- Osteoporosis
- Warts
- Medical Weight Loss
- Nutritional Counseling
- Sleep Disorders
- Urinary IncontinenceUrinary incontinence can be a very distressing problem for a woman to live with. We understand the emotional and social impact of urinary incontinence, and provide a surgical solution that gets results. TVT is tension-free vaginal tape. This procedure, which places a narrow band of tape beneath the urethra, is performed to lift and support a sagging urethra or bladder so that it sits properly within the pelvis. Once adequately supported, the urethra is able to close, as nature intended, and urine cannot leak from the bladder.
- Immunizations
- Gynecology"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."
- Female Infertility
- MenopauseMenopause management Though all women go through menopause, the experience from one woman to the next can vary widely. The individualized counseling patients receive at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates is designed to identify the specific challenges faced during perimenopause and menopause.
- ObstetricsOur obstetrics team will see you through preconception, prenatal care, ultrasounds, genetic testing and much more. We are experienced in both normal and complicated pregnancies as well as specific circumstances like gestational diabetes, twin gestation, advanced maternal age and postpartum depression. You are in good hands with our team of skilled providers.
- EndometriosisThe American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines advanced maternal age as any pregnancy in a woman who is over 35 years old. Women are born with a fixed number of eggs in their ovaries. Over the years the number of eggs decreases and are harder to become fertilized. At the age of 32 fertility in women begins to decrease and When a women reaches 40, the decrease in fertility is more rapid. Women who are 35 are more likely to have existing conditions such as high blood pressure that can complicate a pregnancy. The risk of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, diabetes, gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancy, and preeclampsia are all more likely in an advanced maternal age pregnancy.
- Pelvic PainPelvic pain and cramping is often an associated symptom of menstruation. However some women suffer from pelvic pain that is considered chronic. By definition, chronic pelvic pain lasts for 6 months or more. The pain may come and go at specific times or on a regular cycle.
- PregnancyThere are some pregnancies that require closer attention. At Northwestern Women's Health Associates, we keep a close eye on our patients for any sign of distress or irregularities during pregnancy. If you have what is considered a high-risk pregnancy, this requires a slightly different care structure and potentially more frequent visits and ultrasounds. Our providers are highly skilled in high-risk pregnancies and we will provide the support you need every step of the way.
- Labor and DeliveryHaving a baby is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life and we look forward to bringing babies into this world every day. Choosing the best obstetricians in Chicago allows a mother-to-be to relax and enjoy the experience knowing she is in the best hands possible. A specialized obstetrician can make the childbirth experience pleasant, relaxed, and safe. Our practitioners will see you through prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.
- Ovarian CancerSymptomatic 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.
- Cervical CancerPelvic examinations are performed to assess uterine and ovarian health. Using visualization and manual palpation, your physician will look for abnormalities and screen for cervical cancer. As necessary, a Pap smear may be performed and we might check for HPV, the Human Papillomavirus.
- EndoscopyDr. Belmonte received her bachelor's degree with honors and distinction in exercise science with a minor in chemistry from the University of Iowa. She received honors from Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of Omega. Dr. Belmonte obtained her M.D. degree from the University of Iowa and completed her residency at Loyola University, where she was chief resident. While at Loyola, she received the award for outstanding resident in Gynecologic Endoscopy from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Dr. Belmonte has been in private practice for three years prior to joining our practice, and is board certified. She is affiliated with Northwestern Memorial Hospital/Prentice Women's Hospital, and is a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology. She joined the practice in 2002. Dr. Belmonte is married.
- Depression
- Mental HealthIn Illinois, a specific written authorization (different than the Authorization and Consent mentioned above) is required to disclose or release records of mental health treatment, alcoholism treatment, drug abuse treatment or HIV/AIDS treatment information.
- Psychiatry
- Diabetes Care
- Endocrinology
- UltrasoundHow Do I Prepare For a Sonohysterogram? If your doctor believes they need to get a better view of your uterus they will recommend a sonohysterogram. This is a simple outpatient ultrasound procedure. In advance of the procedure you can eat and drink normally. It is recommended that you take Motrin, Advil, or Aleve in advance of the sonohysterogram in anticipation of the potential for minor discomfort.
- RadiologyIf you need to reach the Lynn Sage Breast Center call 312-926-5522. Radiology department at Northwestern / Prentice Women's Hospital can be reached at 312-926-6366
- X-Rays
- MammographyScreening for breast cancer is achieved in a three-pronged approach that includes clinical breast exams, mammography, and breast self-awareness. Education regarding breast self-exams is freely given in our practice, and our patients are encouraged to begin performing these monthly exams as early as possible.
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryThis is why the assistance of the da Vinci robot has changed what is possible with laparoscopic hysterectomies. Recovery is improved and pain is lessened, and more surgeries can be done with minimally invasive surgery when doctors have better instruments and a clearer vision of the operating area.
- Cyst RemovalMinimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery – Northwestern Women’s Health Associates is proud to provide patients in and around the area of Chicago, IL with minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Gynecologic surgery performed in our practice includes laparoscopic surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions. This procedure is done in the pelvic cavity or abdomen, and results in a smaller scar than most traditional surgeries. Additionally our patients recover much faster and experience shorter healing times. Other benefits of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery such as laparoscopic procedures include lower cost, reduced exposure to contaminants, less blood loss, smaller incisions, reduced risk of infections, and quicker recoveries. Procedures performed in this manner include endometriosis removal, ovarian cyst removal, hysterectomy, and the removal of polyps or fibroids in the uterus. Dr. Stanley Friedell with 28 years of surgical experience also integrates robotic hysterectomies with the use of the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System, which also reduces discomfort and healing time when compared to more traditional means. Another option for women is that of the laparoscopic hysterectomy. This is a procedure that is a minimally invasive way of removing the uterus through with an incision in the belly button with two other very small incisions. Dr. Stanley Friedell and Dr. Marc Feldstein perform laparoscopic hysterectomy at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, your health is our top priority. Contact us today for more information on minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by calling our practice at (312) 440 9400.
- Robotic SurgeryDr. Friedell was very candid with me about my chances for robotic surgery vs incision. He was helpful explaining all of my options and the pros and cons of each. I interviewed one of his pharma reps who told me if she ever had surgery she would go to him. Last Tuesday I had a very successful robotic surgery that he performed. He knew that I had a new job and vacation planned and that I was very focused on having robotic surgery vs a larger incision (longer recovery time).
- HysterectomyThe hysterectomy is the second most common surgery for women and doctors in the U.S. perform approximately 600,000 every year. A hysterectomy is a serious surgery and depending on the method used can require up to a 6 week recovery time.
- Endometrial AblationEndometrial ablation is a procedure that has been performed for several years. NovaSure ablation is a form of endometrial ablation that is designed to remove the uterine lining in women with heavy bleeding.
- LaparoscopyGynecology 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.
- Laparoscopic SurgeryWith much less downtime and reduced cosmetic after effects, Laparoscopic surgery is a resourceful method to examine and diagnose reproductive health issues and can be used in amalgamation with other latest technologies resulting in lower risk, pain and gives patients the opportunity to avoid coming into contact with unnecessary stress and complications. Video Transcript
- Cyst
- LesionsWhen a woman has a pap smear test done that returns abnormal results the provider will want to follow-up with a colposcopy. A pap test is done to check the cervix for any abnormal cells. The colposcopy is done as a follow-up to obtain more information about the potentially abnormal cells. A colposcopy may also be done to get more information about problems like, genital warts on the cervix, an inflamed cervix, polyps, other lesions or bleeding.
- Physical Therapy