Dr. Ana Hicks, MD

Dr. Ana Hicks, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health. Your OB/GYN is your primary partner in preventive health, collaborating with you to create a long-term wellness plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage your overall health, ensuring you thrive for years to come. She serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 346-0050 to schedule. Dr. Hicks is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2000 and completed her residency at the University of Florida, Shands Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of women throughout their lives. Dr. Hicks offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ana Hicks is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Ana Hicks can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Ana Hicks provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Genital Warts: Preventing genital warts involves practicing safe sex and getting the HPV vaccine, protecting your reproductive health and preventing long-term complications.
• Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle, causing painful periods and heavy bleeding, highlighting the importance of regular checkups for early detection and management to prevent complications like anemia.
• Fallopian Tube Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for fallopian tube disorders, such as previous infections or pelvic inflammatory disease, is a key step in preventing future problems.
• Gestational Diabetes Postpartum: Gestational diabetes that continues after childbirth requires careful management to prevent long-term health problems like type 2 diabetes.
• Eclampsia: Regular prenatal visits and diligent blood pressure monitoring can help detect and manage preeclampsia, thereby preventing it from progressing to the dangerous condition of eclampsia.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction can sometimes signal a deeper health concern, making preventive care visits key for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Breech Position: Early identification of a breech presentation during pregnancy allows for interventions like external cephalic version (ECV) or planning for a Cesarean section, potentially preventing complications during delivery.
• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Taking steps to control your blood sugar before and during pregnancy is key to preventing complications from pre-existing diabetes, safeguarding your health and that of your developing baby.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: Early detection of an ectopic pregnancy through regular checkups is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and damage to reproductive organs.
• Pregnancy-Related Disorders: Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of pregnancy-related disorders, reducing complications and improving outcomes.
• Mastodynia: Don't ignore breast pain; mastodynia can sometimes indicate an underlying condition. Preventive care includes regular breast self-exams and professional assessments to catch problems early and manage pain effectively.
• Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Preventing complications from vaginitis or vaginosis starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good hygiene; early diagnosis through regular screenings helps manage symptoms effectively.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Ana Hicks offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Obstetric Ultrasound: By getting regular obstetric ultrasounds, you can actively participate in your baby's healthcare journey, helping to identify potential issues early and improve the chances of a healthy outcome.
• Hysteroscopy: Taking charge of your reproductive health, a hysteroscopy allows your doctor to visually inspect your uterus for abnormalities like polyps or fibroids, potentially preventing future complications.
• Laparoscopic Oophorectomy: A laparoscopic oophorectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries, sometimes proactively chosen to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in high-risk individuals.
• Tubal Ligation: For women who are certain they do not want future pregnancies, tubal ligation offers a permanent and proactive solution.
• Myomectomy: If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain due to fibroids, a myomectomy is a surgical option to remove them, improving your comfort and well-being.
• Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, sometimes including the cervix and ovaries, which may be necessary to alleviate severe symptoms or address underlying health concerns.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Taking a proactive step towards better health, a laparoscopic hysterectomy involves a small incision to remove the uterus, helping alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding or chronic pain.
• Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: Proactively address pelvic floor weakness and prevent further complications by considering vaginal prolapse surgery as a restorative procedure.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Protect your baby's health with a pregnancy ultrasound; this imaging test allows for early diagnosis of birth defects and other potential problems.
• Birth Control: Proactively manage your menstrual cycle, reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies, and improve overall reproductive health by choosing a suitable birth control method.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: Empower yourself with an IUD; this simple procedure offers a highly effective and long-lasting method of birth control, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.
• Colpopexy: If you're experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, such as pelvic pressure or urinary problems, colpopexy can be a proactive surgical solution to address these issues.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Obstetrics and Gynecology in Florida.

Dr. Ana Hicks is dedicated to partnering with women and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Woman's life:

• By prioritizing safe sex practices and completing the HPV vaccination series, a patient proactively reduced their risk of genital warts, gaining peace of mind about their reproductive health.
• By attending regular checkups and discussing concerns with their healthcare provider, a patient proactively managed potential adenomyosis symptoms, reducing the risk of complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Obstetrics and Gynecology care with Dr. Ana Hicks:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ana Hicks?

Your first visit with Dr. Hicks will be a collaborative partnership-building session. We'll review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a personalized plan for future screenings. This is a safe and confidential space to ask any questions you may have.

How often do I need a Pap smear and HPV test?

Guidelines for Pap smears and HPV tests vary based on age and risk factors. Dr. Ana Hicks follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized schedule for you to ensure early detection of any potential cervical changes.

What kind of topics should I bring up during my annual wellness exam?

During your annual wellness visit, please feel free to discuss any concerns, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, or changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of any topic you'd like to address. No question is off-limits.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Hicks offers many safe and effective birth control options, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, and non-hormonal options. The best choice is a personal one, and Dr. Hicks will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the perfect fit for you.

Does Dr. Ana Hicks manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Hicks' practice manages high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to provide the best possible coordinated care for these pregnancies.

How do I perform a breast self-exam, and how often should I do it?

Breast self-exams are a way to become familiar with your breasts and what feels normal. Doing them monthly can help you notice any changes, like new lumps or skin changes. It's important to remember that this is a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical exams by Dr. Ana Hicks and mammograms.

At what age should I start getting mammograms, and how often?

Recommendations for mammograms generally start at age 40, but can vary based on family history and personal risk factors. Dr. Ana Hicks will assess your individual risk to recommend the most appropriate screening schedule to ensure early detection of breast cancer.

I'm experiencing leakage of urine when I cough or exercise. Is this normal?

Many women experience urine leakage when coughing or exercising, especially after childbirth. This is a very common issue called stress incontinence, and it's treatable. Dr. Hicks can offer many effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

4181 Southpoint Dr E Ste 300
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 346-0050

Dr. Ana Hicks, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1366463614

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Obstetrics and Gynecology like Dr. Ana Hicks are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your obstetrics and gynecology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.