What you need to know about breast and pelvic examinations in Chicago

The gynecological team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates recommends annual breast and pelvic examinations for patients in the Chicago area. The continuity of care on a yearly basis provides a woman with a way to manage her sexual and reproductive health.

Annual well-woman visits in our office will allow your Northwestern gynecologist to gather information regarding your menstrual cycle and sexual health. A physical examination of the breasts and genital area is also performed. Pap smear testing is not performed at every annual exam. Women are scheduled for this testing every few years based on factors such as age and previous results.

It is understandable that gynecological care can be a little uncomfortable for some women. This specific type of examination and discussion, however, is crucial to a woman’s health and wellbeing and it should not be put off. Our team provides friendly, compassionate care to women of all ages. We explain what to expect from visits and are happy to answer your questions.

When should gynecological care begin?

The recommendation of reproductive health experts is that women should begin receiving gynecological care after they first have intercourse and no later than the age of 21. This does not mean that a woman should wait to see her Chicago gynecologist if she experiences any abnormalities such as vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. Our physicians have a great deal of experience and help women in the Chicago area with issues such as sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy prevention, evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and even menopausal symptoms. Due to our affiliation with the prestigious Northwestern Hospital, women from areas well outside of Chicago choose to receive care from our team.

Preparing for your annual exam

The annual exam should be scheduled at a time of month away from active menstruation as this can interfere with the exam process as well as diagnostic testing. Noting any potential concerns such as abdominal or pelvic discomfort, irregular bleeding, or odor enables a woman to ask her doctor the right questions to resolve potential gynecologic issues. It is also beneficial to note the day of the last menstrual period. If the annual exam will also include Pap smear testing, sexual intercourse should be avoided for two days prior to care as this may cause vaginal tissues to become irritated.

Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. has an experienced staff who can help you attend to your reproductive and sexual health. Contact us at 1-312-440-9400 to schedule your annual exam.

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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.

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Success Stories

Jen Weitz
"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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Melissa P.
"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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Jeanne S.
"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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Kelly C.
"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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Ashes M.
"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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Mengmeng L.
"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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Anahita K.
"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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Dana M.
"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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Barbara A

"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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