Women's Health Services
Saint Joseph Hospital
2900 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60657
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Women have different needs and concerns at every stage of their lives – from teenager through adult. Helping women stay healthy and get the best care possible every step of the way is our focus. At Saint Joseph Hospital, we know there are differences in how women and men should be treated for specific medical conditions, such as bone health or heart care. This is good information for women to know when selecting a hospital and physician for care.
From preventive health care to obstetrics and gynecology to breast care, women can count on Saint Joseph for all their health care needs. Our team of highly skilled, compassionate doctors provide extraordinary care – when women need it most.
Breast Services/Mammography
Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. We offer advanced digital mammography and diagnostic services, as well as superior breast cancer treatment.
Saint Joseph is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) by the American College of Radiology (ACR) – meaning the hospital has met the highest standards in both ACR’s voluntary and mandatory breast-imaging accreditation programs. Saint Joseph is one of only four facilities in Chicago with the premier BICOE designation out of a total of 49 ACR-accredited mammography centers in Chicago. Read the news release.
The hospital offers all-digital imaging technology, which is particularly beneficial for women with dense or thick breasts, under age 50 and who are pre- and peri-menopausal. Appointments are available every day, including evenings, and can be scheduled generally within 24 to 48 hours. Call 773-665-3060.
Benefits of digital mammography:
- Advanced imaging
- Less exposure to radiation
- Reduced exam time
- A built-in "second opinion"
Learn more about our Breast and Mammography Services.
Primary Care
From check-ups to treatment, our dedicated team of board-certified family physicians, internists, pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, nurses and other clinicians make sure you and your family stay in the best possible health. And because we’re trained in caring for patients at every stage of life, you can be sure you’re in good hands.
We're a respected teaching community hospital with a team of more than 500 physicians, many of whom are leaders in their fields. At Saint Joseph Hospital, you'll find a proven physician who is right for you.
The Family Birthplace
At The Family Birthplace, we deliver high-touch, high-tech care in an environment that features the comforts of home. Our expert team of board-certified physicians, specialists, nurses and other caregivers offers new parents comprehensive care before, during and after pregnancy.
Services include:
- Labor-delivery-recovery-post-partum (LDRP) suites
- 24-hour anesthesiologist and neonatologist
- Dedicated maternal/child educator
- Lactation specialists and consultations
- Gestational diabetes education and support
- Community health and education classes
Learn more about The Family Birthplace.
Gynecological Services
Our primary care doctors, gynecologists and other specialists provide an array of gynecological services to keep our patients healthy and to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the female reproductive system.
Services include:
- Routine annual exams, including pap smears
- Treatment of fibroid tumors
- Gynecological cancer
- Urogynecology (urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders)
- Menstrual disorders
- Infertility evaluation and treatment
- Pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Treatment of menopause
Gynecological Cancer
We provide comprehensive care - from diagnosis to treatment and follow up - for cancer of the female reproductive organs.
Women age 18 and older should visit their physician for an annual gynecological exam for prevention and early detection of cancer. This is especially true for women who may be at high risk. Some cancers, such as cervical, can be prevented or discovered early with an annual Pap test, pelvic exam and a vaccine for girls and young women to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer and genital warts.
We have a dedicated team of cancer experts in medical oncology, radiation oncology and gynecological cancer surgery. We have a full-time board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in gynecologic oncology. Patients also have access to advanced technology available to treat female cancers – including a minimally invasive robotic surgery system for early cases of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Patients benefit from shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and less pain.
Our specialists provide care for:
- Cervical cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
Women with gynecological cancer have access to the latest treatments through The Center for Cancer Care’s participation in clinical trials. In addition, the hospital has a tumor board of cancer specialists who meet weekly to evaluate each patient’s regimen and progress – providing women with a team-based treatment approach.
The Center for Cancer Care
Saint Joseph Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care provides comprehensive care and the latest treatments for a wide variety of cancers, including breast cancer and gynecological cancer. Our team includes fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeons and physicians, a dedicated patient navigator, integrative medicine specialists, nurses, nutritionists and counselors. Patients have access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technology that rivals those of academic medical centers, as well as clinical trials with cutting-edge therapies. The Center provides an unparalleled level of personal attention and convenience for cancer patients and their families.
