Our contract with United Healthcare is scheduled to end on April 30th, 2024. Unfortunately, after this date, we will no longer be able to accept United Healthcare insurance. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly. They can provide more details about your policy and help you understand your options. If you have any questions about how this change will affect your billing, please do not hesitate to contact us at (608) 227-7007.
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Blog Archive

How Is a Hysterectomy Performed Laparoscopically? Mar 1st, 2024

Laparoscopic technology has made previously major surgeries into far more minor procedures. If you’re considering a hysterectomy, having a laparoscopic procedure can considerably reduce scarring and downtime, getting you back up onto your feet faster and with less discomfort.   At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of women’s...

Managing Common Breastfeeding Frustrations Feb 1st, 2024

Almost every expecting mother is given a lengthy speech about the benefits of breastfeeding, but this doesn’t prepare you for the potential frustration and discomfort that come with nursing. Attending lactation appointments can help you learn how to better breastfeed and help you decide what supportive options are best for...

How Soon Should I Start Birth Control After Having a Baby? Jan 16th, 2024

Many women believe they can’t get pregnant during their period, after giving birth, or while breastfeeding, but these are all myths that can jeopardize your future. To avoid any surprises  and plan your family appropriately, you should find a suitable birth control method as soon as you want to continue...

4 Gynecological Issues that Can Affect Fertility Dec 15th, 2023

Abnormal periods, severe cramps, and hormonal issues aren’t gynecological problems to brush off and ignore. They might be the symptoms of a condition that can threaten your fertility, especially if you’re actively trying to conceive or hope to have a child later in life. This is why it’s important to...

5 Foods to Start Eating (and Avoiding) After a Positive Pregnancy Test Nov 15th, 2023

A positive pregnancy test indicates many changes in your future, and it also warrants changes in your life to prepare for the new member of your family. Avoiding alcohol and taking prenatal vitamins are just part of the dietary changes recommended for pregnant women. To protect and prepare for your...

How a Gentle C-Section Is Different from Traditional Surgery Oct 1st, 2023

The Cesarean section, or C-section, has been practiced for centuries across different cultures. Over the years, techniques have been refined; the vertical slice down the lower abdomen has been replaced by a low horizontal incision, and scarring is much reduced thanks to superlative closing techniques. However, a C-section is still...

Gynecological Disorders that Can Affect Fertility Sep 1st, 2023

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, the problem might be a gynecological disorder. Many women suffer from not-so-obvious issues or have had their symptoms brushed off by primary care doctors as common complaints related to the female reproductive system. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of reproductive health specialists can help...

3 Steps to Take Right After Finding Out You're Pregnant Aug 1st, 2023

A positive pregnancy test can be world-shaking. You may not know where to start getting the care you and your potential child need to stay healthy and safe, but early pregnancy care can be critical for positive outcomes. Unfortunately, fewer than 80% of women receive prenatal care in their first trimester. At Physicians...

4 Subtle Signs of Endometriosis Jul 13th, 2023

Roughly 10% of women and girls of reproductive age experience endometriosis, with many cases going undiagnosed. Pain caused by the internal bleeding is often brushed off as normal menstrual cramps or misdiagnosed entirely, which is why it’s important to find a specialist who listens to you and recognizes the symptoms,...

Understanding the Benefits of Cord Blood Banking Jun 1st, 2023

One of the major roadblocks in stem cell therapy is finding an ethical, effective, and noninvasive source of those cells. The umbilical cord is extremely rich in stem cells, containing 10 times more than bone marrow. If frozen at birth, your baby’s cord blood could become an invaluable, potentially life-saving...

Recovering from a Gentle C-Section: What to Expect May 1st, 2023

It’s estimated that somewhere in the neighborhood of one million women in the US undergo C-sections every year. Some women choose a C-section for various reasons, and others end up with it as the only safe choice for mother and/or baby. At both Physicians for Women and The Madison Midwives...

5 Ways to Promote Your Fertility (and When to Seek Help) Apr 2nd, 2023

Infertility has been a concern for much of human history, so there are many old wives’ tales about how to promote fertility. If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, having an expert on your side can help you separate fact from fiction and find treatments that will actually...

