Ms Joanne Hockey

Ms Joanne Hockey
Urogynaecologist
Central London


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Ms Joanne Hockey

Urogynaecologist in
London

MD FRCOG


Call

Ms Joanne Hockey areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Mrs Joanne Hockey is a highly-respected gynaecologist based in London. She is known for her calm approach and commitment to understanding each individual woman's problems. Practising at a number of top clinics in the capital including her NHS base, the Royal Free Hospital and on Harley Street she has a special interest in menstrual problems, incontinence, prolapse, fibroids and menopause, as well as urogynaecology and urodynamics. Outside of her clinic she teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is a peer reviewer for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Journal.

 Credentials

GMC: ‍3433078

 Professional experience

• More than 25 years of experience
• Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Royal Free Hospital (present)
• Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, 132 Harley Street (present)
• Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Wellington Hospital (present)

 ...

 Sub-specialties

• Urogynaecology
• Incontinence
• Prolapse
• Period problems
• Menopause
• Urodynamics
• Fibroids
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

 ...

 Teaching posts

• Teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students

 Education

• St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School (1991)

 Publications and conferences

• Peer reviewer for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology journal

Languages spoken

  • English

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths found in and around the uterus, made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Symptoms are uncommon, but one out of three women ma ...

Menopause

What is the menopause? The menopause refers to the process which naturally occurs in women as a result of ageing, meaning they no longer have p ...

Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain occurs in the lower abdomen. In women can occur during menstruation or during intercourse. It may be a sign that there is a problem in the ...

Urinary incontinence

What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is an inability to control the bladder, meaning that urine is unintentionally passed. This is a ...

Vaginal prolapse

What is vaginal prolapse? Vaginal prolapse, also called pelvis organ prolapse (POP), is when the muscles that support the organs in the pelvis weaken and one or more of the organs begins to bulge into and even out of the vagina. Organs that can prolapse in this way include: Bladder Uterus Urethra Rectum (end of the bowel)   Prognosis of vaginal prolapse While not life-threatening, vaginal prolapse can be very uncomfortable or painful.   Symptoms of vaginal prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse can cause the following symptoms: A heavy feeling in the pelvis A feeling of fullness in the vagina A lump protruding from the vagina Discomfort or numbness during intercourse Problems with urination – you may feel like you haven’t emptied your bladder or may need to go more often.   Medical tests to diagnose vaginal prolapse If vaginal prolapse has occurred, but hasn’t been serious enough to cause any symptoms, it may be picked up by chance during another internal examination, like a cervical screening. If your doctor suspects a vaginal prolapse, he will need to perform an internal pelvic examination, which is done in a similar way to a smear test.   What are the causes of vaginal prolapse? A group of muscles and tissues known as the pelvic floor sits above the vagina and supports the organs in the abdomen such as the bladder and the colon. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor weakens and can no longer hold up these organs. This weakening may be caused by: Pregnancy and childbirth – particularly if the baby was big, after a long and/or difficult birth or after a multiple birth Heavy lifting Pressure from being overweight or obese Chronic constipation Chronic lung disease or similar conditions that cause constant coughing Menopause   Treatments for vaginal prolapse The first line of treatment is pelvic floor exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor so that they can support the bladder, uterus, and other organs properly. This, combined with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and giving up smoking can be enough for some patients. Other patients may require a pessary – a device that is inserted into the vagina to hold the prolapse in position. If the prolapse is severe, surgical options may be considered. The ideal treatment depends on the case and should be discussed thoroughly and decided on by you and your doctor.   Which type of specialist treats vaginal prolapse? Gynaecologists and urologists specialise in dealing with conditions affecting the vagina, including pelvic organ prolapse. ...

Gynaecological infections

What are gynaecological infections? Gynaecological infections is a term that encompasses a number of conditions affecting the vagina and genital tract caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or microscopic parasites that cause disease). Some common types of gynaecological infection include: Bacterial vaginosis Candida (yeast infection) Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Pelvic inflammatory disease Herpes   What are the symptoms of gynaecological infections? Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection, but may include one or more of the following: Itching Redness Pain or soreness Abnormal discharge If you notice the above symptoms affecting your vagina or pubic area, you should consult a gynaecologist immediately. ...

