Gynecology
Part of an individual's overall health and well-being includes the care of gynecologic conditions, which affect the female reproductive system.
Gynecological Conditions and Services
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of muscle tissue found in the uterus. They can enlarge and/or distort the uterus and sometimes the cervix. They are a common condition and grow from the smooth muscle cells in the wall of the uterus.
Gynecological Cancers
Gynecologic cancer is an umbrella term for seven different cancers that occur in the female reproductive organs. Individuals with gynecologic cancers don’t always experience the same symptoms, and some experience little to no symptoms at all.
Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders are disruptive physical and/or emotional symptoms just before and during menstruation. These disorders include heavy bleeding, missed periods and unmanageable mood swings.
Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor issues are fairly common, affecting nearly one fourth of all U.S. females. The pelvic floor helps to maintain bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and serves as the “home” for the pelvic organs, including the urinary bladder, rectum and vagina, keeping them in the correct position.
Ovarian Cysts
Many individuals with ovaries have ovarian cysts at some time during their life. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, but some can cause serious symptoms and need treatment.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate. These hormonal changes can cause irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, hot flashes and mood variations.
Menopause
Menopause occurs when menstrual periods permanently stop, signaling the end of reproductive years. This stage can bring a range of physical and emotional changes, from hot flashes and vaginal dryness to sleep and bone health concerns.
STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are very common. In the U.S., millions of new infections occur every year.
Patient Stories
Valerie Esmont
Pelvic Health Patient
No longer suffering in silence from pelvic pain
Transcription
Valerie: After suffering for years with pelvic pain, I finally came to the care of Summa Health. Pelvic pain isn't easy to talk about. It's such a rough road and a lonely pain. Luckily Summa Health has the doctors and the physical therapy services that have truly saved my life.
My physical therapist, Amy, is one of the few that specialize in pelvic pain across the country. It's just a joy to go see Amy, and my quality of life has improved to a degree to a level I didn't think was possible.
Now I have two beautiful daughters that I never thought I could have, and they're just, oh my gosh, they just light up my life. I can't think of life without them.
My message for anyone suffering with pelvic pain is that you don't have to suffer in silence, and I'm living proof of that.
Hayley Stumbo
Pelvic Health Patient
Encourages other women with endometriosis not to give up.
Transcription
Hayley: I suffered with endometriosis and chronic pelvic and abdominal pain for years, it disrupted every aspect of my life. I was unable to eat, drink, walk, work.
My primary OB-GYN sent me to the specialists at Summa Health. That's where I met Dr. Cesta in pelvic health and Dr. Welch in colorectal surgery. They recommended surgery to remove the areas that endometriosis had affected my organs. And in my particular case, a hysterectomy. This was the first team of doctors that I had seen that made me feel so validated and actually had an answer. Dr. Cesta and Dr. Welch, the quality of their care is astounding.
I wake up now with no pain. I went from having no hope to I can do anything. I can live my life. And my advice to women dealing with this would be do not give up. There is definitely hope.
Betsey Enberg
Urogynecology Patient
Betsey suffered from pelvic pain and bloating for several years until she was referred to Summa Health. After a successful hysterectomy and pelvic floor repair surgery, she's back to doing what she loves.
Transcription
For years, I was suffering with bloating, discomfort and pain in the pelvic floor area. It was just awful. My gastroenterologist referred me to see Dr. Thomas at Summa. She was a urogynecologist. She told me exactly what the problem was. I had the beginnings of prolapse, so the pain was getting so bad I could barely stand up and sit down and then I started to bleed. Dr. Thomas recommended a total hysterectomy and pelvic floor repair. Surgery was very successful beyond my wildest dreams. Dr. Thomas and her team treated me so well. It was just like I was their mother and the home care that I received afterwards was just phenomenal. Now I'm able to do the things I love, spend time with my grandkids. I even walk my dog. Life is good.
Barb Bungard
Uterine Cancer Patient and MyChart User
Can’t imagine cancer journey without MyChart
Transcription
Barb: When I first got my diagnosis of uterine cancer at Summa, one of the very first questions that I asked was, do you have MyChart, do you use MyChart? And that is crucial for me, because that's how I like to engage. To be able to know about your lab work, and to be able to ask questions related to your medications, or potential symptoms. It is so important to not have to depend upon a phone call, and the doctor's office and their availability.
Dr. Laskey and her team, Courtney and Eileen at the Cooper Cancer Pavilion have been awesome. They make me feel very comfortable that I can utilize MyChart any time for any reason.
So I never anticipated going down this cancer journey, but I cannot imagine not having MyChart available for me.
Debra Racey
Endometrial Cancer Patient
Endometrial cancer survivor is grateful for her care team
Transcription
Debra: I was experiencing some very heavy vaginal bleeding, so I did some research, and I found Dr. Robin Laskey here at Summa. You just get this overwhelming feeling of this person really, really cares. And I was constantly thanking my lucky stars that I had found her.
She told me that I did have endometrial cancer. It's like your whole world really does fall apart.
Dr. Laskey actually did robotic surgery on me, a total hysterectomy.
There are so many support services here at Cooper Cancer Center, and key amongst them was Dr. Jessica Moeller, who is a psychologist. She was a godsend to me.
If it weren't for those Summa doctors, I wouldn't be here today. I owe them my life. I literally have to pinch myself daily cause I am a cancer survivor. And I have beautiful hair again.
Meet our Team
Gynecology and OB/GYN Locations
Akron
Summa Health White Pond
51 Park West Blvd, Suite 200
Akron, OH 44320
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Akron
Summa Health Pride Clinic
1260 Independence Ave
Akron, OH 44310
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Akron
Summa Health Women's Health Center
75 Arch St, Suite B1
Akron, OH 44304
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Barberton
Summa Health
201 5th St NE, Suite 6
Barberton, OH 44203
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Cuyahoga Falls
Summa Health Cuyahoga Falls Medical Center
1860 State Road, Suite D
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
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Green
Summa Health Obstetrics and Gynecology
1700 Boettler Road, Suite 225
Uniontown, OH 44685
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Medina
Summa Health Medina Medical Center
3780 Medina Rd, Suite 200
Medina, OH 44256
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Rootstown
Summa Health Rootstown Medical Center
4211 State Route 44, Suite 1550
Rootstown, OH 44272
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Springfield
Summa Health Obstetrics and Gynecology
1463 Canton Rd
Akron, OH 44312
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Stow-Kent
Summa Health Stow-Kent Medical Center
3825 Fishcreek Road, Suite 200
Stow, OH 44224
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Wadsworth
Summa Health Wadsworth-Rittman Medical Center
195 Wadsworth Rd, Suite 301
Wadsworth, OH 44281
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