Dr Donée Van Bergen

Dr Donée Van Bergen Dr Donée van Bergen (formerly van Rooyen) is an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Mediclinic Cape Town.

Your va**na has its own microbiome - a delicate community of bacteria that helps maintain its natural balance.Healthy ba...
02/08/2026

Your va**na has its own microbiome - a delicate community of bacteria that helps maintain its natural balance.

Healthy bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus, help create the acidic environment that protects against the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. Normal clear or white discharge is also part of the va**na’s natural way of keeping itself clean.

The problem is that many of the products marketed for “feminine hygiene” can interfere with the very balance they claim to support.

Douching, scented washes, sprays and wipes? Your va**na didn’t ask for them.
Keep things simple, get to know what is normal for your body, and pay attention when something changes.

Your va**na doesn’t need a skincare routine. It needs you to understand it.

UTIs can be triggered by more than everyday habits.Sexual activity, hormonal changes, certain birth control methods and ...
30/07/2026

UTIs can be triggered by more than everyday habits.

Sexual activity, hormonal changes, certain birth control methods and urinary tract problems can all increase your risk.

UTIs are common bacterial infections that affect the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys. They can be uncomfortable and disruptive, and prompt treatment is important to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and support healing.

A few simple habits can make a difference.

Swipe to see what may be increasing your risk and how to lower it.

Pain during intimacy? Red flag.There is no single cause of painful in*******se, which is why understanding where the pai...
27/07/2026

Pain during intimacy? Red flag.

There is no single cause of painful in*******se, which is why understanding where the pain is, what it feels like and when it happens matters.

Possible causes can include va**nal dryness, infections, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, ovarian cysts, hormonal changes or pelvic floor dysfunction. Stress, anxiety and past trauma can also play a role.

A proper assessment may include a detailed medical history, a gentle examination when appropriate, and sometimes further tests to help identify the underlying cause.

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the pain and may include medication, treatment for dryness or hormonal changes, pelvic floor physiotherapy, psychological support or, in some cases, surgery.

The important part is not trying to guess the cause yourself.
If intimacy has become painful or uncomfortable, it is worth bringing up.

Vaginal dryness can happen at any age.While lower estrogen during perimenopause and menopause is a common cause, dryness...
26/07/2026

Vaginal dryness can happen at any age.

While lower estrogen during perimenopause and menopause is a common cause, dryness can also occur after childbirth, while breastfeeding, during cancer treatment, with certain medications, or as a result of some health conditions.

Estrogen helps maintain the thickness, elasticity and natural moisture of the va**nal tissues. When levels fall, you may notice dryness, burning, itching, irritation, pain during s*x or changes in urinary symptoms.

The important part is understanding why it is happening.
Vaginal dryness is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and the right approach depends on the cause, your stage of life and your medical history.

If something has changed, let’s talk about it.

It’s not always about how it looks.The term aesthetic gynaecology can make it sound as though the focus is purely cosmet...
23/07/2026

It’s not always about how it looks.

The term aesthetic gynaecology can make it sound as though the focus is purely cosmetic. But for many women, the reason they seek help has far more to do with comfort, function and quality of life.

Urine leakage when coughing or exercising. Vaginal dryness or pain during s*x. Discomfort from scarring after childbirth. Chafing during exercise. Changes in the pelvic floor or intimate tissues after pregnancy, menopause or trauma.

With age, the external female genitalia lose elasticity and volume. The thickness of the vulvar epithelium, which peaks during reproductive years, declines over time. These changes are a natural part of ageing, but they can contribute to discomfort, sensitivity and functional concerns.

These concerns are real, and they can affect everyday life, movement, intimacy and confidence.

The first step is understanding what is causing the problem.
Intimate wellness is not only about appearance. It is about feeling comfortable and functioning well in your own body.

To grow. To change. To find your voice. To understand your body. To become more of who you are.There is strength in ever...
21/07/2026

To grow. To change. To find your voice. To understand your body. To become more of who you are.

There is strength in every stage of womanhood.

You use your pelvic floor every day, yet most of us rarely think about it.Leaking, pressure, pain or discomfort are wort...
19/07/2026

You use your pelvic floor every day, yet most of us rarely think about it.

Leaking, pressure, pain or discomfort are worth talking about.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess how your muscles are functioning and help you learn how to:
• Strengthen weak muscles
• Relax overactive muscles
• Improve muscle coordination
• Manage bladder or bowel symptoms
• Reduce certain types of pelvic pain

A targeted programme is far more useful than simply guessing which exercises to do.

One of the easiest appointments to postpone is the one you need to book when nothing feels particularly wrong.Your annua...
18/07/2026

One of the easiest appointments to postpone is the one you need to book when nothing feels particularly wrong.

Your annual gynaecology check-up is not only about treating a problem. It is a chance to prioritise yourself, take preventative steps for your health and discuss any changes you may have noticed.

Specific examinations and screenings depend on your age, medical history, risk factors, symptoms and when your previous screening was done.

This may include conversations about your cycle, cervical and breast screening, contraception, fertility, s*xual health, pelvic symptoms or hormonal changes.

So, if you have been meaning to make that appointment, consider this your sign.

Before you walk into my rooms, I want you to know this.You don’t need to know exactly what is wrong before you make the ...
15/07/2026

Before you walk into my rooms, I want you to know this.

You don’t need to know exactly what is wrong before you make the appointment.

You don’t need to wait until a symptom feels “bad enough.”
You can ask the question you think is embarrassing. You can tell me you’re nervous. You can ask me to slow down or explain something again.

And you never need to apologise for wanting to understand what is happening in your own body.

My job is not only to treat you. It is to make sure you feel safe enough to talk about the things that matter.

Since We’re Getting To Know Each Other…A little more about me.I’m an obstetrician and gynaecologist based at Mediclinic ...
13/07/2026

Since We’re Getting To Know Each Other…

A little more about me.
I’m an obstetrician and gynaecologist based at Mediclinic Cape Town, caring for women through every stage of life.

My work includes gynaecological and obstetric care, surgery and ultrasounds, but just as important to me is how women feel when they walk into my rooms.

I have a special interest in supporting women who have experienced s*xual trauma, with sensitivity, respect and complete privacy.

My medical journey began at the University of Pretoria, followed by a Master’s in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Stellenbosch University. Along the way, I worked in hospitals across South Africa, taught medical students and volunteered in Covid-19 wards. Today, I’m grateful to care for women in Cape Town and surrounds with an approach that is evidence-based, personal and patient-centred.

And soon, after years of caring for women through their own journeys into motherhood, I’ll be beginning that beautiful new chapter myself.

Thank you for being here and for getting to know a little more about me.

Address

Mediclinic Cape Town Room A110 21 Hof Street Oranjezicht
Cape Town
8001

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27210651857

Website

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