Learn more about The Center for Cancer Care.
Continence Services
Incontinence is the loss of bladder control. The condition may be related to infection, problems with the nerves and muscles of the bladder, physical or mental disabilities or problems with the structure of the urinary tract. Our board-certified physicians provide services and resources for successful treatment.
Common treatment options include:
- Medication
- Pelvic-floor rehabilitation and reconstruction
- Surgery
- Urethral injections
Learn more about our Continence Services.
Seton Family Health Center
Count on us to care for the entire family. Come to us for check-ups, pediatric and elderly care, women's and men’s health care, minor outpatient surgery, cosmetic care and sports medicine.
Services include:
- Family medicine
- Family-centered maternity care
- Pediatric care
- Elderly care
- Minor outpatient surgery
- Cosmetic care
- Sports medicine
Cardiac Care
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of U.S. women. More than 450,000 women die each year from cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Saint Joseph Hospital provides outstanding cardiac care for women.
We know there are differences in how women and men should be treated for medical conditions, including heart disease. With advanced diagnostics, the latest minimally invasive treatments, an expert cardiac team and a comprehensive rehabilitation program, Saint Joseph provides all that patients need for a healthy heart – and lifestyle.
- Stroke-Care Certification – The Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission as a primary stroke center. All seven Resurrection Health Care (RHC) acute care hospitals received certification, so patients have access to consistent, high quality stroke care at all locations.
- Chest-Pain Certification – All seven RHC acute care hospitals are accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers as Chest Pain Centers – delivering specialized care to patients during the early stages of a heart attack.
- Designated a 2009 Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care - This means Saint Joseph meets rigorous quality criteria, including excellent clinical outcomes.
Services include:
- Diagnostic procedures
- Pacemaker clinic
- Minimally invasive techniques
- Cardiac surgery
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Community health and education
Learn more about our cardiac program.
Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Arthritis is more common in women. In fact, 60 percent of all Americans with arthritis are female, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Saint Joseph Hospital offers comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
Arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint and includes more than 100 different diseases. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that occurs primarily during the aging process, and also as a result of joint injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the entire body – causing pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to deformities and disability. Lupus also is an autoimmune disorder that affects the entire body – including multiple organs, as well as the joints.
Saint Joseph Hospital rheumatologists treat arthritis of the neck, back and shoulder, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis and other diseases. Care focuses on the latest treatments – including exercise and healthy eating – to help women lead active and productive lives. Click here for hospital wellness programs.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. The disorder causes an abnormal loss of bone mass – making bones porous, weakened and prone to fractures. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Postmenopausal women are especially at risk.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, race, body weight/bone structure, lifestyle factors, family history of bone disease and certain medications (i.e., thyroid hormones and corticosteroids).
Saint Joseph offers a bone density test (also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA) to screen for osteoporosis. The test measures the mass of bone in relationship to its volume and assesses a person’s risk of developing osteoporosis, also called the T-score. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes. Call the Central Scheduling Department at 773-665-3060.
What you should know:
- Women need an order for a bone density test from their physician
- Appointments are available Monday through Saturday – women can get in within 24 hours
- Reports are generated in 24 to 48 hours to the patient’s primary care doctor
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Whether it’s a sports injury, related to arthritis or the job, Saint Joseph Hospital provides a wide range of medical and surgical care for orthopedic problems. Women can count on the hospital – and its team – for excellent orthopedic care.
Using the latest technology, our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists treat injuries involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves. From total joint replacement to reconstructive surgery, the hospital offers comprehensive orthopedic care for women to help them get back to a productive lifestyle.
Services include:
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Total joint replacement
- Rehabilitation
- Work- and sports-related injuries
- Physical and occupational therapy
Orthopedics and sports medicine
Women’s Rehabilitation and Fitness
We provide care to women who have experienced disabling diseases or traumatic injury to help them regain control of their lives by restoring movement and function. Our team of experts develops individualized therapy plans that consider the unique needs, abilities and objectives of each patient.
Learn more about our Women's Rehabilitation and Fitness services.
