This a simple and safe device that is used to destroy the uterine lining, which puts an end to heavy, uncomfortable menstrual bleeding. Patients experience a quick recovery as no incisions are made and there is no need for general anesthesia. Following the procedure, many women no longer have menstrual cycles.

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Colposcopy is a special examination of the cervix performed when there is an abnormal pap smear. The cervix is prepared with special stains to make abnormal cells stand out. Sometimes a biopsy is performed to evaluate those cells further. This exam is performed right in the office.

What to Expect: A speculum is inserted like with a Pap smear and the cervix is visualized directly through the colposcope. You may experience a pinching sensation and/or cramping as samples are taken from the cervix.

Preprocedure:(before) Eat regular meals. You may take over-the-counter pain medication 60 minutes prior to the procedure.

Post procedure: (after) You may have mild cramping. Expect light bleeding and a yellow, mustard-like or coffee ground-like vaginal discharge. This is due to a solution put on the cervix to stop bleeding. We will advise you not to put anything in the vagina or exercise for 2-3 days. Biopsy results are usually available 7-10 days after the procedure.

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LEEP is also known as Loop Electrical Excision Procedure. LEEP is one type of procedures used to diagnoses and treatment abnormal cervical cells. This procedure is used most often for treating moderate to severe dysplasia (abnormal changes of the cells lining the cervix or precancers) that have been identified by colposcopy and/or cervical biopsy.

What to Expect: (before)
The cervix will be numbed with medication and abnormal cells removed. Mild cramping
may occur.

Preprocedure:
Eat regular meals. You may take over-the-counter pain medication 60 minutes prior to
the procedure.

Post procedure: (after)
You may have mild cramping. Expect light bleeding and a yellow, mustard-like or coffee ground-like vaginal discharge. This is due to a solution put on the cervix to stop bleeding.  A small amount of tissue may pass as the cervix heals.  We will advise you not to put anything in the vagina or exercise for 2 weeks. Biopsy results are usually available 7-10 days after the procedure.

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The IUD prevents pregnancy by interfering with the movement of the sperm inside the uterus and the progestin prevents some women from ovulating (releasing an egg) at all, thus preventing the possibility of pregnancy. The IUD is a good option for women who want to avoid hormonal systemic methods of birth control, do not desire a pregnancy for an extended period of time and want the convenience of not having to do anything on an ongoing basis.

What to expect: A speculum will be place in the vagina as with a Pap smear.  The cervix will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution before the device is inserted.  Cramps, dizziness, and/or some bleeding may occur and are common side effects

Preprocedure: (before) Eat your regular meals.  You will be advised to take ibuprofen, Aleve or Motrin 2-3 hours prior to the procedure.  Ask the provider at your consultation if additional medications are recommended.

Postprocedure: (after) Some cramping and bleeding can be expected.  Ibuprofen can be taken every 6 hours to help with any discomfort.

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The endometrial biopsy is an office procedure that is used to remove a sample of the lining of the uterus. The tissue subsequently undergoes a histological evaluation at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital pathology department which is supplied to the physician to aid in the diagnosis. Endometrial biopsy is usually done to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding. Your physician will take tissue samples from the inside of the uterus using a thin hollow catheter. The procedure can cause cramping for about five minutes and subsides quickly.

What To Expect: A speculum will be place in the vagina as with a Pap smear.  The cervix will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution before the device is inserted. We pass a thin catheter that goes through the cervix into the uterus to get a sample of tissue. It may cause discomfort for about one minute.

Preprocedure: (before) Eat your regular meals. You may take a pain medicine 30-60 minute prior to the procedure. This could include over-the-counter Aleve, Advil, or Motrin.

Postprocedure: (after) You may have mild cramping. Expect vaginal discharge. We will advise you not put anything in the vagina or exercise for several days. Biopsy results are usually available 7-10 days after the procedure.

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Ultrasound Services

We are able to provide most of your needed ultrasound services in our offices. The ultrasounds performed in our office are reviewed by the Radiologists at Prentice Women’s Hospital or specialists in Medical imaging. Patients insured with United Health Care are required to obtain an order for the necessary ultrasound and schedule at the hospital.

Obstetrical Ultrasounds

Using state of the art ultrasound equipment, you can share in the experience of seeing your baby grow and mark the milestones in their development as your pregnancy progresses. Obstetrical ultrasounds are usually done vaginally until after 10 weeks and are done with an empty bladder.

Here are the times in your pregnancy that you can expect ultrasounds. Remember that these ultrasounds are for normal pregnancies.

