Gynecology

Gynecology is the field of medicine devoted to the female reproductive system. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, patient care is centered on the individual. Our practice offers the latest treatments and procedures to address a woman’s diverse needs throughout the various phases of life. Our thorough gynecological care includes well woman visits, breast cancer screenings, STD testing, family planning, treatment of fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other issues, and minimally invasive surgical procedures using standard laparoscopy and also utilizing the da Vinci Xi Surgical System when appropriate.

A gynecologist can handle numerous conditions, including:

Pelvic Pain
Breast cancer screening
Infections
Pelvic organ prolapse
Heavy menstrual periods
Painful menstrual periods
The absence of menstrual periods
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Sexual dysfunction
Osteoporosis
Cancer screenings of reproductive organs
Birth Control Options
Emergency Contraception

Gynecological care consists of regular recommended examinations, including breast and pelvic exams and Pap smears. In recent years, the guidelines for routine tests have changed, as they may, as well, in the future. Currently, the recommendation is that all women, regardless of sexual orientation, begin Pap smear diagnostic testing at the age of 21. A Pap smear, which takes a small sample of cells from the cervix, is designed to identify abnormalities that may indicate pre-cancer or cancer.

Visits with your gynecologist are designed to monitor your reproductive health. However, your physician has a wealth of knowledge that can help you find answers to questions you may have regarding birth control, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, menopause, sexuality, and more.

In addition to maintaining yearly well woman visits with your gynecologist, it is important to Request an appointment if you experience symptoms such as:

Severe or unusual menstrual pain
Severe or unusual pain in the vagina, pelvic region, or abdomen
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Swelling or pain of the vulva or vaginal area
Itching, lumps, or sores on the vulva or vagina
Changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, or thickening

Your gynecologist has the expertise to identify and treat your unique concerns, such as ovarian cysts and fibroids.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids may develop at any age, but are most commonly seen in women aged 30 - 50. Though fibroids are typically benign, their presence inside the uterus, within the uterine wall, or on its outer surface may cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. The complications of fibroids include pain and heavy menstruation, bleeding outside of menstruation, anemia, enlargement of the abdomen, miscarriage, and more.

There are several treatment options for fibroids, which may be considered in the instance of persistent symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding. Bleeding, in particular, may be controlled with certain hormone-altering medications such as birth control pills. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may be used to halt menstruation and shrink fibroids in preparation for other treatments. If necessary, fibroids may be removed in the myomectomy procedure. This surgery removes existing fibroids while preserving the uterus. Should new fibroids develop, further surgery may be needed. In some instances, hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, is most appropriate.

Fibroids, may be starved through uterine artery embolization, or treated with resection in the hysteroscopy procedure.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts, which may be detected during a routine pelvic examination or via specific symptoms, are quite common amongst women of childbearing age. One or more of these fluid-filled sacs can form on the ovary, causing mild discomfort, sharp pain in the abdomen, or bleeding, which requires prompt medical attention. In many cases, especially if the cyst is small, no symptoms occur.

Symptomatic or not, most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous). In women past menopause, ovarian cysts may be evaluated with an ultrasound as well as a specific blood test to measure the level of CA 125, a substance associated with ovarian cancer in the postmenopausal years. Due to mitigating factors in premenopausal women that can cause false positive elevated CA 125, this test is less accurate in women who are still menstruating.

Treatment of ovarian cysts will vary based on symptoms, the size of cysts, the age of the patient, and her desire to have children in the future. In many cases, it is possible to treat ovarian cysts without removing the entire ovary. In some instances, birth control pills will be prescribed to prevent the development of additional cysts if one or more exists. In cases where symptoms are more severe, a cystectomy may be performed using laparoscopic surgery.
Northwestern Women’s Health Associates offers prompt attention for your medical needs. Contact us today for your appointment.

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; Margaret Kistner, MD; and Brandon Anhalt, 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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