Dr. Anita Chen, MD

Dr. Anita Chen, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Please call (904) 953-2000 to schedule.

Dr. Anita Chen, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Gynecologic Conditions, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from East Tennessee State University in 1991 and is Board Certified in Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Chen is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida and dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Chen provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Anita Chen 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. Anita Chen 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. Anita Chen 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:

• Uterine Cancer: Regular checkups, including Pap tests and pelvic exams, are crucial for early detection of uterine cancer, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Atrophic vaginitis, a thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls, is often a consequence of declining estrogen levels, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent discomfort and potential complications.
• Cervicitis: Preventing complications associated with cervicitis, an infection of the cervix, starts with regular screenings and practicing safe sex to reduce your risk of infection.
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Preventative care includes being aware of changes in your menstrual cycle. Abnormal uterine bleeding may indicate a need for diagnosis and treatment to avoid future difficulties.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Early detection and treatment of STDs are crucial for preventing complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.
• Vaginal and Pelvic Prolapse: Understanding your risk factors for vaginal and pelvic prolapse, such as childbirth or chronic coughing, empowers you to take preventative steps and seek timely medical attention.
• Sexual Disorders: Proactive management of sexual disorders ensures a healthy sex life and prevents potential psychological and physical consequences.
• Acute Cervicitis: Preventing long-term reproductive health issues starts with early detection of acute cervicitis, an infection of the cervix, highlighting the importance of routine gynecological exams.
• Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease can affect women differently, so regular checkups and proactive health management are essential to help prevent its progression.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Regular monitoring for PCOS can help prevent the development of serious health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Tubal Pregnancy: Early detection of a tubal pregnancy is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of rupture and internal bleeding, significantly improving your long-term health.
• Fallopian Tube Disorders: Regular OB/GYN visits can help detect fallopian tube problems early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of serious complications like infertility or life-threatening ectopic pregnancies.

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. Anita Chen offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Obstetric Ultrasound: Take a proactive step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy with an obstetric ultrasound; it allows early detection of potential problems, enabling timely interventions.
• Excision of Cervix: To prevent the progression of abnormal cervical cells to cancer, excision of the cervix is a surgical procedure to remove these cells and maintain your overall health.
• Hysterectomy: For women experiencing debilitating symptoms from uterine conditions, a hysterectomy offers potential relief and improved overall well-being, often improving quality of life.
• Incontinence Sling Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards better bladder health, an incontinence sling procedure can effectively treat stress urinary incontinence, preventing leaks and accidents.
• Salpingectomy: For women seeking to minimize their cancer risk, a salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the fallopian tubes, a significant preventative step in reducing the likelihood of ovarian cancer.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Breast cancer screenings are a vital tool for early detection, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening is a proactive step to check for an imbalance of vaginal bacteria that can lead to discomfort and infection, helping you maintain your vaginal health.
• Colposcopy: Taking a proactive step towards cervical health, a colposcopy allows your doctor to closely examine your cervix for precancerous changes, allowing for early intervention.
• Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Protecting your future health is easy with proactive gynecologic cancer screenings, which can detect early signs of several types of gynecological cancers.
• Salpingo Oopherectomy: A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, sometimes proactively chosen to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Infertility Evaluation: Early detection is key: an infertility evaluation can reveal hidden causes of infertility, allowing for timely intervention and improving your chances of getting pregnant.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Take a proactive step towards better sexual health with a trichomoniasis screening; early detection of this infection can prevent future fertility problems and other complications.

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. Anita Chen 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 diligently adhering to a proactive screening schedule, including regular Pap tests and pelvic exams, a patient achieved peace of mind, knowing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for uterine cancer.
• By scheduling regular checkups, a woman proactively addressed potential discomfort and reduced the risk of complications related to atrophic vaginitis, gaining confidence in her reproductive health.

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. Anita Chen:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Anita Chen?

Your first visit with Dr. Chen is designed as a collaborative partnership-building session. We'll review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a 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, but the goal is early detection of cervical changes. Dr. Chen follows the latest evidence-based screening recommendations and will create a personalized schedule for you.

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

During your annual wellness exam, it's important to discuss any concerns about your menstrual cycle, sexual health, birth control, future family plans, or changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion; no question is off-limits. Your health is important, and we are here to support you.

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

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

What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, characterized by irregular periods and initial symptoms. Menopause is the point when periods stop for 12 consecutive months. Dr. Chen provides guidance through both stages.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, and may impact fertility. Dr. Chen can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

I'm thinking about getting pregnant. What should I do to prepare?

Thinking about getting pregnant is an excellent proactive step! A preconception counseling visit with Dr. Chen can help you discuss lifestyle factors, start folic acid, review any medications, and consider genetic carrier screening. Dr. Chen is happy to partner with you in optimizing your health for a future pregnancy.

Are painful periods normal?

While mild cramping can be normal, severe pain during your period is not. It could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Anita Chen so you don't have to suffer in silence.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Anita Chen, 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): 1982693404

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. Anita Chen 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.