Dr Tava Gynaecology

10/06/2026

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

The organs within a woman’s pelvis consist of the uterus (womb), va**na, bladder and bowel. Normally, they are held in place by a supportive hammock of muscles, ligaments and tissue that lie across your pelvis, known as the pelvic floor. When this supporting tissue is weakened, it no longer holds these organs in the correct position, causing the pelvic organs to prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a bulge or lump in the va**na, which may affect your quality of life. Symptoms may include a heavy, dragging feeling or lump in the va**na, bladder or bowel problems and discomfort with s*xual in*******se. It is difficult to know exactly how many women are affected by prolapse since many do not go to their doctor about it. However, it does appear to be very common, especially in older women. Half of women over 50 will have some symptoms of POP and by the age of 80 more than one in ten will have had surgery for prolapse.

There are different types of POP depending on which organ is bulging into the va**na. It is common to have more than one type of organ prolapse at the same time. The most common types of prolapse are:

Anterior wall prolapse (Cystocele) – when the front wall of the va**na bulges.

Posterior wall prolapse (Rectocele) – when the back wall of the va**na bulges.

Uterine prolapse – when the uterus bulges down into the va**na. Eventually, the uterus may protrude outside the body. There are different degrees of prolapse depending on how far the organ(s) have bulged.

Vault prolapse – after a hysterectomy has been performed, the top (or vault) of the va**na may bulge down. This happens to one in ten women who have had a hysterectomy as part of the surgery to treat their original prolapse.

If you suffer from any POP symptoms like bladder symptoms including incontinence, bowel symptoms like incomplete emptying or incontinence or you feel a bulge or dragging sensation in your pelvis, contact Dr Tava Gynaecology for an appointment and we will work on an individual treatment plan with you.

www.drtava.co.nz/contact

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

01/06/2026

This June is Uterine Cancer Awareness Month in New Zealand.

Uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer or cancer of the womb) is the most common gynaecological cancer in New Zealand.

It begins when cells in the lining of the uterus grow abnormally. The most common symptom is abnormal va**nal bleeding. This might look like:

• Bleeding after menopause (even just a spot)
• Periods that are heavier, longer, or more frequent than usual
• Bleeding between periods
• Unusual discharge that is watery, pink, or dark/bloody

Other symptoms to watch for include:
• Discomfort or persistent pain in the tummy or pelvis
• Pain during s*x
• Painful or difficult urination
• Changes in bowel habits or persistent bloating

While anyone with a uterus can develop this cancer, risk factors include being over 50, being overweight, having a family history of uterine, breast or bowel cancer or never having been pregnant.

If you notice any of these changes, please see your GP or gynaecologist. Most of the time, these symptoms aren't cancer, but they always need to be investigated.

Early detection makes uterine cancer much easier to treat. Let's look out for ourselves and our whānau this June.

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

13/05/2026

We know that attending a specialist appointment can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, so we’ve made sure our clinic is as easy to find as possible.

In this video, Dr Tava walks you through our location at the Anglesea Surgical Centre. Here’s the quick guide for your next visit:

Where we are: First Floor, John Sullivan House.

Entry: Use Gate 3 at the Anglesea Medical Precinct.

Parking: There's plenty of parking available for you and your support person.

Our goal is to make your experience seamless from the moment you pull into the car park.

For more details on our services or to book an appointment, visit our website: www.drtava.co.nz

04/05/2026

Motherhood is often portrayed as a time of joy, but for many, the reality includes physical and emotional challenges that are rarely discussed.

From vulvodynia and nerve injuries to complications from episiotomies and tears, the physical toll of birth can be debilitating, especially while caring for a newborn.

As we observe Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (4th - 10th May), we want to acknowledge the deep connection between physical birth trauma and mental wellbeing. Chronic pain and discomfort after birth aren't just physical hurdles, they take a significant toll on a mother’s mental health.

You are not alone, and you deserve to heal.

Dr Tava works closely with specialised physiotherapists and midwives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. We are also encouraged by the recent changes to ACC, which now recognise maternal birth injuries, ensuring more women can access the treatment they need.

Seeking support? If you or someone you know is struggling with the physical or emotional aftermath of birth, please reach out. Recovery is possible.

Find more information or submit an inquiry:

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

15/04/2026

This April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month in New Zealand.

Adenomyosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrial tissue that typically lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This out-of-place tissue behaves normally during each menstrual cycle by thickening, breaking down, and bleeding. This can lead to an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods.

