Dr. Gem Ashby, MD

Dr. Gem Ashby, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Wesley Chapel, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she recognizes that 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.

Dr. Gem Ashby, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Wesley Chapel, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and welcomes you to begin your proactive health journey. She earned her medical degree from Seton Hall University and 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. Dr. Ashby provides consultations primarily in English. Contact her office at (813) 803-2219 to schedule an appointment.

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

• 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.
• Menstrual Disorders: Don't ignore unusual menstrual symptoms; seeking help promptly from your doctor can help prevent serious health issues and improve your overall well-being.
• Cervix Carcinoma: By staying proactive with your gynecological health and undergoing recommended screenings, you can substantially minimize your risk of developing cervical cancer.
• Ovarian Cysts: Taking a proactive approach to your reproductive health, which includes discussing any concerning symptoms with your doctor, is key in preventing cyst-related complications.
• 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.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular check-ups with your doctor, including proactive discussions about UTI symptoms and prevention strategies, play a crucial role in maintaining good bladder and urinary health.
• Vaginal and Pelvic Prolapse: Vaginal and pelvic prolapse happens when pelvic floor muscles weaken, causing organs to slip down; proactive pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes can help prevent this.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often causing severe complications if not detected and treated early, highlighting the importance of regular prenatal care.
• Preeclampsia: By understanding your risk factors and engaging in preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and managing chronic conditions, you can lower your chances of developing preeclampsia.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Managing PCOS through lifestyle changes and medical intervention helps prevent long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, making preventive care crucial.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Symptomatic menopause is when the hormonal changes of menopause cause noticeable and bothersome physical or emotional symptoms, making early detection and management crucial for improving quality of life.
• Yeast Infections: Managing yeast infections promptly reduces the risk of spreading the infection and experiencing prolonged discomfort, protecting 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. Gem Ashby offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Pap Smear: Invest in your well-being with a routine Pap smear; it's a simple procedure that screens for cellular changes in your cervix, leading to early diagnosis and intervention if needed.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus, often chosen to proactively manage severe uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
• 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.
• Amniocentesis: By taking a sample of fluid surrounding your baby, amniocentesis provides valuable insights into potential chromosomal disorders, allowing for early detection and appropriate medical guidance.
• Colporrhaphy: Colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure that repairs weakened vaginal walls, helping to prevent or alleviate pelvic organ prolapse and improve urinary and bowel control.
• Tubal Ligation: Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control procedure that proactively prevents future pregnancies.
• Rh Incompatibility Screening: Rh incompatibility screening helps determine if your blood type could pose a risk to your baby during pregnancy, allowing for early intervention to prevent serious complications.
• Oophorectomy: As a proactive measure, an oophorectomy may be recommended to remove one or both ovaries, often to lessen the chance of developing ovarian cancer or to manage other health issues.
• Infertility Evaluation: An infertility evaluation helps identify any issues preventing pregnancy, allowing you to proactively address concerns and explore potential solutions.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Understanding your family history isn't enough; genetic testing provides a more precise assessment of your personal breast cancer risk, allowing for tailored management.
• C-Section: Understanding the circumstances that may necessitate a C-section, like fetal distress or complications during labor, allows for proactive preparation and informed decision-making.
• Pregnancy Non-Stress Test: A non-stress test during pregnancy helps monitor your baby's heart rate to ensure they're doing well and identify any potential problems early on.

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. Gem Ashby 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 understanding her risk factors and maintaining good hygiene, a patient proactively managed potential vaginitis or vaginosis, gaining confidence in her overall reproductive health. Regular screenings allowed for early detection and prompt treatment, preventing any discomfort or complications.
• By discussing unusual menstrual symptoms with her doctor, a patient proactively addressed potential underlying conditions, reducing her risk of future complications and gaining confidence in her overall well-being.

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. Gem Ashby:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Gem Ashby?

Your first visit with Dr. Ashby is 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. Ashby follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized screening 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 exam, feel free to discuss topics such as your menstrual cycle, sexual health concerns, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion; no question is off-limits.

What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

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

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. Ashby can offer various effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

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. Ashby can help you navigate this transition and maintain your quality of life.

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

The goal of a breast self-exam is breast self-awareness—knowing what's normal for your body. Do a self-exam monthly to recognize 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. Ashby and mammograms.

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. Ashby will assess your individual risk to recommend the most appropriate screening schedule to ensure early detection of breast cancer.

2391 Oak Myrtle Ln
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
Phone: (813) 803-2219

Dr. Gem Ashby, 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): 1811145865

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. Gem Ashby 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.