Heavy periods

What are heavy periods? It can sometimes be difficult to know if you have particularly heavy periods because what is normal changes from person to person. However, the followings signs would suggest your periods are heavy: You have to get up in the night to change your sanitary products. You need to use more than one sanitary product at once (e.g. both a pad and a tampon). You have to change your sanitary products once every one or two hours. You’re passing blood clots more than 2cm across. You’re bleeding for longer than a week. It’s worth seeing the doctor if this applies to you, or if you’ve simply noticed your periods getting heavier. You should also see a doctor if you’re having period pain or bleeding between your periods. Left untreated, heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. What causes heavy periods? Common causes of heavy periods include fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the womb) or endometriosis. Less common causes include: pelvic inflammatory disease polycystic ovarian syndrome polyps adenomyosis a hormonal imbalance caused by hypothyroidism, obesity or diabetes a blood clotting disorder such as Von Willebrand disease certain medications such as hormonal medication or anticoagulants using “the coil”, a type of contraception womb cancer or cervical cancer Almost half of cases of heavy bleeding have no underlying cause. What happens when you see a doctor? When you visit the doctor they will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and any medication you’re on, and you might need to keep a diary of your bleeding. You might also have a number of tests depending on the suspected cause, including: a full blood test to test for iron deficiency or a blood-clotting disorder hysteroscopy to look inside the womb an ultrasound to produce an image of the tissues inside your uterus and pelvis How are heavy periods treated? There are many treatment options for heavy periods and it’s important that you and the doctor discuss in detail your personal preferences and future childbearing plans. Conservative treatment options include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen tranexamic acid hormonal medication such as the combined oral contraceptive pill or cyclical progestogen an intrauterine system (IUS), an implantable device that slowly releases progestogen over time. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or if you have fibroids or endometriosis, there are a number of procedures available aimed at removing the tissue causing the problem, including: uterine artery embolisation ultrasound surgery myomectomy If you are getting lots of fibroids or severe endometriosis, and you are no longer planning to have children, endometrial ablation or hysterectomy may be recommended treatment options. ...

Pelvic floor reconstructive surgery

What is pelvic floor reconstruction? Pelvic floor reconstruction is a surgical procedure involving the repositioning of the internal organs of the female pelvis.   Why is it done? The goal of pelvic floor reconstruction is to position pelvic structures in a manner that corrects urinary and/or faecal incontinence, pelvic disease and pelvic symptoms while preserving sexual function. What does it involve? Pelvic floor reconstruction is performed to achieve correct positioning of the internal organs of the female pelvis: uterus, bladder and rectum. The procedure involves placement of a polypropylene mesh. There are different ways to perform it: vaginal route, abdominal route, laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or a combination of these. The vaginal route is the most common. How to prepare for it Before undergoing pelvic floor surgery, it is advisable to undergo a course of vaginal physiotherapy to strengthen the musculature of the area for the intervention. Post-operative care When performed as minimally invasive surgery, the surgical procedure is shorter and recovery is faster. You can resume your normal routine one week after the operation. If the surgery is performed through the vaginal or abdominal route, your surgeon will advise what type of post-operative care is necessary and how long you will need to rest. ...

Pelvic floor rehabilitation

What is pelvic floor rehabilitation? Pelvic floor rehabilitation , or pelvic floor therapy, involves strengthening the muscles around your bladder, vagina or penis, and back passage. It is performed by physiotherapist with specialist training in bladder, bowel and pelvic problems. Why is it done? Pelvic floor therapy is often recommended as a treatment for women who have given birth and as a result experienced a tear or weakening in their pelvic muscles. However, pelvic floor therapy can also be helpful for men and women experiencing: incontinence pelvic pain sexual dysfunction bladder pain It may also be recommended if you have had surgery on your pelvic floor and the muscles have been weakened as a result. What does it involve? Pelvic floor therapy is carried out by a specialised physiotherapist and generally involves a series of appointments. The first appointment will include an assessment. This takes place in a private setting, where the physiotherapist carry out an examination of your pelvic floor to get an idea of the strength of your muscles. In women, this involves putting a finger into the vagina and feeling the vaginal walls near the bladder. You should let the physiotherapist know if you might be pregnant, have any form of vaginal infection, or have an allergy to latex. You will only have an examination if you have given your consent. Following the assessment, there are a number of treatment options: Most people will be given advice on how to carry out pelvic floor exercises. Doing these over a period of a few months is usually very effective in strengthening the muscles. In some cases you might make use of vaginal cones to “weight-train” your muscles. In some cases, the physiotherapist might give you advice on changes to your diet or drinking habits to mitigate problems Biofeedback and electrical stimulation are two forms of therapy that can help you if you struggle to find your pelvic floor muscles, and are therefore struggling to do the exercises How do you prepare for the assessment? You don’t need to bring anything or wear any special clothes, but it is always helpful to have a list of any medication you take. ...