What Does Colposcopy Feel Like? Mar 1st, 2023

Most Pap smear abnormalities are a simple aberration. By your next test, your body may have easily cleared whatever caused the unexpected result, and you won’t even have to worry. However, when a result comes back outside of certain parameters, or when you have two abnormal Pap smear results in...

Myths and Facts About Postpartum Depression Feb 7th, 2023

If you’ve had a successful birth but don’t feel a strong connection to your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). It’s thought that one in seven women can develop PPD, and that number may be even higher due to unreported and mild cases. At Physicians for Women...

8 Key Benefits of Having an Annual Well-Woman Exam Jan 5th, 2023

A well-woman exam is something you should get every year, but far too many women skip this all-important part of female preventive care. There’s a reason behind every step of your well-woman’s exam, and important benefits attached to getting yours annually. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team...

Hypertension and High-Risk Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Dec 1st, 2022

A high-risk pregnancy falls in that category for a variety of reasons, and high blood pressure can complicate things further. You need a top OB-GYN team on your side to ensure you and your baby stay safe and healthy.  At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of highly...

Can a Water Birth Help Make Labor Easier? Nov 1st, 2022

Water birthing has picked up steam in various countries over the past few decades, after years of doctors insisting that women give birth in the confines of a hospital. Now, more than one in 20 US women choose to have a water birth. Can it really make labor easier? At Physicians for Women in...

Plan to Keep Up with Your Yoga Routine While Your Newborn Is Napping Oct 10th, 2022

If you were an avid yoga practitioner before you gave birth, you know how great this activity is for strengthening your body and centering your mind and emotions. Once your baby is born, there can be a lot of physical and psychological stress going on, but a return to your...

What's Included in Care from a Midwife? Sep 12th, 2022

From the earliest days of the first trimester to the postpartum period after a baby is born, proper care for mother and child are paramount. Access to a midwifery group who works closely with board-certified Obstetricians provides extra protection and counsel for you and your baby. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our...

5 Commonly Asked Questions About Hot Flashes Aug 9th, 2022

Around 3 in 4 American women suffer from hot flashes during perimenopause, and 25% of women who do say their discomfort is significant enough to make them want to speak to a specialist. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of compassionate board-certified obstetrician/gynecologists and Certified Nurse Midwives is dedicated to providing...

5 Benefits of Breastfeeding Jul 6th, 2022

There’s a lot of judgment and misinformation surrounding baby formula and bottle-feeding, but there are also benefits unique to breastfeeding. Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or weighing your options, an expert can help you navigate the process and discuss concerns and benefits associated with breastfeeding.  At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, The Madison...

Can Endometrial Ablation Stop My Heavy Periods? Jun 1st, 2022

It’s estimated that around 14% of women experience painful, heavy or abnormal periods. For many, the culprit is within the uterine cavity: endometrial polyps or submucosal fibroids. Longer periods, painful cramps, and heavy bleeding are signs you shouldn't ignore, especially when there’s a solution for your misery. Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin...

What My Spouse Needs to Know About the Bradley Method® May 1st, 2022

When you’re newly pregnant, you're probably making a million plans for how to deal with the experience of childbirth. If you and your husband have a strong bond and want to try doing natural childbirth as a team, you might be interested in knowing that “husband-coached childbirth” is actually a...

Hysteroscopy: The Minimally Invasive Solution for a Wide Range of Gynecologic Conditions Apr 3rd, 2022

There are many different gynecological conditions that can plague patients. If your doctor suspects you have a uterine condition causing certain symptoms, a simple diagnostic procedure known as a hysteroscopy can often discern the problem. At Physicians for Women — Melius, Schurr & Cardwell in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of OB/GYN specialists can perform...

When to Consider Vaginal Revitalization Mar 1st, 2022

A woman's external genitalia and vagina change with certain events, like childbirth and also as we approach menopause. Aging, illness, childbirth, menopause, and other life events can alter the appearance and elasticity of your “private parts”, changing the way things look and feel. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin,...

