Special Programs
Advocacy
Advocacy is an important part of our work. We want to take care of our patients beyond the exam room. This is why we teach legislators about the effects of laws on women's health. It is also why we lobby for bills. We use our knowledge to ensure that new laws serve the best interests of Illinois patients and their families.
Several of our physicians serve as board members and officers in local and national advocacy organizations. They are leaders in the public arena. We work with legislators to write laws that benefit women's health. Politicians often call upon us to add our medical expertise to legislative concerns.
Cancer Genetics
The goal of cancer genetics is to identify people who have an increased risk of cancer. This can help prevent cancer or detect it early.
Our physicians in the Division of Clinical Genetics specialize in cancer genetics and preventing gynecologic cancer. We provide preventive care for patients who are at higher risk for breast, ovarian or uterine cancer. We can reduce risk through monitoring your health. If needed, we can also reduce risk through minimally invasive preventive surgery.
COMPASS Program
The COMPASS Program offers support for patients who have depression or other mental health concerns during and after pregnancy. We offer treatment options including medication and talk therapy. Our team tracks your symptoms and tailors your treatment plan using the latest and best research available.
Services
Our care team includes a care coordinator, a perinatal psychiatrist, a maternal-fetal medicine physician, a licensed therapist and a clinical liaison. They see patients in our prenatal care offices at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital.
Specialized services include:
- Treatment (therapy and/or medication)
- Collaboration with you and your physician
- Consultations before pregnancy
- Treatment during pregnancy and up to 1 year after delivery
Conditions We Treat
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- All other mental health concerns
Social Work
Our social workers can help you with a variety of needs related to your and your baby’s health and well-being, such as:
- Baby supplies, including a car seat and a crib
- Transportation
- Classes related to childbirth and parenting
- Support related to domestic violence or other abuse issues
- Housing
- Counseling for options such as pregnancy termination, adoption and guardianship
- Paternity testing
- Counseling for pre-existing mental health issues, substance use disorders, and pregnancy-related mood changes and postpartum depression
These are examples of what we can help you with. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. To contact a social worker, please call 312.926.3272.
Family Planning and Contraception
Northwestern Medicine Family Planning and Contraception provides patients with personalized, high-quality care. Services include:
- Complex contraception consultations for patients who:
- Have a history of health conditions that could impact conception/pregnancy
- Have had bad reactions to traditional birth control methods
- Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) sterilization procedures
- Pregnancy terminations in the first and second trimesters
Menopause
Some patients have health concerns related to menopause. We can offer consultation and treatment related to:
- Hormones
- Bone health
- Sexual health
Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Pediatric gynecology is the care of gynecologic concerns from infancy through adolescence. We can care for pediatric or adolescent patients who have:
- Birth defects involving the reproductive tract and pelvic organs
- Breast and menstrual cycle abnormalities, such as heavy or painful periods
- Complicated medical histories and need contraception
- Vaginal discharge
- Vulvar irritation
- Other health issues during puberty
Clinic locations include:
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
1440 North Dayton Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642
Silver Cross Hospital
1900 Silver Cross Boulevard
New Lenox, Illinois 60451
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Galter Pavilion
675 North St. Clair Street
14th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(for patients 12 years and older)
To schedule an appointment at any location, call 1.800.KIDS.DOC (1.800.543.7362).
Gender-Affirming Care in OB-GYN
In collaboration with the Northwestern Medicine Gender Pathways Program, all of our medical professionals are open to seeing all patients. However, we do have a team that focuses on caring for transgender and nonbinary patients. This team works to provide continuity of OB-GYN care, including:
- Gynecologic exams
- Cancer screening
- Obstetrical care
- Family planning or contraceptive needs
Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients. We also work to improve awareness, knowledge and sensitivity among members of the healthcare community with regards to care for people who are transgender and nonbinary.
Vulvar Clinic
While our gynecologists can evaluate and care for common vulvar conditions, we also have a specialty clinic dedicated to further care for these conditions.
The Vulvar Clinic provides care for patients age 12 and older who have vulvar concerns such as:
- Chronic vulvar itching
- Skin changes
- Vulvar pain
- Abnormal growths
We work with Northwestern Medicine Dermatology to provide expertise for skin disorders that involve the vulva.
Women's Health and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Our team of highly skilled, compassionate physical therapists offers a range of treatment plans. This team can help treat issues such as:
- Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction
- Chronic and acute (sudden) pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Health issues during and after pregnancy
