Committed to providing you with answers.
Questions are a part of every woman’s life, which is why it’s important to turn to a resource that's solely devoted to women. Women’s Health Connecticut is committed to providing you with reliable, comprehensive information to help you better understand your health, as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
You CAN Take a Bath on Your Period
Can you have a bath on your period? For a long time, talking openly and candidly about periods was considered taboo. Thankfully, times have changed, b...
BIPOC Women and Infertility: Addressing Disparities in Care
Infertility, or the inability to conceive naturally, is a challenging issue that affects millions of women. About 12% of women of reproductive age str...
Are over-the-counter birth control pills safe?
What is over-the-counter birth control? Since gaining FDA approval last year, Opill, the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, has raised m...
Practicing Self-Care to Feel Your Best During Your Period
Self-Care Tips For Your Period It’s no secret that we go through some serious physical, emotional and even psychological changes during menstruation....
Women’s Health Connecticut Partners with REAL to Help Parents and Children Impacted by Substance Use
At Women’s Health Connecticut, we understand how difficult it is to have conversations surrounding a child’s possible (or confirmed) substance use. Th...
The Acessa Procedure for Fibroids
The Acessa procedure, also known as laparoscopic uterine fibroid radiofrequency thermal ablation, is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment that de...
Mental Health Resources
Good mental health is essential to overall well-being. More than 1 in 5 women in the United States experienced a mental health condition in the past y...
Am I going through perimenopause?
You've heard of menopause, but what is perimenopause? Dr. Emily Fine explains common signs and symptoms and educates viewers on how to navigate this c...
Dr. Amanda Rostkowski Reveals Key Insights on FDA's Approval of Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
Amanda Rostkowski, MD, PhD, of Comprehensive Gynecology of CT recently spoke with WFSB and WVIT about the Food and Drug Administration's approval of t...
How can I reduce my breast cancer risk? Dr. Molly Shipman speaks on NBC
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women's Health Connecticut physician Dr. Molly Shipman, DO discusses how to be proactive about your breast h...
When should I go to the gynecologist for the first time?
Join Jamie Benway, MD as she discusses the reasons a young person might schedule a first GYN visit. Whether you are looking for birth control or help...
Women's Health Connecticut GYN Dr. Emily Fine Speaks on Channel 3 Podcast
Emily Fine, MD of Comprehensive Gynecology of CT discusses women's healthcare topics and the overturning of Roe v. Wade on Real Talk with Raff. Podcas...
Women's Health Wednesday on CT LIVE!: Keith Falter II, MD
Keith Falter II, MD, is an ObGyn at Physicians for Women in Danbury and Medical Director of Women's Health Connecticut. In this segment, Dr. Falter di...
Women's Health Wednesday on CT LIVE!: Suzanne Barton, CNM
Suzanne Barton, CNM, a Women's Health Connecticut midwife, appears on NBC Connecticut's CT LIVE! to discuss midwifery care. In this special Women's He...
Doc Talk: SRC Accreditation
Daniel A. Goldstein, MD is an SRC-accredited Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery with Danbury Hospital. SRC accredits the top medical professiona...
Do I need to have a birth plan?
Dr. Hannah Shakartzi of Candlewood Center for Women's Health talks birth plan basics. Learn why birth plans are important and what you should include...
Women's Health Wednesday on CT LIVE!: Elisa Benzoni, DO
Elisa Benzoni, DO, a Women's Health Connecticut ObGyn physician, appears on NBC Connecticut's CT LIVE! to discuss the importance of routine health car...
Going to the Gyno for the First Time
Preparing for your first gynecology visit Are you nervous about visiting the gynecologist? Visiting any new doctor for the first time can be intimid...
Doc Talk Video: Robotic Surgery
Elisa Benzoni, MD discusses the basics and benefits of robotic surgery. Learn about robotic hysterectomy and the Da Vinci Surgical System.
What can I do to cure a yeast infection?
Maura Aaberg, CNM explains yeast infections, what causes them and how to avoid them. Learn what to do if you are experiencing yeast infections frequen...
Help, I'm scared and anxious about my pregnancy!
Suzanne Barton, CNM discusses common things that women worry about during pregnancy and offers advice on what to do if you are struggling with your me...
Tips for Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
If you're a first time mom-to-be, you may be wondering how to stay healthy during pregnancy. It's hard to keep track of what foods you should eat and...
What Tests Do I Need at Age 40?
Maybe you've just turned 40 and are wondering if you need a mammogram. Perhaps you are experiencing perimenopause symptoms and want to see your doctor...
Why You Need an Annual Well-Woman Exam
Your annual well-woman exam is your opportunity to connect with your provider about your health. This visit is for you to take time to discuss any cur...