All About Colposcopy: Benefits and What to Expect Feb 1st, 2022

Have you had an abnormal Pap smear result and are wondering what comes next? A colposcopy can help your medical team determine if there’s reason to be concerned or if an abnormal Pap smear was just a slight aberration.  At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of reproductive...

5 Ways to Make the Most of Prenatal Care Jan 1st, 2022

The first 90 or so days of your pregnancy are known as the first trimester. It’s a critical time for your baby’s development, so it’s important you schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you discover you’re pregnant. Staying on top of your prenatal care can help you keep yourself...

What is a Gentle C-Section? Dec 1st, 2021

Slightly over a million women in the US have a C-section every year. Some of these are planned (elective), while others are necessitated by a preexisting condition (such as placenta previa), or are an emergency procedure during delivery, meaning that the safety of mother and baby are supported by switching...

Which Supplements Can Be Safely Taken or Should Be Avoided in Pregnancy Nov 1st, 2021

A quick search can show you plenty of things to avoid during pregnancy, some of which are just old wives’ tales. However, supplements meant to improve your health can sometimes have an adverse effect on your baby.  If you’re newly pregnant or want to conceive in the near future, a...

4 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding Oct 1st, 2021

It’s the moment you dreamed of: your newborn is laid in your arms and you prepare to give them their first meal from your breast — and there’s an issue. Either the milk doesn’t flow, or the baby can’t latch, or one of you is experiencing pain. What can be...

The Benefits of 4D Ultrasounds Sep 5th, 2021

Ultrasound photos are often the first thing you add to your scrapbook, and the technology for creating them has only gotten better. Where your parents might just have had a little black-and-white photo on the fridge, you can adorn yours with a 4D ultrasound’s highly detailed portrait of your unborn...

What to Expect with a Water Birth Aug 2nd, 2021

More than one in 20 women now chooses water birthing in the US, and that number is rising year after year. This practice has been extremely common worldwide for generations, but is only now coming to gain acceptance in Western culture.    At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, The Madison...

Now's a Great Time to Be a YogaMom Jul 18th, 2021

Yoga is popular among people of all ages and backgrounds, but it can be especially soothing for mothers. However, many classes don’t make accommodations for new or expecting mothers. YogaMoms provides an environment specifically tailored to pre- and postnatal women, where they can enjoy gentle exercise, relaxation, and the company...

What's Included in Lifestyle Modification Counseling? Jun 14th, 2021

Not all health conditions can be treated using medication and surgery. Sometimes simple changes to your lifestyle improve your wellbeing and prevent future diseases. It sounds simple, yet overwhelming. When and how to begin are important questions best addressed with your provider. At Physicians for Women — Melius, Schurr &...

Six Conditions that May Warrant Hysterectomy May 20th, 2021

Certain symptoms that arise from uterine pathology can become severe and debilitating. Chronic pain, abnormal bleeding, anemia and bowel or bladder dysfunction are common in women suffering from severe uterine pathology, like fibroids, polyps or adenomyosis. Many times there are minor office or outpatient procedures to remedy the condition, but...

Take These Steps when You Are Newly Pregnant Apr 14th, 2021

The first twelve weeks of your pregnancy are known as the first trimester. During this time, the fetus begins to develop a brain, spinal cord, and organs. Before the end of your first trimester, your baby will have a heartbeat, fingers, toes, and sex organs. The first trimester is vital...

Can I Have a Vaginal Birth After a C-Section? Mar 11th, 2021

Nearly one out of every seven babies in the US is born by Cesarean section, meaning that the baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s lower abdomen and uterus,  instead of vaginally. Once you have a C-section, can you deliver vaginally in the future? The answer is:...

Stress Urinary Incontinence: It's More Common than You Think Feb 16th, 2021

While many people avoid discussing intimate health issues, stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, is more common than you think. Approximately one in three women struggles with stress incontinence in their lifetime, especially if they’ve gone through childbirth or experienced an injury to their lower back. At Physicians for Women in...

Are You Up-to-Date on Your Immunizations? Jan 15th, 2021

Immunizations are for adults as well as children. Are yours up-to-date? If you don’t know or aren't sure, it’s important to find out so you can stay healthy and strong. Many immunizations require regular boosters, but far too many adults don’t realize their health is at risk and miss one...

