International guidelines suggest a woman begin to see a gynaecologist before they become sexually active, roughly between ages of 13 and 15. A pelvic examination and PAP smear will only be necessary once the patient has become sexually active.
In general, it is important to see a gynaecologist if you experience any women's health concerns before this time, for example suffering from abnormal bleeding, abdominal pain, menstrual problems, vaginal issues, etcetera.
At your gynaecology examination, you can expect to have a detailed consultation and examination. This will include a urine analysis, general examination, gynaecological examination and PAP smear. You may also require an ultrasound scan, depending on the nature of your complaint.
Dr. Kate will SMS you if your test results come back as normal. If your results are abnormal, she will call you and schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss your results in more detail and go through your treatment plan.
Dr. Kate recommends that you see your gynaecologist at least once a year, or more often if you are experiencing issues or if you have been referred by your general practitioner.
In a routine gynaecological exam, your general health is assessed and reproductive health and contraception are discussed. You may have a pap smear, breast exam and have a pelvic ultrasound. You will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns.
No referral is needed to make an appointment to see Dr. Kate. However, if you have been referred by another practitioner (such as your GP), please provide their contact details so we can share relevant medical feedback and ensure continuity of your care. If your concern is urgent, please do let our receptionist know as we aim to fast track gynaecological emergencies.
You are welcome to contact our rooms at Vincent Pallotti Hospital. Our receptionist will assist you in finding a suitable appointment depending on your needs and the urgency of your concern.
Whatsapp: 066 335 3542
Email: reception@drrichardsoninc.co.za
Telephone: 021 531 9933
You should have your medical aid details on you. It is also helpful to have a summary of your medical records and a list of medication or supplements you are currently taking. If you have recent scan results or blood tests from another provider, please bring those along as well. Feel free to bring a list of questions - Dr. Kate is dedicated to providing a comfortable environment in which you are able to discuss any of your concerns.
Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend, your partner or parent along.
At your appointment you can expect to have a detailed consultation and examination. This will include a urine analysis, general examination, gynaecological examination and PAP smear. Dr. Kate also does a pelvic ultrasound scan. Should you require further investigations, this will be discussed with you and depends on the nature of your complaint.
As a private practice, our rates are updated periodically. For a detailed quote regarding your specific requirements, please contact our receptionist at reception@drrichardsoninc.co.za or give us a call on 021 531 9933 for more information. You may also Whatsapp us through +27 66 335 3542.
After seeing Dr. Kate, you will be provided with an invoice to be settled on the day and you can submit this to your medical aid for reimbursement. We have credit and debit card facilities available.
In case of any gynaecological emergency, please present to the Life Vincent Pallotti Casualty Unit where the casualty officer will take a history, examine you, provide initial treatment, and refer to the gynaecologist on call for the hospital to assist in resolving your medical problem.
Dr. Kate Richardson is a qualified obstetrician and still manages the pregnancies and deliveries of her existing patients until September 2026. As Dr. Kate is focussing on gynaecology going forward, new and existing patients who are pregnant, can come to Dr. Kate for their first pregnancy appointment. She can confirm your pregnancy and perform your first ultrasound scan. Dr. Kate will refer all subsequent consultations to one of her colleagues that she feels would be most suitable to see you for the duration of your pregnancy.
An abnormal pap smear is not uncommon and is treatable. Dr. Kate will discuss your results with you in detail and create an individualised management plan, which may include further investigation or a follow-up procedure. Dr. Kate will perform a colposcopy as part of the management of abnormal pap smear. A colposcopy involves looking at the cervix under high magnification, the application of dyes and biopsies to any abnormal appearing areas which are then sent for histological assessment. This will give Dr. Kate a more definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. Some abnormal results are managed by regular pap smears or colposcopies, whilst others demand the removal of a small area of the cervix (LLETZ procedure) done in theatre under general anaesthetic.
During your consultation, Dr. Kate will assist in advising you on all appropriate, available contraceptive options and enabling you in deciding the best solution for your contraceptive and family planning needs.
Dr. Kate can assist patients who are struggling with fertility issues by performing ovulation checks and doing an assessment of your ovarian reserve. Ideally bring your partner along, as fertility is a shared journey. Dr. Kate can provide initial screenings for both partners to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your reproductive health.
Some of the treatments may include laparoscopy and tubal assessment as well as management of pathology such as endometriosis. Dr. Kate may prescribe low dose ovulation induction to assist with regulating cycles and promoting ovulation to enable a natural conception.
If IVF treatment is required, Dr. Kate can refer you appropriately.
Menopause is a natural transition that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Whilst on average menopause starts at age 51, many women experience perimenopausal side effects from the age of 45 or earlier. If symptoms like hot flushes, mood changes, or sleep disturbances are impacting your quality of life, Dr. Kate recommends you make an appointment so that she can help manage these symptoms. She will also discuss long-term wellness topics including bone density and heart health.
There can be a number of reasons why you are experiencing irregular or painful periods. Book a consultation with Dr. Kate so that she can discuss your full history, examine you and advise regarding further investigations or tests you may require. Dr. Kate can assist in individualising a treatment plan to assist with your problem and advise regarding ongoing management.
