Women's Health Center and OBGYN Center at VNA Health Care

Women’s Health and OB/GYN Services at VNA Health Care

VNA’s women’s health services, including obstetrics and gynecology, focus on the medical needs of women at every stage of life. We provide specialized care for reproductive, hormonal, and overall health. Our services cover preventive care, early detection of potential health issues and treatment for conditions that affect women’s physical and emotional well-being.

Many women between the ages of 18 and 45 use an OB/GYN as their main healthcare specialist, which is someone who is trained in both obstetrics and gynecology. At VNA, some of these services are provided by a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) or family practice provider. A gynecologist can also provide special gynecology care and assistance during childbirth.

Obstetrics vs Gynecology

Gynecology focuses on the overall health of the female reproductive system outside of pregnancy. Gynecologists provide comprehensive care for women at all stages of life, from adolescence through menopause. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. An OB/GYN, short for obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical professional who specializes in both obstetrics and gynecology. Women’s health clinics that offer OBGYN services provide both obstetric and gynecological care.

What to Expect at Your OBGYN Visit

Your visit to an OB/GYN is important. On your first visit, we will ask you some questions about your medical history, which often involves some paperwork. We may ask about medications you are taking, past illnesses, past surgeries, allergies and your family medical history. You will have an opportunity to update information – like medications you are taking – on subsequent visits. Each visit, we will ask questions about your menstrual cycle, sexual activity, and if you have any concerns.

Your visit can also include some examinations, like breast and pelvic exams. We might also order more tests, like a mammography. You will find an explanation of these examinations in the following section.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic: Exams & Screenings

VNA has a team of doctors and nurse practitioners who are trained in treating diseases and disorders related to the reproductive system in women. This includes any issues with the major female organs – the breasts, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. We conduct regular checkups and screening tests to detect early signs of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other deadly diseases. Exams and screenings include:

Well Woman Exam

The well woman exam is an annual exam. It’s also called a wellness visit or gynecological exam. This exam is typically carried out by a gynecology doctor, primary healthcare physician, or nurse practitioner. During your well-woman visit, we will perform a series of tests and procedures.

These tests look at different parts of the female body. You can read more about them below. The tests can include:

• Breast examination
• Pelvic exam
• Checking for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
• Screening for cancer (mammogram and pap test)
• General health exam

Most women and girls schedule their first well-woman exam during their late teen years. We recommend doing a wellness visit if you are a sexually active teenager. Otherwise, it’s recommended to start doing this annual visit when you turn 18 (or 21 at the latest).

Breast Exams

Breast exams typically include a physical inspection of a woman’s breasts by a Nurse Practitioner, OB/GYN or Family Practice physician. We look for any suspicious lumps or abnormalities which are often early signs of breast cancer.

Pelvic Exams

Pelvic exams are another important part of an annual well-woman exam. Pelvic exams include internal and external check-ups of the vagina, uterus, and cervix. Doctors look for physical signs of sexually transmitted diseases, and to assess overall gynecological health. Pelvic exams may also include a special procedure called the Pap test.

STI Testing and Treatment

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) don’t always have symptoms. Getting tested is the best way to know whether you (or a partner) have an STI. At VNA, we offer STI testing and treatment. Our doctors and nurse practitioners can provide judgment-free compassionate care and advice about avoiding risk for future infections. STIs can be cured or treated with medication. Some STIs are more serious than others. Getting treatment is the best way to stay healthy.

On-Site Mammograms

A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast used to check for signs of cancer. Some forms of breast cancer take years to reach the stage where you can see or feel lumps in your breast and can be detected at the earlier stages with a mammogram. On-site mammograms are available for eligible patients at the VNA Health Care Highland Avenue Aurora Health Center.

Pap Tests

Pap tests have just one function – early detection of cervical cancers. A Pap test involves collecting samples from inside the uterus. The samples are then tested for signs of cervical cancer. OB-GYNs generally recommend pap tests once every three years for patients between the ages of 21 to 65.

General Health Exam

A general health exam is performed as part of your well woman visit. During this exam, we will look at many important details. This includes height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and listening to your lung’s breathing. We will also check your throat for any signs of thyroid gland issues. The exam also includes a basic examination of your abdomen.

For patients between ages 40-64, additional cardiovascular disease tests might be performed using blood and urine samples. This includes diabetes screening, cholesterol screening, screening for colon cancer and scanning for bone density.

We will also go over your current vaccination status with you. Vaccines and shots help prevent and fight diseases. The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer (annual up to the age of 26). Shots for flu, tetanus, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chicken pox) are also available.

Family Planning & Pregnancy Care

Family planning is an important part of reproductive care. All VNA patients are eligible to receive clinical, educational, social and referral services for family planning. We also offer free pregnancy testing.

Family planning services include education on pregnancy planning, timing of pregnancies and prevention of unintended pregnancies through different methods (abstinence, contraception and natural family planning).

Our pregnancy care and delivery services are designed to help you navigate your entire pregnancy and your child’s birth with the care and support you and your baby need. We also support mothers with postpartum care.

Women’s Health/Gynecology Services And Insurance Coverage

Most managed care and commercial insurance plans cover the cost of mammograms, pap smears, and annual wellness exams. It doesn’t matter if you have Medicare, Medicaid, or a private insurance plan.

VNA Health Care is a leading agency for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) for DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will, and Kankakee counties. We also help ensure you receive the care you need regardless of insurance coverage. Some services may even be free.

Your eligibility for these services will be determined when scheduling your appointment. You must visit a VNA provider prior to scheduling a mammogram.