Video: Women's Health Connecticut Sounds Alarm on Women Missing Annual Exams
Dr. Matthew Saidel, Women's Health Connecticut's Chief Medical Officer, appeared on NBC Connecticut and Fox 61 to bring awareness to the dangers of sk...
What You Need to Know about Perimenopause
The beginning and ending stages of a woman’s menstrual cycles get a lot of attention in our society. We know the signs of puberty in our tween and tee...
Doc Talk: How to Talk to Your Partner About Getting a Vasectomy
Some women may not consider their partner’s vasectomy as part of their health, but vasectomies directly affect women’s reproductive health. If you and...
Doc Talk: Do You Have a UTI? Ways to Beat the Burn
You might know the symptoms well – the constant need to pee and then the painful burning sensation as you relieve yourself. Yep, you most likely have...
Doc Talk Video: Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis
Amanda Rostkowski, MD, PhD covers the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain, including endometriosis. Learn the basics of treatment options like m...
Doc Talk Video: Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
John Kaczmarek, MD discusses bleeding during early pregnancy. Learn what causes spotting and heavier bleeding at the start of pregnancy, and find out...
Doc Talk Video: GBS Testing During Pregnancy
Group B strep (GBS) is a very common bacteria but can pose serious risks to mom and baby. Learn why your ObGyn will test you for GBS during pregnancy...
Doc Talk Video: Sexual Health
Amanda Kayte Corcoran, CNM explains why your ObGyn may ask you about your sexual health during your annual visit. She discusses safer sex, sexual dis...
Introducing the Pounds Transformation Weight Loss Program
Women’s Health Connecticut is proud to announce a partnership with Pounds Transformation Medical Weight Loss, a local program that has helped tens of...
Doc Talk Video: Pap Testing
Getting a regular Pap test is important for maintaining cervical health. Dr. Iyanna Liles discusses what the test is like and how they are used to he...
Doc Talk: Miscarriages
Miscarriages, also called early pregnancy losses, are often not talked about enough in our society, even when 1 in 4 women have experienced a miscarri...
Doc Talk Video: Menopause Basics
Join Dr. Melissa Pearlstone of Westwood Women's Health, a Women's Health Connecticut practice, as she discusses the signs of menopause. Learn about t...
Doc Talk Video: BRCA Testing
Mary L. Zozoulin, MD discusses genetic testing for BRCA genes that can increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers, including breast cancer...
Doc Talk Video: Treating Morning Sickness
Dr. Ellen Lamb from Gynecology and Obstetrics, a Women's Health Connecticut practice, discusses the causes of morning sickness. If you're suffering f...
Safe Over the Counter Medications in Pregnancy
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, either prescription or over-the-counter. Do not take Aspirin unless directed by your provide...
Doc Talk: What to Know Before You Start Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful and rewarding experience for many women. Breastfeeding provides the best nutritional start for your newborn and the e...
Video: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. PCOS is a serious genetic, hormone, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects...
Doc Talk: What is a Midwife?
When you become pregnant, there are many decisions that you will have to make - do you want to know the sex of your child, what is your birthing plan,...
The COVID-19 Vaccination and Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now recommended the COVID-19 vaccination for all pregnant and breastfeeding women. To help you deci...
Eating for Two: Fact or Fiction? Maintaining a Healthy Weight During Pregnancy
We’ve all heard the common saying that a pregnant woman is “eating for two” and therefore should eat as much as she likes while she’s expecting. Unfor...
Doc Talk: Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections?
Some women may know it well; the itching, burning, redness, and clumpy vaginal discharge that are all telltale signs of a yeast infection. A vaginal y...
Substance Use and Pregnancy
Our goal is to keep you and your baby safe, healthy, and together. Your Women’s Health Connecticut maternity team is a confidential source of support...
Doc Talk: Are my Nipples Normal?
Bumpy, hairy, brown, pink, small, or large you may have looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, are my nipples normal? Nipples come in all shape...
Tick Safety and Lyme Disease Prevention
With more people spending time outdoors as a result of the pandemic, it’s important to remember that tick-borne illnesses are still a concern in the N...
A Guide to Your Preconception Visit
Thinking about having a baby? It is an exciting time, and while you might be mentally ready to get pregnant, it is important to make sure your body is...
Introducing the Gestational Diabetes Management Program
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that can arise during pregnancy and may lead to complications that affect both mother and baby. Accordin...
The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Hold
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently allowed resumption of distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which had been temporarily stopped...
