Personalized healthcare for women
Taking control of your health starts with finding a care team to support you. And by choosing Ascension Illinois in the greater Chicago area, you are connected to the care you need, close to home. Our doctors always start by listening to you. We know that each woman is unique. By understanding you and your health, we deliver the care that’s right for you.
Get care for your everyday health
Taking care of yourself so that you can continue to take care of those you love is important. And staying well starts with choosing a doctor who listens to understand you. Whether you need a yearly wellness exam or checkup, vaccinations, help managing a chronic condition, have a minor illness, or want to talk to a doctor about what’s on your mind, your primary care doctor is your first stop. Talk with a doctor about everyday healthcare questions, emotional health needs and concerns about symptoms. And, your doctor can help you stay healthy by providing preventive care and finding health concerns early.
If you have a health condition that needs more advanced care, your primary care doctor will connect you to a specialist in heart care, OB-GYN, brain and spine care, cancer care, orthopedic care, mental health care, weight management and more.
Choosing the right OB-GYN and care team is personal
You want an OB-GYN who understands you and your preferences and answers your questions — big and small. Find a doctor you feel comfortable talking to. Your OB-GYN provides care throughout every stage of your life — from yearly exams and screenings to care during pregnancy and through menopause. We understand the unique healthcare needs of women and moms.
And when you need more advanced specialty women’s health care, we’re here for you, too. Our multispecialty team is made up of highly experienced doctors. You have access to specialists in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, pelvic floor therapy, urogynecology and more. Together, we deliver a full spectrum of gynecologic care for women in greater Chicagoland.
Choose a maternity care team that's right for you
Whether you’re having your first baby or you’re an experienced mom, you know your body best and your preferences are important. It takes a true healthcare partner to understand that no one knows your body better than you. So, doctors and care teams at Ascension Illinois start by getting to know you, answer your questions and understand your preferences. You’ll be supported by a team that will provide the care you need – including pregnancy planning, pregnancy, labor and delivery, follow-up care, pediatrics and more. We listen and talk through the choices that are right for you and your baby.
Not all women will need more care during their pregnancy, labor or delivery. But if you do, maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialists are ready to support mom and baby with extra care. We connect the dots for moms who have received a high-risk pregnancy diagnosis and deliver support at every step, including in our neonatal intensive care units.
Screenings can help detect cancer early
Regular screenings may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable. There may be more options for treatment too. That’s why staying up-to-date on your cancer screenings is so important. And as a woman, recommendations for the cancer screenings you need change as you get older.
In your 20s: You should begin getting regular Pap exams and clinical breast exams.
In your 40s: You should begin getting regular mammograms, in addition to Pap exams. At age 45, start talking with your doctor about colorectal cancer screenings.
50 and older: Continue getting regular mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings and Pap exams or as recommended by your doctor. If you have previously smoked heavily or have smoked cigarettes within the past 15 years, talk with your doctor about an annual low-dose CT screening for lung cancer. Older women should ask their doctor about other screenings.
Talk with your doctor about what cancer screenings are right for you based on your age, family history and health needs.
Dr. Godellas encourages regular breast health screenings
Get up-to-date on breast health screenings
Finding breast cancer early can help save lives. That’s why it’s important for women to get a mammogram every year, beginning at age 40. At Ascension Illinois, we offer many types of mammograms, including 3D mammography, the most advanced breast screening technology. Mammograms give you and your doctor a better understanding of your breast health.
By getting to know you and your health history, we can recommend the breast screening that’s right for you. Make time for screenings that may help catch things early. And talk with your doctor anytime you have concerns between screenings.
Find supportive weight management programs
Weight-loss is personal, and so is the way we care for you. At Ascension Illinois, we offer supportive weight-loss options including medically-supervised weight loss and weight-loss surgery. We start by listening to understand you. Then we work together to create a weight-loss plan that’s right for you. Our goal is to help you live a healthier life. Start by attending a free seminar. A seminar can help you learn more and decide whether surgery is right for you. We’re here for you at every step.