our Services

Gynaecology

  • Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the womb) is present outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can present in different ways for different people and may include period pain, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, fatigue, bowel and bladder symptoms and infertility. It is not normal to experience these symptoms. Dr Rachel has completed further training through an AGES Fellowship and has worked with the Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Unit in Melbourne in providing care for women with endometriosis.

  • Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the womb) is present inside to muscle wall of the uterus. It is a different condition to endometriosis. Adenomyosis can present in different ways which may include painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy and/or irregular periods and pain with intercourse. Adenomyosis can be difficult to diagnose.

    Treatment is dependent on symptoms, fertility desires and the individual circumstances of the person.

  • Pelvic pain is pain in the lower abdomen that interferes with the physical, emotional or social quality of life. There are many different causes of pelvic pain including endometriosis, adenomyosis, bladder conditions including bladder pain syndrome, bowel issue, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and nerve pain.

    Dr Rachel was awarded a research grant to conduct further study into pelvic pain focusing on endometriosis and bladder pain and the impact laparoscopy (key hole surgery) has on these conditions. She has presented at conferences talking on the topic and is a member of the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia. She provides a wholistic approach to the diagnosis and care of pelvic pain.

  • Fibroids are common, benign (non-cancerous) growths in the muscle layer of the uterus and affect 40-80% of people born with a uterus by 50years of age. Fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding including heavy bleeding, pressure symptoms, and can impact on fertility, depending on their size and location. Management is dependent on the presence of symptoms and needs to be tailored to the individual. Options may include observation, medical options or surgery.

    Dr Rachel has completed specialised training in the surgical management of fibroids via an AGES Fellowship, including their removal via key hole surgery and via hysteroscopy (via the vagina).

  • Ovarian cysts are swellings on or in the ovaries and are very common. There are many different types of ovarian cysts. In many cases they do not cause symptoms however in some people they can cause pain in the abdomen, pressure and bloating. Treatment of ovarian cysts depends on a number of different factors, in some circumstances the cyst may be monitored with blood tests and ultrasounds and in other circumstances, such as a cyst that is growing larger or not resolving, surgery to remove the cyst may be recommended.

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects close to 1 in 7 people who have ovaries. Symptoms can be varied between different individuals and may include irregular periods, no periods, acne, excessive hair growth and weight gain. PCOS is also one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Effective treatments are available and can reduce symptoms as well as reducing the long-term risks of PCOS such as diabetes. There are also effective management options if you have PCOS and infertility including ovulation induction medications.

  • Colposcopy is a procedure performed in the office where a microscope is used to look at the cells of the cervix, vagina and vulva. It is performed if you have had an abnormal cervical screening test (previously called pap smears). It involves inserting a speculum into the vagina then a liquid called acetic acid (vinegar) and sometimes Lugols solution (iodine) is applied. These liquids show up any abnormal cells. A biopsy of any abnormal cells may be required. A colposcopy usually takes around ten minutes to complete. The results of a biopsy can take a few weeks to return. Dr Rachel will discuss the management plan depending on your results and circumstances.

Gynaecology clinic

Gynaecological surgery

  • Hysteroscopy is a day procedure where a small camera is inserted into the uterus via the vagina and cervix and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the cervix gently dilated (opened) to allow for the camera to be inserted into the uterus. A liquid is released from the hysteroscope to allow for the inside of the uterus to be reviewed. It can be used to diagnose different conditions such as polyps, fibroids, thickened lining of the uterus or abnormalities in the shape of the uterus as well as being able to treat these conditions. Complications after a hysteroscopy are uncommon but can include heavy bleeding, infection or perforation (where a hole is made in the uterus wall).

  • Minimally invasive surgery includes laparoscopic and robotic procedures where an instrument with a camera is passed through a small hole in the umbilicus (belly button). Further cuts of 5-8mm to the abdomen are made to allow for instruments to be inserted. It can be used for diagnosing and treating conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts. Complications during and after minimally invasive surgery can occur, Dr Rachel will discuss these risks with you depending on your individual circumstances as well as discussing what to expect in the recovery pathway.

  • A hysterectomy is a procedure where the uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes are removed. It can be performed via key hole surgery (laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy), via the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) or via a cut on the abdomen (open hysterectomy). Depending on your situation, Dr Rachel will discuss with you whether removing the ovaries is to be considered or not. A hysterectomy is performed under general anaesthetic and requires time in hospital to recover. It is performed for conditions such as heavy and abnormal bleeding and pain. Complications during and after hysterectomy can occur including bleeding and infection. Depending on your individual circumstances, Dr Rachel will discuss these risks with you as well as what to expect during recovery.

Dr Rachel Collings Gynaecological Surgeon

Fertility

  • Ovulation induction is a medical treatment using tablets or injections to stimulate the ovaries to develop and release an egg. This is often used for women with PCOS and irregular cycles.

  • IUI or intrauterine insemination is a type of fertility treatment where sperm is inserted into op of the uterus via the cervix. It may be considered in unexplained infertility, other male fertility issues and when using donor sperm.

  • IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised using a partner's or donor sperm. Embryos that are created and transferred back to the uterus. If the reason for infertility is due to abnormalities in the male sperm then ICSI is used to fertilise the eggs. This involves our highly trained embryologist selecting viable sperm and injecting it directly into the egg for fertilisation.

  • Egg freezing is the process of collecting eggs from the ovaries and carefully preserving them for potential use in the future. Egg freezing and fertility preservation can give women the opportunity to start their families when they feel ready.

    As female fertility is dependent on age, freezing eggs in the 20s to early 30s increases the likelihood of collecting higher-quality eggs that can be used for the future. 

    Egg freezing is also used for those undergoing medical treatments that may reduce egg numbers or egg health (such as chemotherapy).

  • Dr Rachel and the QFG team have helped many people achieve their dream of parenthood through various pathways including donor eggs, sperm and embryos as well as through surrogacy.

    As each circumstance is individual, options and pathways will be discussed with you in person.

  • Dr Rachel and the QFG team can help people and couples navigate the surrogacy process.

Queensland Fertility Group QFG

Booking in with us:

1- GP Referral

Get your referral

Book in to see your GP and request a referral to: Dr Rachel Collings. Suite 15/9 Scott Street, Toowoomba, 4350.

2- Call Us

Call our lovely team

Call us to book your appointment. Depending on your circumstances, we may also help you organise some investigations that Dr Rachel would like you to undertake prior to your appointment.

3- Appointment

attend your consult

Attend your appointment. Our lovely staff will make you feel welcome. Not sure what to bring? View our FAQs here.