• How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?
    A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. UTI’s are caused by bacteria, and they have many different causes. Typical symptoms are: (1) A burning feeling when you urinate (2) A frequent or intense urge to urinate, even though little comes out when you do (3) Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen (4) Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange smelling urine (5) Feeling tired or shaky. If you are having issues like these, please call us at 773.281.6333 for an appointment
  • What is a genital HPV infection?
    Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum. Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own. Some of these viruses are called “high-risk” types, and may cause abnormal Pap tests. They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Others are called “low-risk” types, and they may cause mild Pap test abnormalities or genital warts. Genital warts are single or multiple growths or bumps that appear in the genital area, and sometimes are cauliflower shaped.
  • What are symptoms of endometriosis?
    Progressively increasing menstrual cramping may be a symptom of endometriosis. These are caused by contractions of uterine muscle initiated by prostaglandins released from the endometrial tissue. A puzzling feature of endometriosis is that the degree of pain it causes is not related to the extent of the disease. Some women with extensive disease feel no pain at all. A woman with endometriosis may notice that as the disease progresses her periods become more painful or that the pain begins earlier or lasts longer.
  • What is menopause?
    Menopause occurs when your period stops permanently and you’re no longer able to get pregnant. After you haven’t gotten your period for 12 months, you’re officially in menopause. For women in the United States, the average age for menopause is 51 ½. During menopause, your body makes less of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. As these hormones decrease, they cause specific physical and emotional changes: (1) Decreased sex drive (2) Hot flashes (3) Mood swings (4) Night sweats (5) Painful sex (6) Sleep problems (7) Slow metabolism (8) Thinning hair (9) Vaginal dryness (10) Weight gain Additionally, menopause also increases your risk of less obvious health problems like osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
  • If I have concerns or questions involving sex, can they be answered at my regular visit?
    It is not uncommon for women to experience sexual problems ranging from fear of intimacy to sexual dysfunction, and our providers are here to help. It's important to feel comfortable discussing all issues pertaining to women's health, including sexual concerns, with your gynecologist. At AWH, we like all our patients to know they can openly discuss any women's health concern with us, no matter how personal or private. Your health and well-being is our top priority.