Our Gynecologic and Obstetric Services

We provide gynecologic care for teens in a supportive environment. Our team offers guidance on the changes that occur during puberty, as well as concerns related to menstrual health, sexual health, and preventive care. We also offer the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) for eligible patients. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that adolescents have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15. In many cases, a pelvic exam is not necessary. Parents or guardians are welcome to participate in part of the visit. If you are an established patient, our doctors, midwives and nurse practitioners are happy to meet with your daughter(s) or young relatives.

Our providers are skilled in performing laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, adhesions, fibroids and to evaluate infertility issues. An advanced laparoscopy can be done to remove the uterus (a hysterectomy). There are many benefits to laparoscopy—shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions, and a shorter recovery.

The mental health specialists at Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology offer specialized, personal help for a wide range of behavioral health issues exclusive to women, including mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, pregnancy loss, infertility, and mood and anxiety disorders related to the menstrual cycle and menopausal transition. We specialize in helping women 18 years and older on an outpatient basis. Learn more about women's behavioral medicine.

Our specialists provide counseling on the full range of contraceptive options and help patients select the method that best fits their needs. We offer prescriptions, device insertions, and ongoing care for nearly every form of birth control currently available, giving patients access to safe, effective, and personalized family planning services. Learn more about birth control and how our team can help you make the right choice for you.

Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Breast Cancer Center of the Brown University Health Cancer Institute at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital, the Breast Care Center at Morton Hospital, and the Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Center for Breast Care at Saint Anne's Hospital offer patients the highest level of expertise in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. Our teams include many dedicated specialists—from surgical oncologists to nurses to rehabilitation therapists and more. Learn more about the Breast Cancer Center.

Abnormal pap smears are common and may require taking a closer look with a test called a colposcopy. During a colposcopy the cervix is visualized with a speculum, similar to the exam done for a pap smear. The cervix is swabbed with a vinegar solution and viewed with a colposcope, a series of lights and lenses that magnify the cervix and allow the physician to examine more closely.

Heavy bleeding is most common for women between 40 and 50 years old. Losing too much blood can lead to anemia, which can also affect your ability to participate in daily activities. Our practice offers endometrial ablation, a short procedure performed as outpatient surgery. There are no incisions, as it is performed through the vagina. Other procedures we offer for this condition are the Novasure procedure and the Hydro ThermAblator System (HTA).

Fetal testing, also known as prenatal testing, helps assess a baby's health and development during pregnancy. We offer screening tests, which estimate the risk of certain conditions, and diagnostic tests, which can provide more definitive results. Our services include amniocentesis to evaluate genetic and chromosomal conditions and nonstress testing to monitor a baby's well-being during pregnancy. Your provider will recommend the testing that best meets your needs based on your health history and pregnancy. A non-stress test monitors a baby’s heartbeat and uterine contractions over a period of 20 to 40 minutes. We do this test if you are not feeling the baby move after 32 weeks or as monitoring for reassurance that the baby is doing fine in certain high-risk conditions. Your practitioner will determine if this is the appropriate test for you.

General gynecology focuses on women's reproductive and sexual health throughout adolescence, adulthood, and menopause. Our providers deliver preventive care, perform annual wellness exams, and diagnose and treat a wide range of gynecologic conditions. Depending on a patient's needs, an annual exam may include a blood pressure check, breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap test, HPV screening, sexually transmitted infection screening, and a review of overall health with an emphasis on prevention and wellness.

General obstetrics focuses on caring for patients throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Our physicians and midwives provide personalized prenatal care, including early pregnancy evaluations, ultrasound services, health education, and ongoing monitoring for both parent and baby. We deliver babies at Women and Infants Hospital and offer a full range of labor and delivery options, including gentle cesarean births for patients who choose them. From your first prenatal visit through recovery after delivery, our team provides comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your needs.

Gynecologic cancers are cancers that begin in a woman's reproductive organs. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are cervical, vaginal, ovarian, vulvar, and uterine cancer. At the Gynecologic Cancers Center, specialists from Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Brown University Health Cancer Institute work together to provide comprehensive care. Our board-certified physicians and multidisciplinary team offer advanced diagnostic services, personalized treatment plans, and both surgical and nonsurgical options for women who have been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer or who are at increased risk of developing it. Learn more about the Gynecologic Cancer Center. 

