What can I expect at a first appointment?

A welcoming team. A private and confidential consultation with Dr Sam Holford. A pelvic examination is usually performed, but this is not compulsory. A transvaginal ultrasound may be performed if indicated.

Do I have to have a pelvic (vaginal) examination?

No! While a pelvic examination is often valuable at a first consultation, it is never a must, and alternatives investigations can be discussed.

Should I reschedule if I’m on my period?

A period rarely interferes with an assessment. It may make colposcopy more difficult, but it is not a reason to reschedule. Some people feel uncomfortable with examination during a period, in which it is totally up to you. Often an examination can be deferred.

Dr Sam Holford · Auckland Gynaecologist

Inclusive, holistic, and body-positive expert gynaecological care

A different kind of care in Auckland: expert, kind, and unhurried.

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“Kia ora. I'm Sam — an Auckland gynaecologist and endometriosis surgeon with fellowship training in advanced minimally invasive surgery, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and ultrasound. I grew up and trained in Aotearoa New Zealand and pride myself on providing complete, empathic, and comfortable expert gynaecological care.

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Services offered

A wide range of gynaecological services, including:

01 Surgery Simple and advanced gynae surgeries: hysteroscopic, laparoscopy, robotic, abdominal.02 Colposcopy Cervical screening, abnormal smears, HPV, LLETZ & cone, vulva.03 Contraception Advice & management. Mirena, Jaydess, Jadelle placement and removal.04 Miscarriage and early pregnancy Guidance and compassionate care in early pregnancy and pregnancy loss.05 Risk-reducing surgery Laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy.06 Gender-affirming surgery Minimal access hysterectomy in co-operation with Hauora Tāhine.07 General gynaecology Specialist expertise for all gynae concerns.

Conditions managed

All gynaecological conditions, with particular expertise in endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, fibroids, colposcopy, and pelvic pain.

01 Endometriosis Expert ultrasound & surgical diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.02 Abnormal uterine bleeding Heavy periods, irregular, postmenopausal, post-coital bleeding.03 Fibroids & polyps Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic minimally-invasive myomectomy.04 Adnexal (ovarian) cysts Investigation, surveillance, and surgical removal of cysts and masses.05 Adenomyosis Diagnosis, education, and management for those affected by adenomyosis.06 Pelvic pain Pain education, medical and surgical treatment, pelvic floor Botox and blocks.07 CIN and early cervical cancer C-QUIP certified management of cervical dysplasia (CIN/HSIL) and AIS.08 Vulval conditions Lichen sclerosus, surveillance, vulval biopsy, diagnosis, and management.

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Frequently asked questions

Have confidence

You will receive calm, compassionate, and competent care from a specialist gynaecologist with additional post-specialisation fellowship training. Non-operative investigations and treatment options will always be discussed.

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