Early Pregnancy and Dating - 7 to 10 Weeks

Nuchal Translucency Screening (done at genetics office) - 11 to 13 Weeks + 6 Days

Fetal Anatomy - 19 to 21 Weeks

Growth Ultrasound (if appropriate) - 30 to 34 Weeks

Early Pregnancy and Dating Ultrasound

The first early ultrasound scan provides you with important information regarding the number of babies and the expected date of delivery. The presence of a pregnancy and detection of the fetal heart can be seen from 6 weeks gestation by vaginal scan and from 8-9 weeks by abdominal scan. Accurate measurements and images are taken of the gestational sac, the crown to rump length.

Fetal Anatomy Scan

Between 19-21 weeks the anatomy of your baby is scanned in detail so that any information about the many body systems, such as the urinary tract, digestive tract, heart and major blood vessels, brain and others, can be imaged and interpreted. During this ultrasound the sex of the baby can usually, but not always, be seen. If a Level II ultrasound is necessary, you will obtain an order and schedule at the hospital.

Prentice Women’s Hospital - 312-926-7657

Northwestern Memorial Hospital - 312-695-8095

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Growth Scan

This scan will tell us that your baby is growing as expected. We follow along with a tape measure on the outside at your visits but this scan give us a much more accurate idea about the baby’s growth and will give us an early warning if all is not as anticipated.

Gynecological Ultrasounds

Gynecologic ultrasounds are useful in diagnosing patients who may have: abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, for IUD insertion follow-up, ovulation studies for infertility and fibroids. Gynecological ultrasounds are generally performed vaginally; therefore, a full bladder is usually not required. Occasionally a physician may order an abdominal ultrasound of the pelvis, which would require a full bladder. Under these circumstances, the patient will need to finish drinking 32 ounces of any fluid, with the exception of milk, one hour prior to the ultrasound.

A Sonohysterogram consists of imaging of the uterus and uterine cavity using ultrasonography while sterile saline is instilled into the uterine cavity. A small plastic catheter (a hollow tube) is connected to the container of saline solution and then inserted through the vagina into the uterus. The saline is introduced into the uterus to distend the cavity to allow careful examination of the uterine structures and lining while using the transvaginal ultrasound probe.

Why a Sonohysterogram: Many times a Sonohysterogram is scheduled after a standard ultrasound, a trans-vaginal ultrasound or an endometrial biopsy have already been performed. A Sonohysterogram can help diagnose many medical issues including uterine polyps, fibroids and blocked tubes. You will need to plan your appointment around your menstrual cycle. Your Sonohysterogram appointment should be scheduled for the fifth through the eleventh day of your menstrual cycle.

What to expect: A speculum will be place in the vagina as with a Pap smear.  The cervix will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution before the device is inserted.  Cramps, dizziness, and/or some bleeding may occur and are common side effects

Preprocedure: (before) An hour before your appointment you will want to take a pain relieving medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Pre-medicating will help reduce the amount of pain from cramping during the Sonohysterogram.

Postprocedure: (after) After your appointment you may experience mild to moderate saline discharge, cramping and spotting. Having a pad ready to use after the procedure will make you feel more comfortable.

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FemVue, also known as a sono-hysterosalpingogram, is done under ultrasound in the office to evaluate the uterine cavity and Fallopian tubes for women undergoing a fertility evaluation and is being done in place of the HSG for some patients.  Unlike the HSG, FemVue does not require X-ray and is done in the office, eliminating a trip to the hospital.  The procedure is performed during the first half of your menstrual cycle, after menses has ended but before ovulation, usually between cycle days 6 and 11.

What to Expect:  First we do a traditional vaginal ultrasound to measure the uterus, look at the muscles of the uterus, measure the ovaries and make sure the ovaries appear normal.  Then a speculum is placed in the vagina, the cervix is cleaned and a thin plastic catheter is placed through the cervix into the uterus. Then while watching with ultrasound, a small amount of saline is injected into the uterine cavity so we can see the uterine anatomy and see if there’s anything inside of the uterus that could prevent the pregnancy from occurring. We can also instill some bubbles into the uterine cavity and see if the bubbles pass through the Fallopian tubes so we can evaluate if the Fallopian tubes are open.

Preprocedure: (before)  The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes.  We recommend ibuprofen or Aleve 30 minutes prior to procedure with some food.
Postprocedure:  (after) You may experience menstrual like cramps, spotting and drainage of saline after the procedure.

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