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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 &...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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’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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 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....
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...
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...
(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...
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,...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