Why You Should Never Ignore Abnormal Bleeding Dec 14th, 2020

14% of women experience painful, irregular, or abnormal periods. While it’s normal for your menstrual cycle to change over time, abnormal uterine bleeding can be a sign that something is wrong. If you’re suddenly experiencing longer periods, painful cramps, and heavy bleeding, it might be time to reach out to...

How Can Yoga Benefit You During Your Pregnancy Nov 17th, 2020

Many pregnant women are discovering that prenatal yoga provides a safe, empowering environment where they can prepare for childbirth and motherhood. If you’re concerned about the health risks of performing yoga while pregnant, a trained instructor can show you the safest stretches for you and your baby.  Physicians for Women...

Warning Signs of Menopause Oct 8th, 2020

Are you closing in on what your mother probably called balefully, “the change?” The average American woman starts menopause at around age 51, but you can start earlier or later by about ten years and still be in the “normal range.” At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team...

What's Included in a Well-Woman Exam? Sep 18th, 2020

Are you due for an annual well-woman exam, but nervous about getting your feet up in stirrups for the gynecological part? Your well-woman visit is about much more than inspecting your reproductive health. It’s designed to set a baseline for your general health as well, and screen for health risks...

Breastfeeding During the Covid-19 Pandemic Sep 6th, 2020

Breastfeeding During the Covid-19 Pandemic   It’s a wild time to be a parent right now. There is so much confusing information about what we can and can’t do when feeding our babies. It feels like the more we read, the more we study, the more questions we have. So,...

Tips for Developing Your Birth Plan Aug 16th, 2020

Are you newly pregnant and anxious about the “big day?” Giving birth should be something to look forward to. You can help ensure your birthing day is as smooth and stress-free as possible by creating a detailed birthing plan and sharing it with us. At both Physicians for Women and...

What Causes Dysmenorrhea? Jul 22nd, 2020

More than half of all women who have periods report pain at least one or two days out of every cycle. Painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, are the most common of all menstrual disorders. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of compassionate reproductive health specialists can...

Challenges with Lactation? Jun 22nd, 2020

Whether you are a first time parent or a seasoned one, you know there is no time in life like the first weeks with a new baby. Getting to know your new addition is joyous, but sleep deprivation and establishing a new normal for your family can be challenging! When...

Obstetrics and Gynecology and COVID-19: What You Should Know May 26th, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is sweeping the globe, and if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you may have concerns about the possibility of contracting the virus, developing COVID-19, and the impact this will have on you and your baby. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, The Madison Midwives and...

Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety Apr 27th, 2020

Managing Stress and Anxiety..                           In this crazy pandemic, maintaining our physical health, and managing increased stress and anxiety is so important.  Here are some tips to help you cope with increased stress and anxiety. Exercise releases positive endorphins in your body that help you mentally feel better.  Get outside...

Understanding Water Birth and if it's the Right Choice for Your Delivery Apr 21st, 2020

Water-birthing is a common practice around the world, and it’s finally being accepted in the United States as a safe, comfortable way for a baby to leave the womb. According to the most recent statistics, around 6% of women in the U.S. chose water-birth as of 2014, and that number...

We Know You've Been Waiting! Apr 20th, 2020

We’re here for your health needs and some of you have been helping everyone by waiting for your appointment since early March. Starting May 1st, we will begin phasing in more appointments to meet your medical needs. If you already have an appointment after May 1st, you should keep it...

Are My Expired Medications Safe to Take? Mar 25th, 2020

Is it dangerous to take your expired prescription medications? Should I  stock up on medications? The answer is no. Your prescription medications remain safe and effective, and your pharmacy is overwhelmed right now with the high demand for medications during the cough and flu season compounded by the Coronavirus pandemic....

Ways To Boost Your Immunity Mar 21st, 2020

As exercise strengthens your muscles, doing a bit of immune-system upkeep by avoiding destructive habits and embracing some simple immune supports can go a long way towards keeping you as healthy as possible. During this unprecedented time where each of us need all the help we can muster to stay...

