Gynecology
Problem Visits
Women's HealthFirst is a state-of-the-art obstetric and gynecologic practice serving patients in Northwest Suburban Chicago for over 30 years. Our highly skilled team of Board Certified Physicians has locations in Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates.
You can schedule at any of our three offices with one convenient number,847.808.8884.
Expert OB/GYN Care
Through every stage of your life - from puberty to pregnancy to motherhood, menopause and beyond - you have certain health care needs that call for attentive, expert, and compassionate care. Our experienced and dedicated staff will listen to your concerns and help you to maintain optimal health and overall wellness.
Urgent Care Services
Because we have six Physicians, we believe we give our patients the best opportunity of any practice to be seen promptly when a problem arises. When there is an immediate, urgent need, we will do our best to schedule you for a same day examination or within 24 to 48 hours of your initial call.
Our specialists address the full range of gynecologic problems. For a concise explanation, please click on topics below.
Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal Pap Smears
An abnormal Pap smear doesn't necessarily indicate a condition like HPV or cervical cancer. Pap smears are constructed to detect any changes within the cervical cells, and abnormal results may indicate other conditions such as inflammation, hyperkeratosis, or atypical squamous or glandular cells. False positives are also common from Pap smears, but we take every precaution we can to ensure your health.
Your doctor may perform a colposcopy after abnormal cells are found in order to examine the cervix more closely and take a biopsy of any abnormal tissues. Any necessary treatment will be performed after further examination.
Adolescent Gynecological Exam
Amenorrhea/Absence of Menstruation
Breast Lumps and Breast Problems
Cervical Dysplasia
Contraceptive Counseling
Choosing a method of contraception is an important decision that will impact a woman's daily life. Talking with your doctor about which method is right for you is essential to successful protection for you and your partner. At Women's HealthFirst, we will provide you with information about the different types of contraceptives and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Birth control methods have many different variable factors including frequency, convenience, permanence and effectiveness. It is important to take into consideration your life, age, health and previous experiences. The decision is ultimately yours, but using our knowledge and experience can help you make the right choice.
Contraceptive Problems
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is abnormal bleeding that typically occurs at the beginning and end of the reproductive years because of hormone changes. DUB often occurs as a result of high estrogen levels that are not balanced by an appropriate level of progesterone. This stops an egg from being released and thickens the uterine lining, causing it to shed irregularly.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding occurs most often in women over the age of 45, as well as in many adolescent girls. It is classified as periods that occur more often than every 21 days or fewer than every 35 days, last more than 7 days and are heavier than normal.
Your doctor will rule out any other causes of abnormal bleeding in order to diagnose dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Treatment for DUB depends on your age, severity of bleeding and whether or not you wish to become pregnant. The treatment options may include oral contraceptives, medication to stimulate ovulation, dilation and curettage or even a hysterectomy.
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Heavy Bleeding/ Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that affects up to one out of every five adolescents and adults in the US. Patients may acquire herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), most often as a result of sexual contact with a partner who is infected.
Most patients affected with genital herpes experience little to no symptoms from this condition. When symptoms do occur, they often involve one or more blisters on or around the genital area. These outbreaks usually come and go over the course of many months or years, but the infection remains present in the body. Sores can also appear on the mouth or lips in patients with HSV-1, usually as a result of mouth-to-genital contact.
While there is no treatment currently available to cure genital herpes, antiviral medications can often help shorten and prevent outbreaks from occurring. Patients with regular symptoms from herpes may benefit from daily suppressive therapy to reduce their risk of spreading the infection to their sexual partner.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
As you get older, your body slowly ceases to produce estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that thicken the uterus to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg. However, these hormones also protect the body from developing uterine cancer and osteoporosis. The decrease is also responsible for many symptoms of menopause.
Since these hormones are valuable to our health, many women choose to replace them through a pill, patch or cream and retain the benefits that they produce through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Estrogen by itself helps to relieve menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. When taken with progesterone, the combination therapy allows the uterine lining to shed each month without the regular bleeding. Since there are risks associated with HRT, it is important to take the lowest dosage possible and reevaluate your therapy each year. Your doctor can help you decide which, if any, type of HRT is right for you.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus that causes genital warts. There are more than 100 different kinds of HPV and some of they may create a higher risk for cancer. While some types can cause genital warts, others will show no symptoms but will eventually lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. The virus is contracted through sexual contact. The risk of catching HPV can be reduced by latex condoms.