Women’s Health Connecticut Responds to Increased National Maternal Mortality Rates
As an organization singularly devoted to caring for women throughout all stages of life, Women’s Health Connecticut is greatly troubled by the increas...
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Q&A
As an expectant mother, you likely have many questions about your health and the health of your developing baby. Because you’ve chosen a Women’s Healt...
The Best Positions for Labor
It is important for women to try different positions during labor. Trying different positions during labor gives women more comfort, and encourages th...
Women's Health Connecticut ObGyn Discusses Women's Struggles During Pandemic
Dr. Molly Shipman from Woodland Women's Health Associates, a WHC practice, was interview by WTNH. She discusses how our providers are seeing more wome...
Taking the Fear out of Going to the Gynecologist
Going to your annual well-women’s exam is a crucial part of taking care of your overall health. In fact, it is recommended by the American Congress of...
Doc Talk: Weird Things Vaginas Do that Actually are Normal
If you have ever wondered if your vagina or vulva is normal, you are not alone. You might feel a bit nervous or embarrassed to talk to your women’s he...
Doc Talk: What to Know About Getting Off Hormonal Birth Control
Stopping the use of hormonal birth control can be a big decision. Especially when stopping the use of birth control can make women experience some sid...
3 Ways to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Let’s face it: winter is hard. This season has been especially tough for many, as we all try to navigate new anxieties related to the COVID-19 pandemi...
7 Reasons to Schedule Your Next Visit Now
Are you overdue for a GYN visit? Many women in Connecticut skipped their annual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you fall into this category, it’s the...
Doc Talk: What Does it Mean if I Accidentally Pee Myself?
It happens. Unexpectedly peeing yourself when you laugh too hard or when a sneeze takes you by surprise is not as uncommon as you might think. Losing...
Reusable Period Products
For many women, having your period is synonymous with discomfort. But gone are the days of stiff tampons, bulky pads, and leaky panty liners. In the p...
Video: How to Protect Your Bone Health
Taking care of your bones may not seem like an urgent health matter. However, bone health is an extremely important topic that women of all ages shoul...
Doc Talk: IUD Appointment Q&A with Ryan Summerall, MD
More than 1 in 10 women aged 15-49 currently use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), according to recent data from the CDC. IUDs, which fall...
Video: I Had Unprotected Sex, Now What?
Sometimes unprotected sex happens, accidentally or not, don't panic. We spoke with Dr. Jennifer Marrone of Southport Women's Healthcare to learn about...
Doc Talk: Why Does it Hurt When I Have Sex?
Experiencing pain during sex can seem like a normal occurrence, with nearly 3 out of 4 women saying they have had pain during sex at some point in the...
Doc Talk: Choosing a VBAC with Ariel Herron, CNM
If a pregnant patient has already had a Cesarean section in the past, it is still possible to have a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). Although ris...
Doc Talk: Gestational Hypertension
Uncontrolled high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, also known as gestational hypertension, is a disorder that affects many women during...
Doc Talk: Domestic Violence the Silent Public Health Crisis
With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is important to Women’s Health Connecticut (WHC) to shine a light on this public hea...
Video: Discussing the Flu Vaccine
With all the news about various COVID-19 vaccines in development, it's easy to forget there's another type of vaccine out there right now, ready to pr...
Introducing the Nurture Pregnancy App
Women's Health Connecticut is proud to announce the launch of our new pregnancy app, NURTURE! The NURTURE app is free to download and available to pat...
Your Mental Health Matters: How to Get Started
In recognition of Emotional Awareness Month, we encourage our patients to remember that fostering a healthy mind is just as vital to our overall wellb...
Doc Talk: 3D Mammography Screenings
At Women’s Health Connecticut, we want to make your annual screenings and appointments easy, accessible, and comfortable. We are happy to announce tha...
Women’s Health Connecticut Petitions for Expanded Telehealth Legislation with Connecticut General Assembly
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly limited access to most non-urgent medical services for all. During this time, Women’s Health Connecticut provi...
8 Reasons Women Should Practice Yoga
With so much going on in the world, maintaining your physical and mental health is more important than ever. Enter yoga, along with increased flexibil...
Doc Talk: Telehealth Lactation Support
The benefits and advantages of breastfeeding have been widely advertised, but for many mothers, breastfeeding can present significant challenges. In t...
A Statement From Women's Health Connecticut
Devoted to Women We, the physicians, collaborative providers, staff, and leadership of Women’s Health Connecticut, stand in support of Black American...
Doc Talk: Annual Exams and COVID-19
May 11 is National Women's Checkup Day, an effort started by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to remind women across the country to pe...
Obstetrical Patients From Outside CT
Every day, during this Coronavirus pandemic, we encounter pregnant women who have valid concerns about bringing their child safely into the world and...
