Women’s HealthFirst FAQs

Your annual well-woman exam typically includes a pelvic exam, clinical breast exam, Pap smear (based on your age and history), and screenings appropriate to your life stage. Just as important, it is dedicated time to talk about birth control, your periods, mood changes, sexual health, or anything else you want to address. We follow your lead.

We recommend a first visit between ages 13 and 15, particularly after your period has started or if you have questions about puberty or reproductive health. That first appointment is primarily a conversation; no pelvic exam is required unless there is a specific concern. 

For most women, a Pap smear is recommended every three years starting at age 21. After age 30, a Pap smear combined with HPV co-testing is recommended every five years. Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your personal history, prior results, or risk factors. 

Painful or irregular periods are not something you have to just live with. They can be symptoms of treatable conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances. At Women's HealthFirst, we take period concerns seriously and will work with you to identify the cause and find real relief.

Yes. Our OB team offers full prenatal care from your first appointment through delivery, including management of high-risk pregnancies. We care for patients with gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, advanced maternal age, twin pregnancies, and other conditions that require closer monitoring. You will be well supported throughout.

We offer a comprehensive range of prenatal testing and monitoring directly in our offices, including OB ultrasound, non-stress tests (NSTs), biophysical profiles (BPPs), genetic testing and carrier screening, in-office lab work, and insulin teaching for gestational diabetes management. Most results are available the same day.

We offer and recommend several vaccines during pregnancy, including the flu vaccine (safe at any trimester), the Tdap vaccine (recommended between 27 and 36 weeks to protect your newborn), and the RSV vaccine (recommended between 32 and 36 weeks). Your provider will review your vaccination history and advise what is appropriate based on your due date and overall health.

Absolutely. OB/GYN care is for every woman, regardless of sexual activity. Preventive screenings, hormone health, menopause care, mental wellness, and general gynecologic concerns are all part of what we provide. You do not need to be sexually active to benefit from a visit.

Bring your insurance card, a valid photo ID, a list of any current medications, and any questions or concerns you would like to discuss. If you have completed new patient forms online through our portal ahead of time, you will be all set. We will take care of the rest.

You can log into your secure patient portal at any time to review test results, send messages, manage appointments, and access your health records. If you have not yet set up your portal account, our front desk team can walk you through it.

We accept Aetna, Blue Shield PPO, Cigna HMO, Cofinity PPO, and most major insurance plans. We also offer competitive options for self-pay patients. If you are unsure whether we accept your plan, contact us at (847) 808-8884, and our team will help you verify your coverage before your appointment.

We offer a wide range of care, including routine gynecology and obstetrics, minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, and in-office procedures like colposcopy, LEEP, and IUD insertion and removal. We also provide diagnostics, prenatal testing, and referrals for services such as fertility treatment and pelvic floor therapy.