What Comes after an Abnormal Pap Smear? Mar 19th, 2020

The Pap smear was developed in 1928 by George Papanicolaou and has become one of the fastest, easiest, and most effective ways to detect cervical cancer early on. It’s now a routine test done for most 21–65-year-old women every three years, and it saves many lives.  At Physicians for Women...

Here are some COVID-19 Clinic Updates Mar 15th, 2020

As we face the COVID-19 challenge together, we at Physicians for Women, along with Phases and The Madison Midwives want you to know our first concern is to keep you safe. We are following CDC guidelines as well as state and local public health recommendations. Our clinic is open, but...

Letter to our Patients Concerning COVID-19 Virus Mar 10th, 2020

Dear Patient, We know you’re concerned about the Coronavirus. We want to reassure you we are taking aggressive steps to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus in our clinic. Our staff is following our usual infection control measures we always ramp up during flu season. We are doing...

5 Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk for Having a High-Risk Pregnancy Feb 3rd, 2020

Have you been thinking about pregnancy, but are concerned about the possibility of complications? Understanding what increases the chances of a high-risk pregnancy can help you minimize the likelihood of complications occurring. At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, Drs. Fredric Melius, Julie Schurr, and Michael Cardwell, along with our...

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Helps with Menopausal Symptoms Jan 1st, 2020

Every woman eventually enters the time of life when menstruation stops. Once you haven’t had a period for 12 months or more, you’re considered to be menopausal. This can be a time in your life that causes much change and confusion, but it can also be a freeing, happy time. ...

Four Reasons Why a Midwife May Be the Best Choice for You | By Betsy Stern-Madison Mom Dec 12th, 2019

During pregnancy, you have all kinds of decisions to make. Who should you tell first about the baby? Should you find out the gender or make it a surprise? Epidural, C-section or natural childbirth? Home birth, birthing center or hospital? What about the baby’s name? One of the most important...

Erin’s Story: Pregnancy and Preeclampsia – Erin Elliott Nov 22nd, 2019

Six months ago was World Preeclampsia Day.  Today we have a patient that wanted to share her story and testimonial: My husband and I learned we were pregnant with twins on my 30th birthday after our 4th frozen embryo transfer. I had an incredible pregnancy. I felt great, I was...

Life After Breast Cancer: How FemiLift Can Help – Dr. Julie Schurr Oct 31st, 2019

As an OB/GYN for over 26 years, I have had the privilege of seeing many patients through some rough patches in their lives. There are always a few patient experiences that stay with you and serve to remind you why you went into this field despite the long hours and...

Oh Baby, My Aching Back! – Dr. Frederic Melius Oct 9th, 2019

Back pain is one of the most common complaints pregnant women mention to us during OB appointments. As if the body changes associated with pregnancy weren’t uncomfortable enough, back pain reduces mobility, interrupts sleep and just make you miserable. The main cause of pregnancy back pain is back muscle strain...

Two Important Vaccines to Have During Pregnancy Sep 28th, 2019

Vaccines are powerful. Not only can they prevent disease, they can polarize friends, family members and physician-patient relationships. They are equally praised and lambasted on social media, by late night talk hosts and blogs. In a word, they’ve become controversial in the non-medical press. Not so, however, in the extensive...

Top Tips for Thriving (not surviving) in the Fourth Trimester! – Dr. Julie Schurr Sep 20th, 2019

As an OB/GYN for over 26 years, I’ve been curious when we as a medical community, and as a civilized culture, would recognize that a pregnant woman’s journey doesn’t simply end with the delivery of her child. Wonderful and exciting as this is, I’ve learned through personal and professional experience...

Avoiding The Freshman 15 Aug 31st, 2019

We’ve seen our share of young co-eds this month at the office preparing to leave for college. Whether it’s a sports physical or a discussion about contraception, it always includes a discussion about avoiding some of the common mistakes young college students make when living on their own; sometimes for...

The Fourth Trimester-It’s About Time, It’s About YOU! – Dr. Julie Schurr Aug 24th, 2019

Pediatricians often speak to new parents about the “fourth trimester” (AKA the first three months of life) as an incredible time of change, adaptation and development in the newborn. I have always thought, as an OB/GYN, “what about the changes as a new mom?” Becoming a new parent is a...

