Attention!

In light of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, we are taking precautions to protect our patients and staff.

If you are a patient of our office and have a COUGH, FEVER and/or known exposure to COVID-19, please call our office at 312-440-9400 to reschedule your upcoming appointment and discuss recommendations for next steps.


I’m pregnant, Should I get the COVID vaccine?

For most people, getting the COVID vaccine as soon as possible is the safest choice. Visit the link below and find out what your choice on the COVID vaccine should be.

Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
680 N. Lake Shore Drive #1200, Chicago, 60611 | Get Directions

Chicago gynecologist helps patients understand what causes ovarian cysts

The thought of ovarian cysts might be scary. However, in most cases, women unknowingly develop ovarian cysts, and they go away on their own. Sometimes further treatment is necessary. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates , in Chicago, we believe education is key in creating personalized treatment plans for each patient. We want you to know what causes ovarian cysts, and can explain when you should be worried and when you don’t need to be. If you think you may have cysts, we encourage you to call for an appointment. Don’t suffer unnecessary anxiety!

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Describing what causes ovarian cysts

Causes of cysts

Most ovarian cysts form as a natural function of your cycle. Thus, they are known as functional cysts. This is because your ovaries grow follicles (cyst-like structures) each month. Follicles produce estrogen and progesterone; what causes an egg to be released during ovulation. These cysts are usually harmless and disappear on their own within a few months. Some cysts, though, are not part of the normal menstrual cycle and develop for other reasons.

Types of functional cysts

  • Follicular – At approximately the halfway point in your cycle, the egg will burst from the follicle and begin its route to your uterus. A follicular cyst begins when the follicle does not release the egg. At this point it turns into a cyst.
  • Corpus luteum cyst – After the follicle releases the egg, it begins producing large amounts of hormones meant to aid in conception. It has become the corpus luteum at this point. Sometimes this process malfunctions and the escape opening closes off, allowing fluid to accumulate inside. This can form a cyst.

Types of non-functional cysts

  • Dermoid cysts
  • Cystadenomas
  • Endometriomas

We have ways of diagnosing and treating cysts, no matter their type. We want each patient to enjoy optimal health. Call us today to schedule a consultation – 312-440-9400.

 

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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!"

    VIA Google
  • 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!"

    VIA Google
  • 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."

    VIA Google
  • 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."

    VIA Google
  • 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!"

    VIA Google
  • 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!"

    VIA Google
  • 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."

    VIA Google
  • 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!"
    VIA Google
  • 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. "

    VIA Google