Symptoms of adenomyosis can include:
• heavy periods
• painful periods
• pain during s*x
• chronic (ongoing) pain in the pelvis
• bleeding between periods
• infertility

The symptoms may be mild for some people. But they can also be severe enough to interfere with your work, study and enjoyment of life. Sometimes there are no symptoms.

How is adenomyosis diagnosed?

Adenomyosis often takes time to diagnose. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and examine you. During the examination, they may notice your uterus is tender and enlarged.

Your doctor might recommend that you have an ultrasound scan. In some cases, they may recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan).

Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Tava, please email [email protected] or call 0212214183.

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

01/04/2026

How do you book an appointment with Dr Tava?

Navigating specialist care shouldn't be complicated. In this short video, Dr Tava explains the different ways you can access our gynaecology services.

Whether you have a referral or want to reach out directly, we’ve made the process as seamless as possible for you:

• GP Referrals: Most of our patients are referred by their trusted General Practitioner.

• Specialist Referrals: We often work alongside other specialists to provide collaborative care.

• Self-Referrals: You don’t always have to wait for a GP appointment. You can reach out to us directly to seek expert advice.

Submit an inquiry or referral directly via our website. We’re here to support your health journey with expert, compassionate care.

Visit us at www.drtava.co.nz

25/03/2026

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are the most common benign tumours of the uterus, but their impact can vary greatly from person to person. As Dr Tava explains, the best approach to treatment depends entirely on where they are located.

In this video, Dr Tava breaks down:
• What fibroids are (smooth muscle monoclonal tumours)
• How location dictates treatment
• Minimally invasive options like the MyoSure® device
• Laparoscopic vs. open procedures for larger fibroids

At Dr Tava Gynaecology, we prioritise personalised care to ensure the best clinical outcomes. If you have questions about fibroids or want to discuss your options, we’re here to help. Please call 0212214183 or email [email protected].

www.drtava.co.nz

11/03/2026

Understanding your options for endometriosis treatment can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. 🎗️

Dr Tava utilises laparoscopy as his primary tool, offering a minimally invasive path to relief. By choosing this approach over traditional surgery, patients benefit from precise treatment, better visualisation of affected tissues and a significantly faster recovery.

Our goal is to get you back to your life sooner. Most patients stay just 1 - 2 nights in the hospital and return to their routine within 2 - 4 weeks.

If you have any questions about laparoscopy, please call 0212214183 or email [email protected].

www.drtava.co.nz/procedures

02/03/2026

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. In Aotearoa, this condition affects over 120,000 people - roughly 1 in 10 women, girls, and those assigned female at birth.

What is it?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places it shouldn't, like the pelvic lining (peritoneum), ovaries, bowel, or even the lungs. This can cause inflammation, scarring, and significant pain.

Symptoms to watch for:
• Painful Periods: Often the most common sign
• Bowel & Bladder Issues: Bloating, pain with movements, or "IBD-like" symptoms
• Intimacy Pain: Discomfort during or after in*******se
• Fertility Challenges: Difficulty conceiving or sub-fertility
• Chronic Fatigue: Constant tiredness and low energy
• Wider Pain: Lower back pain or pain during ovulation

While scans and blood tests are helpful tools, endometriosis can only be definitively diagnosed through a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Because symptoms vary so widely, having a doctor who truly listens to your history is the first vital step.

You don't have to suffer in silence. Dr Tava is here to help you navigate your symptoms and find a path forward for your health.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Tava, please email [email protected] or call 0212214183.

www.drtava.co.nz

04/02/2026

This February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in New Zealand.

Ovarian Cancer is the name commonly used for cancer that develops in the o***y, fallopian tube or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen).

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for less serious issues women experience regularly. It’s important to know the symptoms, and if they persist for four weeks or more, see your doctor.

Common ovarian cancer symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Eating less and feeling fuller
• Abdominal, pelvic or back pain
• Needing to p*e more or urgently
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fatigue

But indigestion, abnormal va**nal bleeding or discharge, unexplained weight changes and painful s*x are also possible.

Most people with ovarian cancer only experience one or two symptoms at first.

Even if your symptoms are mild, if they haven’t gone away after four weeks you should tell your GP.

Most of the time the symptoms won’t be ovarian cancer, but it is really important to get them checked just in case.

Ovarian cancer is easier to treat when it is diagnosed quickly.

Learn more about ovarian cancer here: https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/symptoms/

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