The consequences for women who have suffered as a result of negligence can be long lasting and may include urinary incontinence, severe abdominal and pelvic pain, inability to have sexual intercourse, and even infertility.

Common examples of compensation claims arising from negligent gynaecological treatment include errors in diagnosing and/or treating and may cover:

• Cervical cancer.
• Uterine cysts or uterine fibroids.
• Ovarian cysts.
• Menstrual disorders.
• Failure to spot damage to other internal organs such as the bladder, bowel and uterus.
• Surgical mistakes leading to hysterectomy.
• Unnecessary hysterectomy.
• Negligently caused nerve damage.
• Laparoscopy errors.
• Retained swabs and instruments.
• Surgical errors leading to urinary incontinence and or/ painful intercourse.
• Failed sterilisation.
• Injuries during termination of pregnancy.
• Perforating the uterus while inserting a contraceptive coil.

Unnecessary hysterectomies:

Undergoing a hysterectomy involves major surgery and is only recommended when other treatment options have not been successful. Common reasons for having a hysterectomy include:

• Cancer of the womb, ovaries or cervix.
• Prolapse of the uterus.
• Pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), adenomyosis or fibroids.
• Heavy periods.

Having a hysterectomy can bring on early menopause. This can be particularly distressing for women who were planning to have children.

If you have had an hysterectomy and feel like you were not properly advised about what alternative therapies or treatments were available you may be eligible to make a claim.