Pelvic pain syndrome

Pelvic pain syndrome is considered chronic if it lasts for more than six months, and must be assessed by a specialist as it can have multiple causes and possible treatments. ...

Period pain

What is period pain? Period pain is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and most women experience it at some point in their lives. It is felt as painful muscle cramps in the lower abdomen that can sometimes spread to the back and thighs. Period pain usually starts on the first day of the period, although many women experience pain a few days before. It normally lasts between 48 and 72 hours, but this can vary. The cramps can vary in intensity with each monthly period. Sometimes the pain can come in intense spasms, while other times it can be dull and constant. Many women experience less pain with age and after having children. What are the symptoms of period pain? The most common symptoms include: Throbbing or cramping abdominal pain Lower back pain Pain in the thighs Pelvic pain Sometimes women experience: Nausea Headaches Dizziness Loose stools How is period pain diagnosed? Normally period pain is light to intense muscle cramps every month around the time of the period. However, if periods become irregular, heavier and other symptoms present, like foul-smelling vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods, your GP may want to carry out a pelvic exam to rule out other conditions. What causes period pain? Period pain occurs when the muscular walls of the womb or uterus contract. When the wall of the uterus contracts, it compresses the blood vessels in the lining of the womb and this cuts off the oxygen and blood supply to the womb. When the tissues in the womb have no oxygen, they release chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. These chemicals are called prostaglandins. The contractions occur to allow the lining of the womb to shed, which causes monthly bleeding. Period pain is a normal part of the menstrual cycle, however, sometimes the pain can be accompanied by an underlying medical condition. These can include: Endometriosis: Cells that form the lining of the womb grow outside of the womb, in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes. When the cells shed and break away, they can cause intense pain. Fibroids: Non-cancerous tumours grow in the womb and cause painful and heavy periods. Adenomyosis: The tissue that lines the uterus, grows into the walls of the uterus and causes very painful periods. Pelvic inflammatory disease: The womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes become infected with bacteria, causing inflammation and pain. Cervical stenosis: Some women have a very small opening in the cervix that impedes menstrual flow, causing pressure in the uterus and pain. If period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, the following symptoms may be experienced: Irregular periods Bleeding in between periods Pain during sexual intercourse Thick or foul-smelling vaginal discharge If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you make an appointment with your GP. What are the best ways to treat period pain? Painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin and paracetamol can help. However consult your doctor if you have stomach, kidney or liver problems. Aspirin should not be given to anyone under the age of 16. If cramps are very bad, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers. A combined contraceptive pill may be prescribed, as this thins the lining of the womb, leading to fewer contractions and lighter periods. Contraceptive injections or implants are also an option. Natural measures that help to relieve the pain: A warm bath or a hot water bottle on the stomach can help relieve pain and help you to relax. Gentle exercise like swimming or walking. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and Pilates can help manage period pain. If period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, then the treatment will depend on the condition. Fibroids may require surgery, or a bacterial infection may require antibiotics. If your periods are heavier or more painful than normal or you experience symptoms of an underlying medical condition, as mentioned previously, consult your doctor for correct treatment. ...

Second medical opinion

What is a second medical opinion? A second medical opinion is when you consult with a doctor that is not your regular doctor about a potential diagnosis and/or treatment plan. There is no legal right to a second opinion, however, it is rare for a doctor to refuse. Why would you get a second medical opinion? Patients may consider a second medical opinion if they are facing a new diagnosis or recommended treatment because sometimes this can feel confusing and a second opinion can put their mind at ease. In addition, there are certain situations where a second medical opinion is sought after: Potential treatment is risky and could be life-changing or the diagnosis is possibly life-threatening The diagnosis is not clear-cut If you are considering a new treatment approach that is experimental The aims of obtaining a second medical opinion are: To confirm whether a diagnosis is correct and/or appropriate. To confirm whether a suggested treatment is correct and/or appropriate. To compare information received from each doctor so that you can make an informed decision – sometimes a second medical opinion can rule out the need for a potentially unnecessary invasive procedure. Possible disadvantages of seeking a second medical opinion include: The process can delay the start of treatment. Logistically, seeing another specialist might be difficult and possibly time-consuming. It might be stressful to hear the same diagnosis again. How would you seek a second medical opinion? You can request a second medical opinion from your GP or consultant, but before doing so it is recommended that you ask for as much clarification and explanation about the initial diagnosis and treatment, before seeking a second opinion. Obtaining a second medical opinion does not mean that the second doctor will then take over – if that is what the patient decides, then this needs to be agreed formally between doctors and hospitals.  ...

