Gynecologists offer specialized medical care for the female reproductive system. From an early age - and throughout the physical and hormonal changes of life - many women require specialized, gynecologic care. Board-certified gynecology providers at Northwest Healthcare offer many services for women, including annual exams, treatment for gynecological cancer, urinary incontinence with specialization in minimally invasive and robotic gynecologic surgery.
Our Gynecologic Services Include:
For many women, the symptoms that come along with the menstrual cycle can be nonexistent or bearable, but for others, they can become excruciating or life-disrupting. Many side effects are normal, depending on severity, and can include mood swings, muscle cramps, bloating, aching and nausea. However, when some of those symptoms seem to be out of the normal, it could be time to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.
Abnormal bleeding could be more spotting than normal in between cycles or longer or heavier periods than normal. It is more common in younger or pre-menopausal women. If you're suffering from painful or irregular periods, it could point to more serious conditions. There is a chance you just suffer from more symptomatic periods than other women, but it can also indicate endometriosis, PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
Endometriosis could be behind painful periods if it's coupled with additional symptoms, such as constant or chronic pelvic pain, struggles with infertility, ovarian cysts or painful intercourse. If you have more than one of these symptoms, contact your gynecologist. The doctor can perform a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Irregular periods can point to a condition such as PCOS. There could be more bleeding in between cycles, a shorter menstrual cycle or even periods becoming less frequent or stopping altogether. Other symptoms can include unusual hair growth or thinning, skin tags, acne and weight gain. It can also cause issues with pregnancy. PCOS can be diagnosed by blood tests, a pelvic exam or an ultrasound.
Painful periods and abnormal bleeding can be symptoms of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors that can often present no symptoms, but in addition to difficult periods, could cause a full or bloated sensation in the abdomen, fertility issues and frequent urination. Fibroids can be diagnosed during a standard pap smear and well-woman gynecological exam.
Abnormal periods can also indicate pre-menopause. This transition can begin for women in their thirties or forties. Perimenopause (the time around menopause) is when hormones are changing and the body is adjusting. Symptoms can include hot flashes, mood changes, bladder issues and difficulty sleeping. Once you've gone through a full year without a regular period, the body has fully crossed over into menopause.
See a medical provider if you notice any major changes to your period symptoms or are having irregular pain or bleeding. Mention any concerns about health issues you may have during your yearly gynecologic exam.
Many gynecological surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Robot-assisted procedures can result in less scarring, less pain and a quicker recovery time than traditional "open" procedures.
Request An AppointmentThroughout life, a woman's body may undergo changes as a result of childbirth, lack of estrogen in menopause, chronic disease, surgery, repetitive muscular strain and other issues.
Many women develop problems with their pelvic floor. This consists of a group of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that control the support of the uterus, vagina, bladder and rectum. Loss of this supportive tissue can result in prolapse, or bulging, of pelvic organs as well as pelvic floor dysfunction.
Uncomfortable, troublesome symptoms of incontinence or prolapse are not conditions women should accept as normal aging. Effective treatment, both surgical and non-surgical, can restore health to damaged pelvic floor tissues, minimize symptoms and help maintain quality of life.
Conditions like constipation, reduced libido, pain during sex and urinary leakage when sneezing or laughing are all related to the pelvic floor. Some causes of these conditions are childbirth, obesity, menopause, physical strain and previous surgeries - such as vaginal prolapse after a hysterectomy.
Before 2011, women across the nation visited several specialists to diagnose and treat their pelvic-related conditions. However, women can get the care they need from one provider trained in pelvic health and reconstructive surgery in addition to obstetrics and gynecology. Our specially-trained urogynecologists can diagnose, treat and provide life- changing surgeries for women living with pelvic floor disorders that cause discomfort or affect their daily lives.
These disorders may include tearing or weakness after having a baby, frequent urination or UTIs, feeling unable to fully empty your bladder, bladder pressure and pain, vaginal bulge and bladder or fecal incontinence.
Pelvic dysfunction is not something you "just have to live with" now, nor is it something to be embarrassed about. We partner with you with the utmost sensitivity to relieve your pain and help restore your quality of life to what it was before your condition developed.
Request An AppointmentBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Doctors agree early detection increases a woman's chance of surviving breast cancer. Northwest Healthcare uses breast imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
For years, digital mammography - a 2-dimensional picture of the breast, has been the standard screening tool for breast cancer screening. But the breast is a 3-dimensional object composed of different structures like blood vessels, milk ducts, fat and ligaments. Viewing all of these overlapping structures in a 2-dimensional, flat image is the reason small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal leading to unnecessary "call backs." 3D mammo converts digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers or "slices" to build what is essentially a 3-dimensional mammogram. It allows the radiologist to examine your breast tissue one layer at a time and can be more effective for women with high breast density. 3D mammograms provide improved visibility of breast tissue which may:
Guidelines are the same as for mammography in general: yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and if over the age of 75 the benefits should be discussed with your physician. If you are under 40 year of age, you will need an order from your physician for a breast cancer screening or diagnostic mammogram.
Schedule your Mammogram OnlineDisclaimer:
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider, and the patient is responsible for follow-up. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for a screening mammogram.