Dr. Clifford Thacker, MD

Dr. Clifford Thacker, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. He 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. He serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Please call (239) 343-9190 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Clifford Thacker, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Fort Myers, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University, Health Sciences Center in 1989 and is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Thacker is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Abnormal Female Sexual Function: Preventive care includes addressing sexual health concerns; early intervention for abnormal sexual function can minimize long-term complications and improve sexual wellness.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: By addressing potential health issues early through regular checkups and testing, you can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss and optimize your chances of carrying a pregnancy to term.
• Ovarian Mass: An ovarian mass is a growth on the ovary that may be benign or cancerous, highlighting the importance of regular pelvic exams for early detection and timely treatment.
• Hematosalpinx: Hematosalpinx, or blood in the fallopian tubes, is a serious condition that can impact fertility; proactive healthcare visits can help diagnose and manage this before it causes irreversible damage.
• Hyperandrogenization Syndrome: Early detection of hyperandrogenization syndrome is crucial, as it can lead to serious complications like irregular periods and acne if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular checkups.
• Lichen Sclerosis Et Atrophicus: Early diagnosis of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is crucial for effective management, helping prevent discomfort, skin changes, and potential cancer risks in the vulva.
• Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, can be effectively managed through preventive strategies like over-the-counter pain relievers and regular exercise, reducing long-term discomfort and improving your health.

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

• Syphilis Screening: Early detection is key to managing syphilis, a serious infection. A syphilis screening provides peace of mind and facilitates prompt treatment if needed.
• Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives: Gynecologic cancer screenings are vital preventative measures to identify and treat cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries early on.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Proactively address the physical and emotional changes of menopause through a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Protecting your baby's heart starts with fetal cardiac screening, a non-invasive test that screens for potential heart conditions.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge: Ovarian cancer screening is a vital tool for early diagnosis, increasing your chances of successful treatment.
• Vaginosis Screening: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive vaginosis screening helps identify and address bacterial imbalances in your vagina, keeping you feeling your best.
• Infertility Evaluation: Don't wait to start your family; an infertility evaluation helps pinpoint problems and guide you towards effective treatments for a smoother journey to pregnancy.
• Nuchal Translucency Screening: To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, nuchal translucency screening uses ultrasound to assess your baby's risk for conditions like Down syndrome.
• STD Screening: Regular STD screenings are a proactive step in protecting your sexual health by identifying and treating infections early, preventing long-term health problems.
• 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.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a chlamydia screening—an important step in preventing complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
• Mammography: Take charge of your breast health with a mammogram—a simple screening test that can find breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

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. Clifford Thacker 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 addressing concerns early and proactively managing her sexual health, a patient found relief from discomfort and improved her overall well-being, empowering her to enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
• By addressing potential underlying factors through regular checkups and testing, a patient significantly reduced the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss, achieving the peace of mind to confidently pursue future pregnancies.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Clifford Thacker:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Clifford Thacker?

Your first visit with Dr. Thacker will 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. The goal is early detection of potential cervical changes, and Dr. Clifford Thacker follows the latest evidence-based recommendations. He 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 or topics related to your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, or changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion about your overall well-being. No question is off-limits; we are here to support you.

What are uterine fibroids and should I be concerned?

Uterine fibroids are very common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They are often asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause heavy bleeding or pain. Dr. Clifford Thacker can help monitor them and discuss treatment options if they become problematic.

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

Breast self-awareness, not finding specific abnormalities, is the goal. Monthly self-exams can help you recognize any changes, like new lumps or skin changes. This is important, but it's a supplement to clinical exams and mammograms performed by Dr. Thacker.

Are painful periods normal?

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

Does Dr. Clifford Thacker manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Thacker's practice manages high-risk pregnancies, including those with advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

What are the common symptoms of menopause I should be aware of?

Common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. These are normal but treatable, and Dr. Thacker can help you navigate this transition and maintain your quality of life.

12550 New Brittany Blvd Ste 201
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 343-9190

Dr. Clifford Thacker, 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): 1396731857

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. Clifford Thacker 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.