Why Choose The Madison Midwives By, Christine Kern Steffen Jul 27th, 2019

It’s hard to believe that 5 years ago we were in the final stages of getting ready to announce the opening of The Madison Midwives! With a passion for always helping women to find a birthing option that was best for them, doctors Melius, Schurr & Cardwell were forward thinking...

Promoting Peace During Pregnancy & Postpartum – Yogamoms Classes Move to Our Clinic Jun 26th, 2019

A new chapter is beginning for our clinic and for Yogamoms, a group started by our midwife, Christine Kern Steffen in 2003. Christine has been holding her classes at Mound Street Yoga, but as the studio closes in July they will be moving the Prenatal and Postnatal classes to our...

Purpose & Perspective – My Journey to Mission & Service -Dr. Julie Schurr Jun 19th, 2019

WHAT I DO AND WHY I DO IT (My mission in Guatemala and Milwaukee) A few years ago, I had an epiphany. A “What’s it all about Alfie?” moment where I began to really ask myself, “What more can I do?” cloaked in the fear of “Is this all there...

CDC Letter to Health Care Providers Shared by, Dr. Julie Schurr Jun 12th, 2019

The Center for Disease Control has a new letter to providers to help clarify recommendations for adult MMR vaccination and assessing immunity. The letter addresses the following important points: Providers do not need to actively screen adult patients for measles immunity. This is because of high population immunity and low...

The Act of Giving Birth-Prenatal Testing and Diagnosis (Part 2) – Dr. Michael Cardwell May 22nd, 2019

The technology of the actual birth hasn’t changed much for many years, but amazing new technology is revolutionizing prenatal diagnosis and testing. For many years amniocentesis was the only testing option for the diagnosis of genetic abnormalities. It is still the gold standard, but new screening methods have dramatically reduced...

The Act of Giving Birth-A Look at Current Trends (Part 1) – Dr. Michael Cardwell May 17th, 2019

The the fundamentals of the act of giving birth haven’t changed for thousands of years but many changes over the past couple decades have made the process safer, less clinical and more rewarding for Mom and Dad. Physicians and Midwives first job is ensuring the safety of Mom and Baby....

Diary of a Labor and Delivery Nurse: Miss Congeniality May 10th, 2019

As Nurse Appreciation Week comes to a close we wanted to share the words of one Labor and Delivery Nurse. Nursing is truly a work of Heart and we are thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful nurses, nurse practitioners and nurse midwifes! The love you share for your...

The 5 Most Common Pelvic Floor Issues in Women and What You Can Do About Them Apr 13th, 2019

We want to start by saying that issues with pelvic floor are a common condition, but many women delay reporting them to their doctor. The problems women experience vary, but in most cases early intervention can lead to better results with treatment. Problems with injury or damage to the pelvic...

Iodine in Pregnancy and Foodie Salts – Dr. Julie Schurr Apr 8th, 2019

(Spoiler alert- Just because it’s gourmet doesn’t mean it’s better for you) I love dining out and trying new foods, and I love to cook too. Many of the recipes I find so appealing include the use of gourmet salts (Pink Himalayan, Kosher, Sea salt, sel Gris, and Fleur de...

Exercise and Pregnancy: Benefits, Challenges and What Nobody Talks About – Dr. Julie Schurr Apr 1st, 2019

Exercising pregnant has its own set of goals, challenges and benefits, but it most definitely doesn’t look like your exercise regimen prior to the baby bump. Understanding the why and how modifications to your exercise routine can help keep you safe is important and so rarely discussed. In our experience,...

Avocado Recall and Pregnancy By, Dr. Michael Cardwell Mar 26th, 2019

The Henry Avocado Company has announced the recall of avocados sold in several states, including Wisconsin. The company found Listeria in routine testing of its packaging facility in California. There have not been any cases of Listeria reported; the company is acting proactively. If you have California Avocados from Henry,...