Absolutely. There are different reasons why you may be experiencing pain during sex. Many of these are treatable. Diagnosis is crucial to be able to provide a treatment plan. If you are experiencing painful intercourse, please reach out to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kate:
Whatsapp: 066 335 3542
Email: reception@drrichardsoninc.co.za
Telephone: 021 531 9933
This can often be a very sensitive problem to discuss. Dr. Kate has a special interest in women with incontinence and other related issues. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, please make an appointment so that Dr. Kate can discuss your full history, perform a detailed examination, and provide advice on both treatment and management.
Yes. Vulval health is a specialised area of gynaecology that requires a nuanced approach. Dr. Kate has a particular interest in vulval pathology, including the management of chronic itching, pain, and skin conditions like Lichen Sclerosus. These consultations are handled with the utmost sensitivity and often involve specialised diagnostic steps to ensure an accurate treatment plan.
Chronic pelvic pain is complex and often multi-factorial. Rather than just treating the symptoms, Dr. Kate focuses on identifying the root cause. This could be endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroids. Diagnosing involves a deep-dive medical history, high-resolution ultrasound, and, at times, diagnostic laparoscopy. Should endometriosis be discovered, this will be treated during the laparoscopic process.
If another root cause will be identified, Dr. Kate will provide an alternative treatment plan.
Combination of medical management and surgical resection or ablation. The surgical approach is done through minimal access techniques (laparoscopic surgery).
If you feel pressure in your pelvis, have a lump or bulge inside or hang out your vagina, you may be experiencing a prolapse. This is a fairly common symptom to experience which can be managed with conservative measures. At times it requires surgery, which is performed vaginally or abdominally through laparoscopic techniques. Dr. Kate works collaboratively with pelvic floor physiotherapists to provide tailored holistic care. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please reach out to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kate:
Whatsapp: 066 335 3542
Email: reception@drrichardsoninc.co.za
Telephone: 021 531 9933
Dr. Kate specialises in “keyhole” or laparoscopic surgery. This approach uses smaller incisions, which typically results in less pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery (laparotomy).
Dr. Kate performs minimal access surgery for a number of procedures, including hysterectomies, treating endometriosis and pelvic floor repairs (prolapse surgery).
If you are requiring surgery, Dr. Kate will assess if a laparoscopic approach is the safest and most effective option for your specific needs.
Most operations can be done using minimal access surgery. This includes the management of ovarian cysts, management of pelvic pain and treatment of endometriosis, hysterectomies, removal of tubes and ovaries, prolapse surgery as well as the removal of fibroids. Even larger fibroids can be removed using specialised techniques allowing to remove large masses through small incisions.
Yes, all keyhole surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Kate works with an experienced and caring anaesthetic team who will meet with you who will discuss your anaesthetic with you preoperatively. This same medical team will also take care of your postoperative care.
The recovery period differs depending on the type of procedure performed. For some minimal access procedures, you may be discharged the same or the next day. Dr. Kate will generally book you off for two weeks, although most patients are able to continue their day-to-day activities after five to seven days. You can resume driving after ten days, provided you are no longer taking strong pain medication and feel physically capable of performing an emergency stop comfortably.
Most medical aids cover and encourage keyhole surgery due to the reduced hospital stay and improved recovery rates. Dr. Kate always recommends that patients have gap cover to make sure that all costs are covered.
This is procedure dependent but could range from as early as two weeks to around six weeks for heavy lifting. To be on the safe side, you should stick to light household activities and gentle walking for the first 1-2 weeks. You should avoid lifting anything over 5 kg and refrain from high-impact exercise for at least 4-6 weeks. Most patients resume full activity after their 6-week review.
You should stick to showers for the first 48 hours. Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming until your wounds are fully healed (usually 1-2 weeks). If you have had a hysterectomy or prolapse repair, you should wait until all vaginal discharge has stopped before swimming, which may take 4-6 weeks.
To allow for proper internal healing, please do not have intercourse or insert anything into the vagina (including tampons) for 6 weeks after having a hysterectomy, when you should be cleared by Dr. Kate during your follow-up appointment. For all other keyhole surgeries, you need to wait for two to three weeks.
No. Dr. Kate uses dissolvable sutures for the small abdominal incisions, so they do not require manual removal. You will have a follow-up appointment approximately six weeks after your surgery. Our rooms will typically contact you within 1–2 weeks of your surgery to schedule a follow-up. If you haven’t heard from us by then, please reach out to arrange a review for approximately 6 weeks post-surgery. As always, if you have concerns before your appointment, do not hesitate to call the office.
Yes. During laparoscopic surgery, gas is used to inflate the abdomen. This can sometimes irritate the diaphragm, resulting in “shoulder tip pain.” This is a common side effect and usually subsides within a few days as the gas is absorbed.
Keep the wounds clean and dry. You may have a shower after surgery. Monitor the sites for increasing redness, swelling, or discharge, as these can be signs of infection.
Please contact the rooms or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
> A fever over 38°C.
> Sudden, severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting.
> Chest pain or shortness of breath.
> Pain or swelling in your calves.
Incisions are usually between five and 10 millimeters in diameter. Typically, there are four incisions, one to three small (five mm) incisions in the abdomen, with the largest (ten mm) hidden in the umbilicus (belly button).
