashIVF Penrith, Nepean Private Hospital, and Nepean Public Hospital, and consults and operates at Mildura Private Hospital in regional Victoria.

Please bring your GP referral letter, Medicare card, private health insurance card, a list of current medications, and copies of any previous pelvic ultrasound reports, blood tests, or surgical operation records.