Shingles and the Shingrix Vaccine By, Dr. Julie Schurr Mar 23rd, 2019

They say that 50 is the new 30. Many women (and men) lead a life in their fifties that is active, complex and stressful. We are a generation of hard-working, world-travelling multi-taskers who often burn the candle at both ends. As a physician that often sees women over the age...

Metabolism Truths and Myths Mar 18th, 2019

As our weather here in Wisconsin finally warms, we can’t wait to get outside, shed our multiple layers of Polar Fleece and enjoy some sunshine and sweet open air! Women view this time of year with both celebration and trepidation and our goal to “lose that winter weight” hits us...

Bringin’ Sexy Back (Part 2) By, Dr. Julie Schurr Mar 11th, 2019

With the natural hormonal decline associated with aging, women, starting in their 40s, begin to notice symptoms like vaginal dryness and irritation. Vaginal tissues, like our skin, lose collagen and elastin with age and small blood vessels supplying nutrients and oxygen become smaller and less functional. This translates into vaginal...

Bringin’ Sexy Back (Part 1) By, Dr. Julie Schurr Mar 4th, 2019

February is the month we commonly associate with our hearts, both physically and emotionally. As women’s health care providers, we place an emphasis on both aspects of a woman’s heart, and not just in the month of February. It is one thing to help a woman remain physically well and...

Stay Healthy In the Polar Vortex of WI Winter! By, Dr. Julie Schurr Feb 26th, 2019

I’ve not met one person lately who is still singing the praises of winter in Wisconsin. We’re all sick of it, literally. Yes, snow can be beautiful, the moon is bright and the air crisp, but between outbreaks of Influenza and Norovirus, and just plain rotten upper respiratory infections, we...

The 90% Rule Feb 21st, 2019

The majority of risk factors that lead to a heart attack are those under your control and not secondary to inherited conditions. Minor changes in lifestyle make for large impacts in your health. What You Can’t Control – The 10% -Age (over 45 for men, over 55 for women)-Gender (men...

How does chronic stress affect a woman’s health? Feb 16th, 2019

Stress is your body’s response to the daily events in your life. “Good” stress serves to motivate you to achieve a goal. “Bad” stress is a negative, destructive and self-inflicted energy that eats away at your health and can lead to many debilitating issues, especially heart disease. The “fight or...

What can I do to prevent Heart Disease? Feb 7th, 2019

Women, in general, are known for addressing the needs of everyone else in their lives first, and get around to caring for themselves last. We make it a point to emphasize the importance of self-care to our patients. Take time each day to exercise, fuel your body with a diet...

What’s happens to my body now that I’m no longer pregnant? When should I worry there’s a problem? Dec 17th, 2018

Your body is amazing. Every organ system geared up for your pregnancy, and now that you’ve delivered, things begin to revert back to the way they were- some slowly and others rapidly. Common immediate concerns postpartum focus on a few things: bleeding too heavily, signs of infection or worsening pain...

Will I ever lose this “baby weight”? Dec 17th, 2018

We, as women, place incredible pressure on ourselves to look as svelte and fit as possible. Pregnancy throws a monkey wrench into this goal and although we, for the most part, tolerate weight gain during pregnancy, we become absolutely driven postpartum to return to our pre-pregnancy selves asap. I tell...

When is sex okay? (coupled with questions like will it hurt? And will it feel different to me/him?) Dec 17th, 2018

This is a super common question and often asked by the new Dad. I tell my patients to wait on average 4-6 weeks after delivery before becoming sexually active. This allows vaginal tears and laceration repairs time to heal and for the uterus to properly involute (shrink) and stop bleeding....

How long should I breastfeed my baby? Dec 17th, 2018

My general response to this question is to set an initial goal of exclusive breastfeeding for your baby’s first six months. This is in keeping with not just the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) but is also consistent with the World Health...

How will I know if I’m just overwhelmed and sleep-deprived versus depressed postpartum? Dec 17th, 2018

Absolutely every new Mom experiences a transition in mood postpartum. The spectrum includes feeling mildly anxious and uncertain and crying “just because it feels better” to intense feelings that are prohibitive of you taking care of yourself and your baby. In other words, Postpartum Blues can be anticipated, to some...