Spotting Women’s Health Issues Early: Why It Matters More Than Ever

When it comes to women’s health, early action is one of the most powerful tools we have. Many gynaecological problems — including cancers of the cervix, womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva — can be treated successfully if they are found early. Yet too often, symptoms are missed, ignored, or dismissed as “just part of being a woman.”

At LycaHealth Orpington, we believe no woman should have to wait months for answers. That’s why we offer a one-stop women’s health clinic, designed so you can see a consultant, have the necessary investigations, and get your results as quickly as possible — sometimes on the very same day.

Why women delay seeking help

There are many reasons why women put off booking an appointment:

• Busy lives – juggling work, family, and caring responsibilities leaves little time for self-care.
• Embarrassment – some symptoms feel too personal to talk about.
• Fear – worrying about what the tests might find.
• Normalisation of symptoms – assuming that pain, bleeding, or changes are “just part of getting older” or “something all women go through.”

Unfortunately, delays can make treatment more difficult. Early checks matter — they can quite literally save lives.

Warning signs you should never ignore

While every woman’s body is different, some symptoms should always be checked:

• Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Bloating or feeling full quickly
• Persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Feeling a Lump – lower abdomen/pelvis or vagina

Most of the time, these symptoms are caused by something other than cancer — but it’s always worth finding out.

What to expect from a ‘one-stop’ appointment

Miss Hanna’s clinic is designed to make the process as quick and comfortable as possible:

1. Initial consultation – a conversation about your symptoms and medical history.
2. On-site scans and tests – ultrasound, colposcopy, hysteroscopy or biopsy if needed.
3. Rapid results – in many cases, you’ll leave with answers the same day.

This approach means fewer appointments, less waiting, and faster treatment if something needs addressing.

Meet Miss Leila Hanna

Miss Leila Hanna has spent over 30 years helping women at every stage of life — from adolescence to post-menopause. She is internationally recognised for her expertise in reproductive medicine and surgery, early cancer detection, and minimally invasive gynaecological procedures.

Early in her career, as Senior Research Fellow to Professor Robert Winston, she was part of the pioneering team that delivered the first IVF quadruplets in the northern hemisphere — a landmark achievement in fertility treatment history. Since then, she has:

• Travelled the world teaching in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) techniques.
• Established two highly successful central London IVF centres.
• Set up one of the UK’s first NHS satellite assisted conception services.

In addition to her fertility and assisted conception expertise, Miss Hanna is accredited in colposcopy for the investigation and treatment of abnormal cervical smears, management of endometriosis, PCO, laparoscopic and vaginal surgery. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the British Fertility Society, and the European Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Her patients value not just her skill, but also her warmth, discretion, and the reassurance she brings — with families recommending her across several generations.

Why early detection changes lives

In many cases, gynaecological cancers develop slowly. That means there’s a valuable window of opportunity to spot and treat them before they become more advanced. Regular checks, smear tests and pelvic scans, and acting quickly on symptoms give you the best chance of avoiding serious illness.

The earlier a problem is found:

• The more treatment options there are.
• The less invasive treatment is likely to be.
• The better the long-term outcome.

A holistic approach to women’s health

One of the advantages of seeing a consultant like Miss Hanna is her breadth of expertise. She can investigate symptoms, provide rapid diagnosis, and offer a full range of treatment options — from medical management to advanced surgery, and from fertility advice to menopause care.

That means whatever the outcome of your initial appointment, you won’t need to be referred elsewhere for answers. For many patients, this continuity of care makes a stressful time feel more manageable.

Your health, your peace of mind

Booking an appointment doesn’t just protect your health — it can give you peace of mind. Many women leave the clinic relieved to know that their symptoms are not serious, and grateful to have taken control of their health.

At LycaHealth Orpington, we’re here to make that process as easy, comfortable, and supportive as possible. Whether it’s a routine smear, an investigation into symptoms, or a comprehensive women’s health check, you’ll be in expert hands.

Miss Leila Hanna – Consultant Gynaecologist & IVF/Fertility – MBBCh, FRCOG

Miss Hanna is a highly experienced Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, with over 30 years of expertise in the field of women’s health. She offers comprehensive care across all areas of gynaecology, with particular interests in laparoscopic (keyhole), minimally invasive and vaginal surgery, endometriosis, and paediatric and adolescent gynaecology.

📍 LycaHealth Orpington – Private women’s health services in Kent
📞 Call us on 01689 490 111 or book online at lycahealth.com