How to Use Telemedicine for Your ObGyn Needs
As your primary ObGyn resource, Women's Health Connecticut and its 250 health care providers want to let you know that you can continue to access us f...
Women's Health Connecticut is Now Offering Telemedicine Visits
To deliver safe and supportive care to our patients, Women’s Health Connecticut is now offering telemedicine visits where you can speak with your prov...
Doc Talk: Get The Facts on Chronic Pelvic Pain
We sat down with Dr. Amanda Rostkowski of Fine and Gillette, a Women's Health Connecticut practice, to talk about chronic pelvic pain, its causes, and...
Video: Are My Periods Normal?
Introducing Women's Health Connecticut's Teen GYN video series. "Are My Periods Normal?" will answer basic questions you might have about menstruation...
Video: Am I Ready for Sex?
Deciding to have sex for the first time is kind of a big deal. Two Women's Health Connecticut Adolescent GYNs discuss tips for healthy relationships a...
Video: What Tests Do I Need?
So you just started seeing a GYN, but what medical tests should you expect to have at what age? Dr. Frederick Rau and Dr. Kelley Sturrock of Gynecolog...
Doc Talk: Get the Facts on Pregnancy and Exercise
We sat down with Dr. Iris Moore of Middlesex Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates to talk about common myths, safe activities, and overall approach...
Doc Talk: Get the Facts on Urinary Incontinence
We sat down with Dr. Robert K. Gildersleeve of Mansfield Ob/Gyn Associates, a Women's Health Connecticut practice, to talk about urinary incontinence,...
Doc Talk: Holistic Health Counseling and Hypnosis Therapy
Women’s Health Connecticut offers multifaceted solutions to achieving health and overall wellness. One of these pathways includes holistic health coun...
Doc Talk: Learning About Minimally Invasive Surgery & Treating Endometriosis
We sat down with Dr. Roa Alammari of Mansfield Ob/Gyn Associates, a Women's Health Connecticut practice, to talk about her specialty in minimally inva...
LGBTQ Fertility Care and Family Planning Support
There are many options and services available for LGBTQ individuals, or couples to become parents. Our Women’s Health Connecticut network of providers...
Three Simple Ways to Protect Your Cervical Health
Not long ago, cervical cancer was once one of the most common cancers affecting women. Cases in the US decreased significantly with the introduction o...
Video: Birth Control 101
There are so many methods of birth control out there, how do you know which one is right for you and your lifestyle? Two Adolescent GYNs from Women's...
Video: What Happens at My First Visit?
It's recommended that most girls have their first visit with a GYN between ages 13 and 15. This type of visit allows you to develop a good relationshi...
Video: What's Endometriosis?
Introducing Women's Health Connecticut Teen GYN series. You may have heard about endometriosis, but what should you do if you think you might have it?...
No Scalpel Vasectomy Risks
In this non-graphic video, Dr. Scott Matson of Vasectomy and Male Infertility Center of Connecticut, a division of Women’s Health Connecticut, helps y...
Get To Know Dr. Bonnie Campbell
Meet Bonnie Campbell, DO, an ObGyn at Woodland Women's Health Associates in Hartford, Glastonbury, and Avon, CT. Dr. Campbell sees patients of all age...
Get To Know Dr. Daniel Goldstein
Meet Dr. Daniel Goldstein of Candlewood Center for Women's Health, a Women's Health Connecticut practice in Danbury. Dr. Goldstein has special interes...
Get To Know Suzanne Barton, CNM
Suzanne Barton, CNM is an experienced midwife practicing at With Women Wellness, a Women's Health Connecticut practice in Manchester. She sees patient...
Get To Know Michelle Killingsworth, CNM
Meet Michelle Killingsworth, CNM, a midwife practicing at With Women Wellness in Manchester, Connecticut. In addition to caring for women throughout p...
Get To Know Dr. John Kaczmarek
Meet John Kaczmarek, MD, an experienced ObGyn physician practicing at Specialists in Women's Healthcare, a Women's Health Connecticut practice with of...
Get To Know Dr. Giana Craig
Meet Giana Craig, MD, an ObGyn at Greater Hartford Women's Health Associates, a Women's Health Connecticut Practice. Dr. Craig cares for patients of a...
Get To Know Dr. Elisa Benzoni
Meet Dr. Benzoni, an ObGyn at Specialists in Women's Healthcare, a Women's Health Connecticut practice in Waterbury and Southbury.
Get To Know Amanda Kayte Corcoran, CNM
Meet Amanda Kayte Corcoran, a certified nurse midwife at Comprehensive Gynecology of CT in Hamden. She has a special interest in LGBTQIA affirming car...