Sexual health

Sexual health in men and women is vital to overall well-being and can have pathological, physical, psychological, or lifestyle related components.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a set of infectious diseases that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact (vaginally, anally or orally). There are numerous types of STIs, including: Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Genital herpes HIV Genital warts HPV (human papillomavirus) Syphilis Trichomoniasis Pubic lice (‘crabs’) What symptoms do STIs present? Sexually transmitted infections can cause symptoms, although not always. Some patients may experience the following symptoms: Pain when peeing Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus A rash Itchy genitals Vaginal bleeding Blisters or sores around the genitals Flu-like symptoms Skin growths around the genitals What causes sexually transmitted infections? The cause of sexually transmitted infections is either bacteria, parasites, fungi or viruses. Can STIs be prevented? Abstinence is the only way to completely prevent STIs, however, making sexual contact safer will also reduce the possibility of contracting an STI. If used properly, condoms can provide effective protection against many STIs. However, whilst condoms protect you from contact with fluids (semen or blood), they may not protect you from skin-to-skin transmission. It is also a good idea to have regular STI health checks if you are sexually active, to allow for early diagnosis and treatment and to stop the spread of STIs among the population. It is also a good idea to have the HPV vaccine, which is currently offered to girls at school. What is the treatment for STIs? Not all sexually transmitted infections can be cured. Those that are caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, are treated with antibiotics. However, those that are caused by a virus, such as genital herpes, treatment is limited to alleviating the symptoms. STIs such as lice or trichomoniasis can be treated with topical medications. ...

Thrush

Thrush is an infection caused by the proliferation of the fungus candida. It is naturally found in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and skin, often without causing infection. If the levels of candida get out of balance in the vagina, it can cause unpleasant effects like itching and soreness. Most women have a yeast infection throughout their lives. Some causes of thrush are: Antibiotic use Pregnancy Obesity Diabetes   ...

Vaginitis

What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina and vulva, causing itching, pain or discomfort and discharge. It is one of the most frequent gynaecological problems and it is estimated that 90% of women will suffer from some form of vaginitis throughout their lives. There are different types of vaginitis: Bacterial vaginosis Yeast infection (thrush) Trichomoniasis What are the symptoms of vaginitis? The main symptoms of vaginitis are: Itching Swelling and redness of the vagina A strange vaginal discharge that is different in smell, colour and amount Pain when urinating or during intercourse Abdominal pain Light bleeding or spotting It is helpful to know that the type of discharge you have can indicate what type of vaginitis you have: Bacterial vaginosis – greyish-white, smelly discharge. Yeast infection – white, thick discharge that is said to resemble cottage cheese. Trichomoniasis – green or yellow discharge. What causes vaginitis? The causes of vaginitis can be several: Bacterial vaginosis: caused by a change in the normal balance of bacteria found in the vagina. This can be linked to sexual activity, but sometimes is not. Yeast infections: caused by an imbalance of candida fungi in the vagina. This may result from antibiotic use or pregnancy. Trichomoniasis: a common STI caused by a parasite. This is transmitted sexually and in men this may cause a urinary tract infection. Allergic reactions: to medicines, condoms, lubricants, to the material of underwear, to products for intimate hygiene or even to laundry detergent. Hormonal: atrophic vaginitis is common in postmenopausal women due to decreased oestrogen levels and thinning of the inner lining of the vagina. Can vaginitis be prevented? To prevent vaginitis is advisable to: Wear cotton underwear Avoid irritants, such as perfumed soaps for washing the vagina or scented sanitary products, Avoid douching the vagina (your vagina does not need to be washed anymore than other parts of your body) Practise safe sex with a condom Ensure you wipe from back to front when going the toilet What is the treatment for vaginitis? Both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Yeast infections must be treated with over-the-counter antifungal cream or prescription oral antifungal medication (e.g. fluconazole). If vaginitis has resulted from an irritant, identifying the irritant and eliminating it should cause symptoms to go away. Vaginal atrophy can be treated with special creams or oral medications prescribed by a doctor. ...

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Other information about Joanne Hockey

Source: All information contained on this page as well as office hours available, are provided directly by the doctor who has the ability to update them at all times in order to keep the information as accurate as possible.
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