Dr Donée Van Bergen

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

Women deserve to be supported, respected and cared for in every season of life, not only on the days marked in a calenda...
09/08/2026

Women deserve to be supported, respected and cared for in every season of life, not only on the days marked in a calendar.

Today is a beautiful reminder to honour the women around us, but also to keep showing up for them in the everyday moments.

In their health.
In their choices.
In their questions.
In their strength.
In their softness.
In every chapter of womanhood.

Happy Women’s Day.

It is complex and changes through every season of womanhood. Women’s health is…* your hormones* your cycle* your fertili...
07/08/2026

It is complex and changes through every season of womanhood. 

Women’s health is…

* your hormones
* your cycle
* your fertility
* your mental wellbeing
* your s*xual health
* your pelvic health
* your pregnancy journey
* your changing body
* your screenings
* your right to be heard

This series is a reminder that your health is not one-dimensional. It deserves to be seen as the whole picture.

Regular breast checks and understanding your personal risk factors are an important part of early detection.Your breasts...
04/08/2026

Regular breast checks and understanding your personal risk factors are an important part of early detection.

Your breasts naturally change throughout life. Your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal contraception and menopause can all affect how they look and feel. These changes may include tenderness, swelling or changes in breast tissue.

That is why breast health is about more than looking for a lump.
Know what is normal for you, understand your risk factors and keep up with the screening recommended for your age and individual risk profile.

For women at average risk, mammogram screening generally begins from age 40. Women with a strong family history, inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other significant risk factors may need earlier or additional screening.

Notice something new or different? A lump, persistent pain or skin change should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Early detection starts with paying attention.

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.

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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