While there is no cure for HPV, treatment for the symptoms caused by HPV, such as genital warts, cervical changes and cervical cancer is available.
Infertility
Menopause
Many women going through menopause suffer from a wide range of symptoms including irregular bleeding, hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, fatigue, depression and more. There are several treatment options available to help relieve these symptoms, and our doctors can work with you to help you decide which option is best for you.
Prescription medication with estrogen and progesterone, known as hormone replacement therapy, is a popular treatment for women to treat symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Patients can also seek treatment for their individual symptoms, and should maintain an active and healthy life to help feel their best.
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders can turn your monthly period from a minor hassle to a major, debilitating inconvenience. These disorders can cause physical and emotional symptoms and can severely disrupt your daily life for days or weeks at a time. Menstrual cycle disorders can cause symptoms like:
- Heaving bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Missed periods
- Mood swings
These symptoms are characteristic of several different menstrual disorders including abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, fibroids, dysmenorrhea, PMS and PMDD. While these disorders are not usually serious, they are often very painful. Fortunately, treatment methods, from over-the-counter medications to a hysterectomy, are usually successful in relieving these symptoms to make that time of the month a little less dreadful.
Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac found on the ovaries. These sacs can cause pressure, swelling and pain in the abdomen in some women, while others may experience no symptoms at all. Many cysts disappear on their own, but some require surgery. Surgery for ovarian cysts may be recommended if:
- Cysts are present in both ovaries
- A cyst is larger than three inches
- You have already been through menopause
- A cyst is not a simple functional cyst
Surgery can be used to both diagnose and treat ovarian cysts in the same procedure. Smaller cysts can often be examined and removed through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a lighted tube and tiny instruments to remove the cyst. The cyst may be removed, or a biopsy sample can be taken. Larger cysts may require tradition "open" surgery, called a laparotomy. This procedure requires a bigger incision and may remove the cyst or the entire affected ovary and fallopian tube.
Pain During Intercourse
Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is a common condition experienced by many women, which may be caused by an underlying condition. Pain during sex may be a result of injury, inflammation, skin disorders, recent trauma, certain conditions, or from stress or psychological factors. In order to determine the cause of pain during intercourse, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and perform a pelvic exam to detect any skin irritation, infections or structural abnormalities that may indicate problems.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs in women usually caused by the same sexually transmitted bacteria that causes gonorrhea and chlamydia. PID spreads from the vagina to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes and can lead to infertility or complications during pregnancy.
PID is almost always accompanied by a sexually transmitted disease and can develop after having unprotected sex, especially with more than one partner. Bacteria can sometimes enter the vagina from inserting an IUD, childbirth, miscarriage or abortion. Women under the age of 25 are most often affected. Most cases of PID can be treated with antibiotics. More severe cases may require hospitalization or even surgery. PID can often be prevented by practicing safe sex.
Pelvic Pain
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids, also known as myoma, are tumors that grow in the uterine walls. They are usually benign but can range in size and quantity. Uterine fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. The cause of fibroids is unknown, but they may be affected by hormones and genetics. Most fibroids do not turn into cancer, but can lead to pregnancy complications.
Treatment for these cases may include medication to relieve symptoms, or surgery for more severe cases. Surgeries can include a myomectomy to remove the fibroids or a hysterectomy to remove the uterus. Other treatment options are also available to keep symptoms at a minimum and preserve your overall health.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a common substance excreted from the vagina during different stages of the menstrual cycle. The consistency of discharge can vary as your cycle progresses and is usually most abundant before ovulation, as well as while breastfeeding or when sexually aroused. Vaginal discharge is considered normal for most women, especially those of childbearing age. Normal discharge is usually clear or white and odorless.
It is important to note any changes to vaginal discharge, as this may indicate an infection or other type of problem. Changes such as an increase in amount of discharge; different color or smell; or irritation, itchiness or burning around the vagina could be signs of a problem. If you are experiencing any of these signs, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Vaginal Infection
Vulvodynia
Yeast Infection
Call our office today at 847.808.8884 to schedule an appointment with one of our Physicians. We offer convenient, extended hours, including evenings and weekends. We have providers and staff available representing Spanish, Polish and Indian cultures and languages.