Gynaecologist Melbourne

Dr Hugo Fernandes

Quality care dedicated to your gynaecological health, delivered with patience and understanding every step of the way.

Meet Dr Hugo Fernandes: Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Melbourne

Dr Hugo is a gynaecologist and minimally invasive surgeon offering modern, patient-centred care in Melbourne. His leading qualifications and extensive experience allow him to treat a range of conditions and improve women’s health outcomes.

Dr Hugo is also a fully qualified obstetrician and is OBGYN trained. He currently focuses on gynaecological services and women’s health throughout his day-to-day practice. If you require medical care from an obstetric specialist, Dr Hugo can refer you to a suitable OBGYN.

Why Visit Gynaecology Services?

A gynaecologist is a doctor with specialist training in women’s health who can prevent, diagnose, understand, and treat the medical conditions affecting women’s reproductive organs. Dr Hugo treats women from their teens, through the reproductive years, and into menopause. Importantly, gynaecologists are strong advocates for the rights and health of women.

A decision to see a gynaecologist is often made after a discussion with your local GP. Reasons for this referral may include family planning, fertility issues, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal or irregular periods, fibroids, or endometriosis. It can also be for preventative measures, such as for contraception or pap smears.

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Conditions Dr Hugo Treats

It is important to Dr Hugo that you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions about your health. He takes the time to listen, answer your questions, and discuss your options. For the past twenty years, Dr Hugo has advocated and cared for women’s health on a daily basis, helping them to improve their quality of life.

As an experienced women’s health specialist, Dr Hugo treats a variety of common gynaecological conditions such as:

Ovarian Cysts

This common and typically harmless condition involves fluid-filled sacs that sit on or in one or both ovaries.

Symptom may include:

Pelvic or low abdominal pain and/or pressure.
Bloating.
Pain during a bowel movement and/or sex.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition related to hormones and results in eggs not developing properly or being released.

Symptom may include:

Disrupted menstrual cycle.
Issues with hair and/or skin.
Ovarian cysts.
Infertility.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Women typically lose 30 – 40ml of blood during their period, for up to eight days. Unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding, often due to hormonal imbalances or underlying conditions, impacts a woman’s quality of life, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Symptoms may include:

Losing more than 80ml of blood.
Changing menstrual pads or tampons hourly.
Large clots.
Bleeding for more than eight days.
Decreased iron levels and blood cell count.
Tiredness, weakness, and/or dizziness.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.

Recurrent Miscarriages

Miscarriage can be a distressing and isolating experience. Most occur during the first twelve weeks of a pregnancy. Recurrent miscarriages is the occurrence of two or more miscarriages.

Symptoms may include:

Period-like pain and cramping.
Lower back aches and/or pressure.
Heavy vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Blood clots.
Vaginal discharge changes.

Endometriosis

Tissue, which is similar to that of the uterus lining, grows outside of the uterus, such as in the abdominal wall and pelvic area, in this condition.

Symptoms may include:

Pelvic and period pain.
Inflammation.
Bloating.
Heavy menstrual periods.
Pain during sex, urination, and/or bowel movements.
Fatigue.
Infertility.

Contraception

Birth control involves preventing pregnancy. There are different methods, which may be chosen to suit a woman’s lifestyle, budget, and preferences.

Types include:

Hormonal implants.
Hormonal injections.
Vaginal rings.
Intrauterine device (IUD).
Oral contraception/ (the pill)
Barrier methods.
Patches.

Adenomyosis

Cells similar to the uterus lining grow in the uterus’ muscle wall in this condition.

Symptoms may include:

Heavy and/or painful periods.
Pain during sex.
Persistent pelvic pain.

Uterine Polyps

This condition involves growths that develop on the inner lining of the uterus. Most are non-cancerous.

Symptoms may include:

Heavy and/irregular bleeding during or between periods.
Bleeding after sex.
Bleeding post menopause.
Infertility.

Infertility

Infertility is when pregnancy has not occurred after at least twelve months of unprotected sex. This may be due to factors related to the female and/or male.

Examples of causes include:

Endometriosis.
Follicular disorders.
Uterine disorders.
Blocked fallopian tubes.

Minimally Invasive Surgery and Gynaecological Treatments

If you are looking for a gynaecologist or fertility specialist in Melbourne, please book an appointment at one of Dr Hugo’s consulting rooms or fertility clinic. Experience personalised, respectful, all-inclusive gynaecological care, customised to your individual needs and health journey.

Laparoscopy

A minimally invasive procedure that uses a long pencil-like telescope (laparoscope) to examine the abdominal organs and treat disease. Also known as key-hole surgery, this procedure is performed through 5-10mm incisions.

Advanced Laparoscopy

Similar to a laparoscopy but treating more significant amounts of pathology, advanced laparoscopy is more difficult and requires highly trained surgeons. It is still key-hole surgery, but may involve additional incisions to facilitate other operative instruments.

Hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the uterus, which may be used to treat conditions including fibroids, endometriosis, prolapse, cancer, or adenomyosis. The ovaries are usually left behind in order to prevent menopause. The majority of these can be performed using laparoscopic techniques.

Myomectomy

A surgical procedure to remove fibroids, a usually non-cancerous growth that develops in the uterus. Fibroids are associated with heavy periods, pelvic pressure symptoms such as urinary frequency, and reduced fertility. Many of these can be safely performed by laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy

A procedure that allows inspection of the inside of the uterus with a thin telescope (hysteroscope) inserted through the cervix. It is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as abnormal or heavy bleeding and uterine polyps.

