WHY MINNESOTA WOMEN'S CARE IS DIFFERENT
The newest, most effective treatments available anywhere.
Minnesota Women's Care has a different approach. Rather than staying with the procedures that were used during your grandmother's time, we are committed to providing the most up-to-date treatments available. We constantly search for new technology and procedures. We believe in using the least invasive therapy or surgery available to correct issues and help women get back to their busy lives as quickly and painlessly as possible. When surgery is recommended, we use minimally invasive procedures when applicable – procedures that will get the best results while promoting faster healing and less pain during recovery. Talk with us. We'll help. 
You don't need to suffer with ongoing pelvic pain and discomfort. We work with you to find the cause and develop a plan to restore your health. Live the life you want to live.
Make an AppointmentBACKGROUND
Our Team of Experts
Sometimes called "Band-Aid" surgery, minimally invasive surgery has become an important way to think about and perform surgeries. With a smaller incision, there's less pain and less blood loss. Often, patients recover faster. Minnesota Women's Care is fortunate to have OBGYN surgeons on our team with advanced minimally invasive surgical training and certification. Dr. Amy Kelly
With her exceptional skills as a physician, surgeon, and communicator, Dr. Amy Kelly is earned the respect and admiration of her patients, co-workers, and peers. She has been recognized as a "Top Doctor" in the annual Mpls/St. Paul Magazine "Top Doctors" issue for more than ten years in a row and is regularly recognized in Minnesota Monthly as a “Best Doctor for Women.”
Dr. Kelly is board-certified in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS). In addition, in 2023 Dr. Kelly achieved accreditation from SRC as a Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (SOERS) with St. John’s Hospital. The hospital has been an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) since 2019.
Dr. Moona Arabkhazaeli
Dr. Moona Arabkhazaeli recently joined Minnesota Women's Care after completing a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery. She was the Chief Resident in the OBGYN and Women's Health Department at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Arabkhazaeli is board-certified in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS).
Because of the enormous benefit minimally invasive surgery has to her patients, Dr. Arabkhazaeli chose this area of specialization. She has a particular interest in abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and fibroids. If surgery is needed, she has the specialized skills to offer a minimally invasive approach – one which which minimizes complications and hastens recovery – allowing patients to return to their lives more quickly.
Dr. Melvin Ashford
Dr. Melvin Ashford, the founder of Minnesota Women's Care, has dedicated his career to women's health. He is double board-certified in OBGYN and Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS). (This specialty was formerly known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.) Very early in his career as a physician, he discovered the advantages of minimally invasive surgeries and has been an advocate for the tremendous benefits is provides to women undergoing a procedure. He has earned a reputation in the Twin Cities as a skilled pelvic surgeon and has proven experience helping women recover from some of the most complex pelvic floor disorders.
Dr. Ashford's training and experience in female pelvic reconstructive surgery and gynecology has earned raving accolades from his patients. In addition, he has been recognized by his peers as a "Top Doctor" in MPLS/St. Paul Magazine every year since 2014.
OUR FOCUS
Complex Gynecologic Issues: Surgery and Treatment
A variety of conditions may affect a woman’s uterus, vagina, ovaries and fallopian tubes over the course of her life. Common types of gynecologic conditions - such as fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic organ prolapse - can cause significant problems and impact the lives of women.
Our innovative and comprehensive treatment programs start with an accurate diagnosis. Our care plans are attentive to our patients' emotional, educational, and physical needs. Where surgery is required, the most advanced and least invasive procedures will be used.
At Minnesota Women's Care, we will work with you to address the medical conditions that can impact the quality of your life. For the most common conditions women experience, we offer both medical and surgical treatment options.
Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
There are many surgical and non-surgical treatment options for fibroids. The best treatment approach depends on many factors including what symptoms you are experiencing, the size number and location of the fibroids, and whether you are interested in pregnancy or not, among others. Your doctor will work with you to tailor the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, GnRH modulators, and a variety of minimally-invasive procedures. Read more about treatment for Uterine Fibroids.
Treatment for Endometriosis
When a woman has endometriosis, the tissue that lines her uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. Depending on your symptoms, our physicians may recommend non-surgical and surgical solutions such as pain medication, hormone treatment, surgical removal of the growths, endometrial ablation, or hysterectomy. Read more about Treatment for Endometriosis.
Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
There are a number of different reasons why you might be experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding. These include hormonal imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids to name a few. Again, our physicians will work with you to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment for you. Read more about treatment for abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
All About Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, is a surgical procedure that is an effective treatment for a number of conditions. When medication and non-invasive procedures are unable to relieve symptoms, surgery remains the accepted and most effective treatment for a range of gynecologic conditions. At Minnesota Women's Care, we believe in prioritizing the use of minimally invasive surgical procedures when possible. This means that the surgery is performed with a much smaller incision. In real terms, for you as a patient, this means a faster recovery time and less pain. Read more about Hysterectomy here.
Additional Information
Our gynecologists treat a number of other conditions. Additional information is available on these topics:
For complete information about incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, mesh, and other pelvic floor conditions, please visit:
More About Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids
by Dr. Moona Arabkhazaeli
Dr. Arabkhazaeli is an OBGYN with board-certification in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS). Because of the enormous benefit minimally invasive surgery has to her patients, Dr. Arabkhazaeli chose this area of specialization. She has a particular interest in abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and fibroids. If surgery is needed, she has the specialized skills to offer a minimally invasive approach – one which which minimizes complications and hastens recovery – allowing patients to return to their lives more quickly.
These blog posts have been written by Dr. Moona to help women understand more about Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids and the treatment options that are available.
The Complex Reality of Endometriosis
Nearly 10% of women are impacted by endometriosis. Understand exactly what it is. Straight talk from Dr. Moona Arabkhazaeli.
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What are fibroids? What you need to know.
Uterine fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80% of reproductive-age women. Yet, they can be misunderstood. Get the basics here.
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Endometriosis: Medical Treatment Options
Nearly 10% of women are impacted by endometriosis. Understand exactly what it is and what medical treatment options are available. Straight talk from Dr. Moona Arabkhazaeli.
Read full post
About Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis
Nearly 10% of women are impacted by endometriosis. In some cases, surgery is the best approach to provide long-term relief. Dr. Moona Arabkhazaeli describes exactly what this surgical process is about.
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Yes, there are medical treatments for fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80% of reproductive-age women. For some women, fibroids can present a range of symptoms that make life difficult. Find out what your options are. In this post, we'll talk about medical options.
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