Get To Know Jessica Jones, CNM
Meet Jessica Jones, a certified nurse midwife from With Women Wellness, a Women's Health Connecticut practice in Manchester. Jessica sees patients of...
Get To Know Dr. Iyanna Liles
Learn more about the providers of Women's Health Connecticut! Dr. Iyanna Liles is a gynecologist practicing at Comprehensive Gynecology of CT in Hamd...
Get To Know Dr. Ellen Lamb
Get to know more about the providers of Women's Health Connecticut! Meet Dr. Ellen Lamb of Gynecology and Obstetrics, a practice with offices in Hart...
Get To Know Dr. Melissa Pearlstone
Learn more about the providers of Women's Health Connecticut! Dr. Melissa Pearlstone is a gynecologist practicing at Westwood Women's Health in Water...
Frequently asked questions about Women's Health Connecticut
My Doctor's Office
How do I contact my doctor's office?
Women’s Health Connecticut is comprised of over 40 practices throughout Connecticut and Central Massachusetts. You may contact your provider’s office via phone or online through the Patient Portal. To find your doctor’s office’s phone number, please search for your provider here.
Where can I find my doctor’s fax number?
You can find your provider’s office’s fax number by searching for your provider or your provider’s office.
What are your hours?
Women’s Health Connecticut is comprised of over 40 practices throughout Connecticut and Central Massachusetts. Hours may vary depending on where you wish to be seen. Please search for your provider’s office here to find specific hours of operation related to your desired location. Many offices offer evening and weekend hours for extra convenience. Please check with your provider’s office for full availability.
Do you accept my insurance?
Women’s Health Connecticut practices accept most insurance plans offered in Connecticut and Massachusetts. We are familiar with most carrier provisions and will always do our best to obtain proper pre-authorization approvals and referrals on your behalf.
Please be sure to bring your insurance information to every appointment for verification. To view a list of the plans your provider accepts, please search for your provider’s office here and view the “Insurance” section on their page.
My Visit
How do I make an appointment?
There are several ways to request an appointment:
- Fill out a Request Appointment Form online.
- Log in to your Patient Portal account and select “Appointments.”
- Call your provider’s office to speak with a member of our team. Find the desired phone number by searching for your provider’s name here.
How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we ask that you call your provider’s office to let them know in advance. Your provider may have additional guidelines regarding cancellation. Please find your provider’s office here. Cancellation policy information can be found in the “Your Visit” section.
Where is the medical records release form?
The medical records release form and other forms can be found below. Your doctor’s office may have additional forms available on their practice location page. Please search for your doctor’s office here and refer to the “Forms” section on their page.
Anti-Discrimination Policy (PDF)
Confidential Communication Request (PDF)
How do I create a Patient Portal account?
The Patient Portal allows you to access your health records, pay your bill, fill out forms before coming in, confirm normal test results, double-check appointment dates/times, and more. Enroll now.
How do I pay my bill?
You can easily pay your bill online through the Patient Portal.
My Health Concerns
How do I ask my doctor a question?
We understand that there will be instances where you have a quick question for your doctor that may not warrant a visit. Our providers and office staff are here to answer your questions and to provide guidance related to your specific care plan. To ask a question, you may contact your provider’s office via phone or online through the Patient Portal. To find the correct phone number, please search for your provider here.
I just got my period. Should I reschedule my visit?
For most routine and problem visits it is not necessary to reschedule your appointment due to the start of your menstrual period. Several specialty visits and procedures may be more difficult at the time of a period. If you are unsure about keeping your appointment, please contact your Women's Health Connecticut provider and we will be happy to help guide you.
I think I might have a UTI or an STD. What should I do?
If you are experiencing any unusual or unpleasant symptoms, we encourage you to contact your provider’s office to schedule a problem visit so that your provider can examine you and administer the appropriate tests. Office staff will do their best to accommodate you as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, always call 911.
I think I might be pregnant. What’s the first step?
Pregnancy can be a happy or scary time in a woman’s life, and sometimes a combination of both. Whatever your feelings about your current pregnancy, please contact your Women's Health Connecticut provider. We will be happy to guide you with decision making about the appropriate time to schedule a visit, interpreting symptoms as routine or concerning, and guiding you about making the appropriate decisions regarding medications. Our team is here to help you.
I’m pregnant and something feels off. Should I call the doctor?
While many symptoms during pregnancy are routine, knowing which ones are not common is just as important. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs call your provider’s office immediately. Our offices have a provider on call to handle emergencies 24 hours a day. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, always call 911.