Hysteroscopic Resection

The removal of fibroids, polyps or other growths from inside the uterus, using a wire loop with power and a hysteroscope – a long, thin telescope attached to a camera. More modern techniques, such as Myosure, do not use electrical power for resection.

Ovarian Cystectomy

The removal of a cyst with preservation of the ovary when it has become too large, is abnormal or is causing pain. This procedure can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. As there can be a negative impact on egg count and fertility, this should be performed by an advanced surgeon with fertility experience.

Endometrial Ablation

A procedure to ablate (burn/destroy) the lining of the uterus to stop or reduce menstrual flow. It is quick, safe and very effective.

Robotic Surgery

This is an alternative way of performing a laparoscopy and uses a large robot controlled by a surgeon. Whilst it has been available around the world for over 20 years, it appears to be helpful only in some types of surgery (urology). In gynaecology, it is no better than routine laparoscopy, especially when performed by an advanced surgeon. What’s more, it is often more expensive and requires specialised equipment and more incisions, which are often larger. Dr Hugo does not offer robotic surgery as he believes there are more suitable options.

As a surgeon, Dr Hugo understands that the only thing more important than skill or ability to operate is knowing when not to operate. He strives to offer his patients less invasive treatments when appropriate and will honestly communicate when surgery is not necessary.

Gynaecology consultation in Melbourne

Selecting a Gynaecologist That is Right for You

Your GP may have given you the name of one specific specialist or possibly a list of names to consider. Regardless of the referral letter, the choice of which gynaecologist you visit is always yours. Dr Hugo understands that choosing a gynaecologist can be challenging or overwhelming, and the reasons for visiting are often personal and private. He can assure you that when you visit his experienced team, you will access excellent care tailored to your needs. He will give you the time, attention, and expertise you need.

Most gynaecologists in Australia, especially those who also practice obstetrics, are considered generalists, meaning they are familiar with a wide range of women’s health issues. Some gynaecologists undergo further training to specialise in fertility, cancer, or laparoscopic surgery, allowing them to offer more specialised or emerging treatments and advice. As an advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Dr Hugo’s specialisation is minimally invasive surgery. He also specialises in fertility, is an IVF doctor, and the co-founder and clinical director of Newlife IVF.

Your Patient Journey Pre Pregnancy and Beyond

Dr Hugo is dedicated to advocating and caring for women’s health. He takes the time to listen to his patients, clearly presents suitable options, and empowers women towards a decision they are happy with. He aims to support you towards a thorough understanding of your condition and a practical plan of action.

Referral

To receive a Medicare rebate, you will need a referral letter from your GP or another specialist. This also allows Dr Hugo to communicate with your GP or health team.

Book Your Appointment

Dr Hugo provides consultations mainly from his rooms at Epworth Richmond, but also offers appointments in Coburg and Warragul. Please call or book online.

Before Your Appointment

You will receive an email with a link to a thorough online health history questionnaire. This allows Dr Hugo to spend more time concentrating on your present concerns at your first appointment.

First Appointment

Dr Hugo reviews your health questionnaire and any results before you attend your appointment. He will take a thorough medical history, perform an examination, and sometimes order blood tests, a scan, or a cervical screening test. This appointment will take around 30-45 minutes.

Treatment

Based on the results of your tests or scans, or on what Dr Hugo observes during the examination, a treatment plan will be developed that aims to get to the root cause of your concerns.

Urgent Cases

Please call Dr Hugo’s rooms on (03) 9516 2895 if you require urgent care, and we will strive to accommodate your needs. Dr Hugo also welcomes calls from your GP or referring doctor to discuss your case beforehand.

Your Gynaecology Questions Answered

Is there a difference between a gynaecologist and an obstetrician?

Although there are overlaps between these two healthcare areas, there are prominent differences that determine who you may need to see. A gynaecologist provides specialist care regarding women’s health issues, particularly in relation to the reproductive system. An obstetrician, on the other hand, specialises in pregnancy and delivering babies.

What can I expect during my appointment?

During your first consultation, your medical history will be considered, as well as any concerns or symptoms. If appropriate, a physical examination will be undertaken to identify any relevant factors. A personalised plan will be developed depending on the findings, and any questions you have will be discussed.

What questions are good to ask my gynaecologist?

When visiting any doctor, it can be beneficial to think ahead regarding what questions you may like to discuss. This may include examples such as:

How much experience have you had with my condition?
How do you offer care continuity if you are unavailable?
What is your approach when surgery may not be the only solution?
What is your preventative care approach?
Do you collaborate with other services such as dieticians and psychologists?
How do you cater for culturally-specific needs?

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More About Dr Hugo

Almost twenty years ago, Dr Hugo commenced his training alongside renowned Australian surgeons who shared their technical and clinical expertise. He was accredited as one of the first AGES (Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society) Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons. Dr Hugo now supervises and trains fellows for this same qualification at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, which is Australia’s largest and premier women’s teaching hospital.

Dr Hugo mainly consults out of his rooms at Epworth Richmond and offers appointments in Coburg, Warragul and via Telehealth. He operates several times a week at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, which is one of Australia’s leading private hospitals. Dr Hugo and his team of anaesthetists and nurses operate to 80s songs: please inform his rooms if you have any issues with this.

Book a Gynaecology Appointment with Dr Hugo

Dr Hugo has experience working with many women of all ages to improve their health and enhance their quality of life. If you are looking for a gynaecologist in Melbourne with understanding, empathy and patience, please book an appointment with Dr Hugo and his team.

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