Dr. Ashley Knarzer, MD

Dr. Ashley Knarzer, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Niceville, FL. She is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Knarzer is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Her practice focuses on the entire spectrum of women's health, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, emphasizing the critical role of preventative medicine in achieving optimal well-being. 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 welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 897-0110 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Knarzer's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English. Terry B. Whitehead, APRN, is a nurse practitioner specializing in neurology with Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida. He delivers personalized care for brain, spine and nerve conditions. Terry listens to understand you and your health concerns, taking the time to get to know you and your family's health history and create a personalized care plan that's right for you. As a NP, Terry can diagnose illness and injury, prescribe medication and provide non-surgical care. Ask about virtual visits as part of your ongoing care.

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

• Vulvodynia: Don't suffer in silence: Vulvodynia is a condition causing chronic vulvar pain, and proactive care can help manage symptoms and prevent it from affecting your daily activities and relationships.
• Maternal Anemia: Maternal anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells during pregnancy, can be prevented through regular checkups and a healthy diet, ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Preventing complications associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) starts with consistent prenatal care, enabling early diagnosis and allowing healthcare providers to create a tailored management plan.
• 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.
• Breech Position: Prenatal monitoring for breech position minimizes potential birth complications by enabling a proactive approach to delivery, promoting the well-being of both mother and baby.
• Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, and understanding its symptoms early allows for proactive management of hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, improving your overall well-being.
• Miscarriages: Early detection of potential complications during pregnancy, through regular monitoring and testing, is crucial for minimizing the chances of miscarriage.
• Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is preventable through open communication with healthcare providers, support systems, and proactive measures to manage emotional changes after giving birth.
• Acute Vaginitis: Acute vaginitis, or a sudden vaginal infection, can be prevented with good hygiene practices and early detection through regular checkups, avoiding serious complications.
• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and early detection through prenatal screenings helps prevent complications for both you and your baby.
• Cervical Cancer: Regular Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for early detection of cervical cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing progression to more serious stages.
• Vaginal Yeast Infection: Early diagnosis of a vaginal yeast infection is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent more serious complications that can affect your overall well-being.

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

• Salpingo Oopherectomy: If you are at high risk for ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, a salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that can be considered as a proactive step to significantly reduce your cancer risk.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Protecting your future: Ovarian cancer screening helps detect this often-silent disease early, when treatment is most effective.
• Vaginal Delivery and VBAC: Understanding your options for vaginal delivery, including VBAC if applicable, allows you to actively participate in creating a birth plan that aligns with your preferences and medical history.
• Salpingectomy: As a proactive measure for long-term health, a salpingectomy is the surgical removal of the fallopian tubes, which can substantially reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Take a proactive step towards a healthy pregnancy by undergoing fetal cardiac screening; it helps detect heart defects that may require early intervention.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: Take control of your reproductive health with an IUD placement—a safe and effective method for long-term birth control that significantly reduces unplanned pregnancies.
• First Trimester Screening: Ensure your baby's well-being with first trimester screening—a combination of tests that check for potential genetic issues and chromosomal abnormalities during the critical early stages of pregnancy.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Taking charge of your health involves a bacteriuria screening, which proactively identifies the presence of bacteria in your urine, allowing for prompt treatment of UTIs.
• Fetal Ultrasound: Empower yourself with knowledge about your baby's health with a fetal ultrasound; it's a key part of prenatal care, helping identify any concerns and allowing for proactive management.
• Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Invest in your well-being with regular gynecologic cancer screenings – a simple step that significantly improves your chances of early cancer detection and successful treatment.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Pregnancy ultrasounds provide crucial visual information about your pregnancy, enabling early detection of potential complications and guiding necessary interventions.
• Vulvectomy: A vulvectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the vulva, sometimes necessary to treat vulvar cancer or severe precancerous conditions, helping prevent further progression of the disease.

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. Ashley Knarzer 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 addressing potential vulvar pain concerns, a patient was empowered to manage symptoms, preventing the condition from significantly impacting their quality of life. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and well-being.
• By attending regular prenatal appointments and following a nutritious diet, a patient ensured a healthy pregnancy, effectively mitigating the risk of maternal anemia and promoting a peaceful and confident journey.

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. Ashley Knarzer:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ashley Knarzer?

Your first visit with Dr. Knarzer is designed as 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. The goal is early detection of potential cervical changes, and Dr. Knarzer follows the most up-to-date recommendations. She will create a personalized screening schedule for you.

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

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, or changes in breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of any topic, no matter how personal. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

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

Preparing for pregnancy is an excellent proactive step. A preconception counseling visit with Dr. Knarzer can help optimize your health by discussing lifestyle factors, starting folic acid, reviewing current medications, and considering genetic carrier screening. She can be a valuable partner in ensuring you're in the best possible health for a future pregnancy.

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

What are my options for birth control?

We offer 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. Knarzer will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the perfect fit for you.

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, such as new lumps or skin changes. It's important to remember this is a supplement to clinical exams and mammograms performed by Dr. Knarzer.

What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

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

4586 E Highway 20
Niceville FL 32578
Phone: (850) 897-0110

Dr. Ashley Knarzer, 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): 1386174506

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. Ashley Knarzer 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.