A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy in which certain factors may increase the risk of complications for the mother, baby, or both. These factors can include carrying multiples, being over age 35, having a chronic health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or developing complications during pregnancy. At Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology, we provide specialized care for patients with high-risk pregnancies through individualized treatment plans, enhanced monitoring, ultrasounds, testing, and more frequent prenatal visits when needed. Our providers follow evidence-based clinical protocols to help identify concerns early and support the healthiest possible outcome for both parent and baby. Learn more about high-risk pregnancy care at Brown University Health.

Immunizations help protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases by strengthening the body's immune response. Our providers review each patient's age, health history, pregnancy status, and risk factors to recommend appropriate vaccines as part of routine preventive care. We offer a range of immunizations, including influenza, HPV (Gardasil), Tdap, Td, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines. Our team helps patients stay up to date on recommended vaccinations to support their long-term health and well-being.

Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of menstrual periods and reproductive years. Along with hormonal changes, menopause can affect physical health, emotional well-being, sleep, sexual health, and overall quality of life. Our specialists provide personalized evaluations and treatment plans to help manage symptoms, address health concerns, and support long-term wellness. We work closely with each patient and their health care providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care throughout the menopausal transition and beyond. Learn more about menopause consultation. 

A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed a post-graduate program in nurse-midwifery and is nationally certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. At Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology, our certified nurse-midwives provide prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, annual gynecologic exams, and family planning services. They work closely with physicians and other specialists to offer personalized, coordinated care tailored to each patient's needs. We provide outpatient care at several locations in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Births are attended at Women & Infants Hospital, both in the Alternative Birthing Center and the traditional Labor and Delivery Unit. We offer the vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) option, and we are a doula-friendly practice. Learn more about Brown University Health's midwives. 

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery uses advanced techniques to diagnose and treat many noncancerous conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, and pelvic organs, often with smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery times than traditional surgery. At Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology, our specialists provide individualized care for conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. Through our Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, we offer advanced treatment options, including robotic-assisted and hysteroscopic procedures, and work with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include surgical and nonsurgical approaches. Learn more about minimally invasive gynecologic services at Brown University Health.

A mother’s health significantly impacts the outcome of her pregnancy. In recent years, we have also learned that health complications that arise in pregnancy can impact a mother’s health later in life. That’s why we take a “whole picture” approach in caring for women in and around pregnancy. Our team of specialists offers comprehensive care for reproductive age women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum, or in between pregnancies. We provide consultations for patients referred by obstetricians, midwives, gynecologists, internists and specialists or the patient may call us directly. Our specialists are experts in managing chronic maternal medical conditions, pregnancy-related complications and offer preconception counseling. Learn more about the multidisciplinary obstetric medicine service at Brown University Health.

The breastfeeding medicine program of Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology offers inclusive, individualized treatment for women who are experiencing complicated breastfeeding issues. Find out more about the breastfeeding medicine program.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of a developing baby and the pelvic organs without exposing patients to radiation. At Brown Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology, we provide ultrasound services to help evaluate pregnancy, diagnose gynecologic concerns, and monitor reproductive health. Our team can often perform same-day ultrasounds for urgent concerns, such as bleeding in early pregnancy, allowing patients to receive timely answers and care. For patients who need specialized fetal imaging, the maternal-fetal medicine program offers 3D and 4D ultrasound.

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area that may be occasional, persistent, or related to specific activities or conditions. Our specialists perform a thorough evaluation to identify the cause of pelvic pain, rule out serious conditions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend medication, pelvic floor rehabilitation, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, pain management techniques, or surgery.

Permanent sterilization includes tubal ligation, tubal occlusion and vasectomy. In women, we commonly call this "having your tubes tied." These options are for women who do not want children. We offer sterilization for women including laparoscopic tubal ligation, post-partum tubal ligation and Essure tubal occlusion. A laparoscopic tubal ligation is done in the operating room under anesthesia. A postpartum tubal ligation is typically done the day after a regular delivery through an incision beneath the belly button. This is done under spinal anesthesia. Tubes can also be tied during a Cesarean section. An Essure tubal occlusion is done in the operating room under anesthesia. It is done without incisions.

We are happy to provide referrals to male partners who are interested in vasectomy. For more information, please visit www.vasectomy.com.

Urodynamics testing is an assessment of how well the bladder does its job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamics is helpful in determining the right treatment for problems such as incontinence or leaking urine, frequent urination, or the feeling of not emptying your bladder completely. Urodynamics is helpful in determining if surgery is right for you. If you feel you have a bladder problem, talk to your practitioner to see if urodynamics testing is recommended. Brown University Health’s physical therapy and rehabilitation program also provides treatment for urinary retention and urinary incontinence.