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Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
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After an abnormal Pap smear in our Chicago office

Routine gynecological care is designed to protect reproductive health through the early detection of problems such as cervical or ovarian cancer. One of the diagnostic tests performed during well-woman visits is the Pap smear. This test takes a small sampling of cells from the cervix for microscopic examination. In the medical laboratory, the presence of potentially abnormal cells can be identified.

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Providing Treatment For Abnormal Pap

Normal results

Normal, or negative results from your Pap smear mean that no treatment or further testing is needed until your next pelvic exam with your Northwestern gynecologist.

Abnormal Pap smear results

When a patient of our Chicago women’s health practice returns a positive result from Pap smear testing, this indicates that some of the cells examined look suspicious. Abnormal Pap smear results do not mean that cervical cancer has developed. What they do mean is that further evaluation is necessary to assess and treat the type of cells discovered during testing. We are looking for dysplastic cells that could become a problem in the future if not treated.

There are several classifications for abnormal cells discovered in the Pap smear. If the Pap smear results are abnormal, your doctor will thoroughly explain what this means based on your individual results. Details of additional testing will also be discussed.

Depending on the specifics, your Chicago gynecologist may want to schedule further evaluation with the colposcopy procedure. Colposcopy allows us to achieve an accurate view of the cervix under bright light and microscopic instrumentation. To facilitate a clear view, a solution is applied to the cervix at the onset of the procedure in our office.

The colposcopy is somewhat similar to the Pap smear in terms of positioning and viewing. The difference is that a small amount of tissue is removed. These biopsies are done quickly and are minimally uncomfortable. To reduce cramping or other discomfort, over the counter pain medication such as Motrin or Advil may be taken before the procedure.

Biopsies with colposcopy take only about twenty minutes and allows us to test abnormal cells in the cervical area. The team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates has years of experience assessing Pap smear results, performing colposcopy biopsies, and planning treatment as needed for abnormal cells. Treatment options could include observation with more frequent pap smears, LEEP conization or cryotherapy of the cervix.

Maintaining regular well-woman visits with your gynecologist is the best way to achieve the earliest possible detection of gynecological problems. Contact the office of your Northwestern gynecologist today. We are happy to schedule your convenient appointment time.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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