Obstetric and Gynecologic Services

Common causes of heavy or irregular bleeding include fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, polyps and gynecologic cancers.

Once our specialists identify the cause of abnormal bleeding,  we discuss all the treatment options and find the best care plan for each individual patient.

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Endometriosis occurs when tissue normally found in the uterus grows outside of the uterus.

The most common symptom is pain in the lower belly and pelvic area that can occur before or during monthly periods, when urinating or having a bowel movement, and during or after sex.

Symptoms tend to worsen with time and can significantly impact feritlity, as well as physical and emotional well-being during.

Often, if medication does not work, laparoscopic and robotic procedures can alleviate symptoms by removing cysts or even pelvic organs.

Meet Our Endometriosis Specialists

At the Center for the Advanced Treatment and Research of Uterine Fibroids, our multidisciplinary physician team has expertise in innovative surgical and non-surgical fibroid treatment techniques, including some that are not widely available. Most importantly, our goals are to help you understand that you have options for uterine fibroid treatment, and to assist you in making the choice that best meets your unique physical and personal needs.

Meet Our Uterine Fibroid Specialists

Gynecologic oncologists are skilled in minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of gynecologic cancers, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)
• Ovarian cancer
  
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer
  
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

At UChicago Medicine, women with gynecologic cancers may also have access to other advanced treatment options, including:

• HIPEC for ovarian cancer
• Radical vaginal trachelectomy for early cervical cancer
• Clinical trials offering access to new medications

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At the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility, our team provides the highest level of care to support each patient's family building goals.

From diagnosing and treating infertility to fertility preservation, third-party reproduction, recurrent miscarriage and more, our experts provide compassionate, personalized care.

Meet Our Reproductive Endocrinologists

Menopause is the end of your menstrual cycle, and it’s a natural part of life.

During perimenopause — the months or years leading into menopause — most women experience symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness or changes in sexual desire.

At UChicago Medicine, our certified menopause practitioners, we offer hormonal, non-hormonal and alternative treatment options to help patients maintain their quality of life as they transition to menopause.

Schedule a Consultation with a Menopause Specialist

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. If a cyst is detected, our gynecologists will examine you and perform an ultrasound to determine whether surgery or observation is the best approach.

Ovarian cysts can almost always be treated using laparoscopic gynecologic surgery — without removing the ovary. Using minimally invasive surgical techniques, our surgeons remove ovarian cysts with minimal recovery time and without a large incision.

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Our urogynecologists provide specialized care for women with pelvic floor disorders, including:

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Urgency urinary incontinence (overactive bladder)
• Anal (fecal) incontinence (accidental bowel leakage)

Find a Urogynecologist

Pelvic pain is discomfort that occurs in the lower abdomen below the navel.

More common in women than in men, pelvic pain can be a sign of other health problems such as endometriosis, fibroids and cysts.

Find a Pelvic Pain Specialist

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that may result in irregular menstrual cycles, elevated testosterone levels, and enlarged ovaries that may have a “polycystic” appearance. The term “polycystic” may sound concerning, but in reality, most people with PCOS have more follicles in their ovaries. Follicles contain eggs which are used to reproduce. The brain and ovary communicate via hormones to coordinate ovulation — the release of an egg. People with PCOS may have differences in hormonal signaling that leads to infrequent ovulation and abnormal menstrual cycles.

Symptoms of PCOS:

• Infrequent or unpredictable menstrual cycles
• Skin problems, such as acne or excessive hair growth
• Infertility
• Predisposition to diabetes
• Issues with weight gain/loss

Up to 10% of women may have PCOS and it can run in families. It is treatable with lifestyle management and sometimes medications to help induce ovulation or periods. Doctors such as reproductive endocrinologists or other endocrinologists can help determine if you have PCOS and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. 

At the Family Birth Center, our team of obstetricians, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine physicians, nurses, lactation consultants and other specialists provide exceptional care for pregnant patients, new parents and newborns.

From planning your pregnancy through postpartum care and bonding with your newborn, we offer a range of services and resources to support expectant families, including several free prenatal and family classes.

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More than two dozen types of bacteria, viruses and parasites can be transmitted from an infected person to another through sexual contact — including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, trichomoniasis (trich), genital warts, Hepatitis B, vaginitis and HIV/AIDS.

Sexually transmitted infections are serious, and not all infections have obvious symptoms. If left untreated, some STDs can eventually cause infertility or even cancer. That’s why UChicago Medicine encourages gynecologic wellness check-ups, regardless of whether you’re sexually active or not.

Our team of supportive gynecologists and midwives understand the anxiety some may feel about sexually transmitted diseases, and are committed to excellence in confidential, compassionate personalized care. All STDs can be treated, and several can also be cured, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

New Patients: Schedule an Appointment

Current Patients: Submit an E-Visit through MyChart

Uterine adhesions are a condition in which scar tissue develops within the uterine cavity, often from infection or a previous surgery.

They may cause no symptoms, or they may be linked to problems such as infertility, menstrual cycle problems, monthly pelvic pain or recurrent miscarriage.

Uterine adhesions may be removed through hysteroscopy.

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Uterine polyps are growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that extend into the uterine cavity. Overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) leads to the formation of uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps.

These polyps are usually noncancerous, although some can be cancerous or precancerous. Symptoms may include infertility, heavy or painful periods, infection and irregular vaginal bleeding before or after menopause.

Uterine polyps can be removed on an outpatient basis, using hysteroscopy.

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Our gynecologists and midwives provide specialized care for vaginal infections.

Common Types of Vaginitis

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by thin, white, gray or green discharge, vaginal itching, a fish-like odor and burning sensation when urinating. It’s one of the most common vaginal infections and occurs when there’s an imbalance in naturally present bacteria in the vagina. The cause of vaginosis is still not clear, but it is commonly treatable with antibiotics.  

Yeast Infections (Candida)

Signs of a yeast infection include a cottage cheese-like discharge and vaginal itching and burning. This fungal infection occurs when a naturally present yeast called candida grows out of control. This can be caused by hormonal changes (caused by pregnancy or birth control pills, for instance), a weakened immune system, diabetes or even antibiotics. If you’re unsure whether you have a yeast infection or your symptoms remain after using a over-the-counter antifungal treatment, visit your UChicago Medicine gynecologist or midwife for evaluation.