Dr. April Rutherford, MD

Dr. April Rutherford, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Central Florida in Kissimmee, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Rutherford is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. 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 (407) 544-3493 to schedule. Dr. Rutherford was born and raised in Central Florida and completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Winnie Palmer Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. She provides Obstetrical and Gynecological care, including surgery and management of her patients in the Central Florida community. Dr. April Rutherford provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Cervicitis: Don't underestimate the importance of preventative care; early diagnosis and treatment of acute cervicitis, a cervical infection, can significantly reduce your risk of future reproductive health problems.
• Cervicitis: Regular OB/GYN checkups are crucial for early detection of cervicitis, a cervical inflammation that, if left untreated, can lead to serious reproductive health issues.
• 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.
• Breech Position: Regular prenatal care helps detect if your baby is in a breech position, giving you and your doctor time to explore different delivery options to reduce potential risks during labor.
• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Having diabetes before getting pregnant increases risks for both you and your baby, so getting checked and managing your blood sugar is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
• Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids can affect fertility and pregnancy, so understanding your risk and seeking preventative care can help you plan for a healthy future.
• Gestational Diabetes: Regular checkups and blood sugar monitoring during pregnancy can identify gestational diabetes early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing long-term health problems.
• Miscarriages: Understanding miscarriage risk factors and seeking early prenatal care can help prevent future occurrences and ensure a healthier pregnancy.
• Coagulation Defects in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Preventing complications during pregnancy and postpartum is vital, and managing any blood clotting problems is a key part of this.
• High Risk Pregnancy: Careful management of a high-risk pregnancy through regular check-ups and proactive interventions significantly reduces the likelihood of premature birth, low birth weight, and other adverse outcomes.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, can harm your heart and kidneys, so regular checkups help us catch it early and prevent serious problems.
• Vaginal Prolapse: Vaginal prolapse can worsen over time if left untreated; therefore, understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms is key to managing its progression.

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

• C-Section: Planning for a potential C-section empowers you to discuss potential risks and benefits with your OB/GYN, ensuring a safer birthing experience.
• Destruction or Excision of Vaginal Lesions: Taking a proactive approach to vaginal health, this procedure helps detect and treat abnormal growths before they become a larger concern.
• Hysterectomy: In cases of severe uterine prolapse or other pelvic organ prolapse conditions, a hysterectomy can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to restore pelvic support and alleviate symptoms.
• 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 Hysterectomy: As a proactive measure to address persistent uterine problems, a laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the uterus, promoting long-term well-being.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: Protecting your baby's well-being starts with an obstetric ultrasound; this simple scan helps detect birth defects, multiple pregnancies, or placental issues early on.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards a healthy pregnancy by scheduling a pregnancy ultrasound; it helps detect abnormalities and ensures your baby's well-being.
• Salpingectomy: A salpingectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your fallopian tubes, a proactive step to significantly reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy and certain types of ovarian cancer.
• 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.

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. April Rutherford 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 proactively scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing acute cervicitis, promoting a healthy future.
• By attending regular checkups, a patient proactively identified and treated cervicitis early, ensuring a healthy future for their reproductive health. This early intervention prevented potential complications and provided peace of mind.

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. April Rutherford:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. April Rutherford?

Your first visit with Dr. Rutherford is designed to be a collaborative partnership-building session. We will 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. Rutherford follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized screening schedule for you. Early detection of cervical changes is key, and she is committed to ensuring your well-being.

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

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss topics such as your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of any concerns you may have. No question is off-limits.

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

Breast self-awareness is key—getting to know what's normal for your breasts. A monthly self-exam can help you notice any changes, like new lumps or skin changes. This is a helpful tool, but it's important to remember that it's a supplement to clinical exams by Dr. Rutherford and mammograms.

When should I be concerned about an ovarian cyst?

Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve on their own. However, if you experience severe, persistent pain, bloating, or pressure, please contact us. Dr. Rutherford uses ultrasound to evaluate cysts and determine the best course of action.

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. Rutherford can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. What does that mean for me?

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is an important factor to consider. It might mean starting screenings earlier or exploring genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Rutherford can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

I'm concerned about STIs. What screenings are available?

We understand your concern about STIs. Confidential screenings are available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Dr. Rutherford can recommend the appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Central Florida
2400 N Orange Blossom Trl Ste 300
Kissimmee FL 34744
Phone: (407) 544-3493

Dr. April Rutherford, 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): 1821617044

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. April Rutherford 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.