Gynecology
Doctors You Can Trust For Life.
We provide personalized care every woman deserves. Our gynecologists put our patients needs first, and work as team to ensure your needs are met. Request an appointment today for your annual check-up or any other concerns.
Experienced Physicians
Our physicians take the time to listen to your concerns, needs, and wants so they can create the best care plan with you. The physicians and staff ensure that you feel heard. The team of physicians will discuss the care plan with you professionally and clearly.
Above & Beyond Care Team
From the moment you walk into our office, you are welcomed by our friendly receptionists. Our doctor-nurse teams go above and beyond to provide the Fox Valley's best care. Women’s Health Specialists has been voted Best OB/GYN Clinic in the Fox Valley area for 16 years running!
Care For Life
Strong relationships are the foundation of excellent care. The doctor you choose will be there for every stage of your life and know your unique history. From treating PMS symptoms to delivering your baby to helping ease the frustrations of menopause — we are here for you every step of the way.
Annual Well-Woman Exams
What to Expect at Your Annual Exam
Because of your unique needs, your doctor will individualize your gynecology exam based on your age, health, and any gynecological or reproductive system concerns and needs you have.
Each visit, our patients will meet with the same nurse and OB/GYN, allowing for a positive, long-lasting and comfortable relationship to build over time. We are advocates for our patients, and do everything we can to educate and empower you to take control of your health to lead a happy, healthy lifestyle.
Your exam may include:
- Check of vitals
- Review of your medical, sexual, and menstrual history
- Discussion of birth control methods
- Complete physical and pelvic exam
- Pap smear
- Breast exam
"I've been going to Women's Health Specialists for many years and have always been treated with the utmost professional care!"
-Robin S.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Patient Review
What To Expect
After Requesting An Appointment
- You will receive a call within 24 hrs or on the next business day
- We will collect insurance information.
- Verify the physician you would like to see and preferred location.
- Discuss the type appointment you are looking to schedule.
- If needed, you may speak with a nurse to address any immediate concerns.
- We'll find the best time and date for you and schedule your appointment.
Always Here For You
Your Advocates for Health and Wellness
Although it’s important to see your doctor every year for your well-woman exam, you may also need to visit if you’re experiencing a reproductive health issue or need counsel. Some of the most common concerns and symptoms women come to us for include:
- Heavy, painful or irregular periods
- Pelvic pain
- Menopausal symptoms
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- A breast lump
- Pregnancy and STD prevention
- Infertility
- Urinary incontinence
- Preconception counseling
Our Satisfied Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pap smear and a pelvic exam? How often should I be seen for this?
A pelvic exam is more concerned with the health of your vagina and pelvis, while a pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes that may potentially lead to cervical cancer.
When performing a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider is evaluating your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for any abnormalities. The strength of your pelvic floor and the positioning of your bladder can also be assessed and detect signs of infection, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or reasons for abnormal bleeding and pain.
Pelvic exams are performed yearly, at the time of your annual well-woman exam. Pelvic exams can also be performed any time you are having pelvic pain, concerns about sexual function, bowel and/or bladder leakage, or a personal concern with your vaginal health.
A Pap smear is a cervical cancer screening used to detect any changes to the cells of a woman’s cervix using a small, soft brush and/or spatula. The brush collects the cells from the cervix. Once the Pap is complete, the sample is sent to the lab for further evaluation under a microscope to look for any abnormalities and the result is then sent back to your medical provider. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should get a PAP smear at least once every 3 years. Women over 30 are recommended to keep getting a PAP smear at least every 3-5 years unless HPV is detected on your pap smear until the age of 65.
When should I start seeing a gynecologist?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the female reproductive system. This includes breasts, uterus, ovaries, and vulva. It can also include some urological or gastrointestinal symptoms. You have any menstrual, pregnancy, fertility, or contraception questions or issues. If you're sexually active, you should be getting tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) at least once a year.
Starting at the age of 21, a woman should undergo a routine annual pelvic exam. However, if there are any problems or concerns or if you are sexually active, a pelvic exam might be needed at an earlier age.
How often should I be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI)?
Most STIs do not cause symptoms and can go undiagnosed unless you get a routine screening. All women younger than 25 should get annual testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Those older than 25 in a new sexual relationship should consider routine screening as well.
When do I need to start getting Pap smear?
Most women do not need to start having a Pap exam until they are 21. However, if you are having other problems or questions about your body, such as painful periods, you should see your doctor sooner.
I’m on my period. Can I see my OB/GYN for my pap smear, or should I reschedule?
Menstrual blood can affect the results of a pap smear. If you are on a heavy day of your menstrual cycle, please reschedule, but if you are having a light flow or just spotting, no need to reschedule. If you are having problems, don’t delay your visit just because you are on your cycle. If you’re embarrassed about the bleeding, don’t be!
What should I do about my low sex drive?
Low sex drive can happen at any age, but more often occurs in older women. The number one sex organ for women is the brain, and if they’re not feeling that emotional charge, it can translate into a lack of a physical one. Consider how relationships, life stressors, and medications can affect your sex drive, and how those factors can change.
Hormonal imbalances like low estrogen or hypothyroidism and plenty of other factors can also affect your libido. So, of course, if you feel the decreased desire is due to medicine or your health, talk with your doctor to find out what options may exist.
I have a lot of vaginal discharge. Is daily discharge normal?
Discharge is healthy and normal! The color and consistency of your discharge can change throughout your menstrual cycle, and it increases during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels. In women who are premenopausal, it is normal to have approximately one-half to one teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of white or clear, thick, mucus-like, and mostly odorless vaginal discharge every day! However, the amount and consistency of the discharge vary from one woman to another. Other changes in quantity or odor, or association with pain, burning, or itching, may indicate an underlying problem like an infection and should be evaluated.
What’s the protocol for cleaning down there?
We recommend a daily wash of the vulva and labia using basic, fragrance-free soap and water. Know that it’s best to avoid putting any cleansers up into the vagina. Try to avoid other popular products like heavily scented cleansers and cloths, freshening sprays, and talc powders. Always remember, less is more!
What is post menopausal bleeding and should I call my doctor?
Yes, you need to call your doctor’s office and speak to a nurse! Postmenopausal bleeding is bleeding that occurs after menopause. Vaginal bleeding that occurs more than a year after a woman’s last period isn’t normal. The bleeding can be light (spotting) that is pinkish-gray or brown or a heavy flow, like a regular period. Most of the time, there is no pain with the bleeding.
Postmenopausal bleeding is usually due to benign (noncancerous) gynecological conditions such as endometrial polyps. But for about 10% of women, bleeding after menopause is a sign of uterine cancer. (endometrial cancer)
No matter your exact symptoms, you’ll want to get in touch with your OB/GYN right away if this happens to you.
I just found out HPV was detected on my pap smear, how did I get this and now what?
You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems, including genital warts and cancers. Once you have HPV, it is not possible to get rid of it with medicines.
If you are sexually active, you can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after having sex with someone who has the infection. This makes it hard to know when you first got it.
Your OB/GYN will follow you closely with pap smears and may recommend further testing of your cervical cells.