Dickinson Cowan

reproductive medicine · gynaecology · obstetrics

Gynaecology

Dick Cowan treats women of all ages. He provides advice, checkups, and surgery when necessary.

Check-ups

Patients may wish to have annual check ups with Mr Cowan. These usually consist of a cervical smear (Pap Test), as well as testing for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Screening

In addition to cervical smears, Mr Cowan screens for ovarian and breast cancer. Other tests of body function can be arranged easily - ie liver and kidney function tests, as well as cholesterol measurement.

Recall

An annual recall system is in place to remind patients when their next check up is due.

HRT

Many patients attend for advice about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) especially as reports in the media are confusing. Dick Cowan is happy to discuss treatment options and make recommendations. He will refer patients for bone mineral density (BMD) testing as well as mammography.

HPV

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. There are many types of HPV - some of which cause cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is preventable. Since 2008 HPV vaccines have become available (Cervarix, or Gardasil).

HPV vaccine

Mr Cowan recommends HPV vaccination, and is happy to discuss the issues surrounding this. He will administer Cervarix or Gardasil, according to patient choice. He offers immunization to daughters and sons if their parents wish this, in line with the National Programme for HPV vaccination which started in 2008.

Surgery

Mr Cowan performs most of his surgery using keyhole techniques. If the keyhole surgery is inappropriate he performs open surgery. Patients with cancer are referred to a gynaecological oncologist.