Gynecology

Whether you’re interested in new contraceptive options, seeking solutions for a heavy period, or overdue for an annual well-woman exam, the board-certified gynecologists at Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates in Lake Bluff and Grayslake, Illinois, can help. They offer a range of gynecology services, including treatment for abnormal Pap smears, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and more. Get the care you deserve today. Call or book a consultation online.

What are gynecology services?

Gynecology services include an array of preventative health services, along with diagnosis and treatment of conditions that occur in women. These include:

• Heavy periods
• Abnormal Pap smears
• Colposcopy for abnormal Pap smears
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for abnormal Pap smears
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Symptoms of menopause
• Urinary incontinence
• Endometrial ablation
• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy

Other gynecology services include an annual well-woman exam and contraceptive management.

What is contraceptive management?

Today, when it comes to birth control, you have many options. Your gynecologist at Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates can help you choose the right type of family planning for you. Together, you can discuss whether you’d like to have children in the next few years or you want to avoid a future pregnancy.

Your contraceptive choices range from short-term options to long-lasting methods. The most common categories of birth control include:

• Barrier methods: These options include condoms and other contraceptives that block sperm, such as a cervical cap or diaphragm
• Hormonal methods: The birth control pill, patch, shots, and devices like the vaginal ring
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives: Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are placed inside your uterus and can be left in place up to a decade
• Permanent methods: A tubal ligation is a surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy by sealing your fallopian tubes shut

Your gynecologist discusses your contraceptive options and your overall health at an annual checkup, called a well-woman exam.

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam focuses on preventive care, such as cancer screenings and other gynecology-related tests. While you don’t need to prepare before your checkup, you might want to think about questions you’d like to ask.

Here are some of the subjects to discuss:

• Trying to have a baby or prevent pregnancy
• Signs of menopause
• Changes in your breasts or other areas of your body
• Safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases
• Mental health issues, including depression or anxiety

What happens during a women’s health exam?

At Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates, your gynecologist takes a complete medical history and performs a physical exam. Your gynecologist may perform or recommend the following screenings:

• Pap smear
• High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing
• Bone mineral density testing (DEXA scan), available in-office
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Depending on your age, it might be time for you to see a specialist for a mammogram or a screening colonoscopy.

Gynecology services are preventative care for your lasting health. If you’re due to see a gynecologist, call or schedule a consultation online today with Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates.