Women's health

At Allina Health our women’s health services focus on diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions affecting a woman’s physical and emotional health. Our care team is extensive and focuses on all areas of women's health. Your care team will support you through adolescence, family planning, pregnancy, menopause and post-menopause.

Women’s health services include:

Obstetrics and prenatal care – Focused on low and high-risk pregnancy (prenatal) care, regular check-ups, ultrasounds and diagnostic testing, pain control during birth, vaginal birth, planned Cesarean delivery, vaginal birth after Cesarean, lactation concerns and breastfeeding support.

Gynecology care – Our team can guide you through annual preventative care visits, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, family planning options (birth control), infertility, adolescent gynecology, menstruation concerns, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, abnormal bleeding, hormonal testing, breast health exam, noncancerous growths (fibroids), gynecologic surgeries and procedures, vaginal infections, Pap smears and pelvis exams.

Urogynecology care – For treating pelvic floor disorders and other conditions, such as bladder pain syndromes, pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, incontinence (bladder control), endometriosis, an overactive bladder and urinary tract infections.

Cancer care – Screen, diagnose and treat breast, ovarian, cervical, uterine and colon cancer.

Other care options – Mammograms, diet and exercise guidance, a lifestyle risk assessment, vaccinations, general mental health support, postpartum depression care and bone density screening. Our team can also help with preventative care for pre-existing conditions that can complicate pregnancy, such as heart disease and gestational diabetes.

Well-woman visits

Annual visits are recommended to improve your health, prepare you for pregnancy and help prevent disease. Get the most out of your visit by bringing any questions you may have about your body, reproductive health and other concerns.

Your annual exam includes:

• a complete physical exam including breast and pelvic exams
• a check for infections or problems you might not be aware you have
• health screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and depression
• social history, including smoking and drinking
• age-specific topics

Common questions include:

• Do I need any vaccinations or booster shots?
• How often do I need a Pap smear?
• Do my weight, diet or behaviors put me at risk for heart disease or diabetes?
• How much exercise should I get?
• Am I using the right kind of birth control for my needs?
• Should I make any changes before getting pregnant, such as taking folic acid supplements or switching a medicine?
• Should I be screened for high cholesterol, high blood sugar or high blood pressure?
• Do I have any suspicious moles or skin growths?
• Does my family's health history raise any concerns?
• Am I healthy enough to get pregnant?