Dr. Gordon Couch, MD

Dr. Gordon Couch, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Gordon T Couch MD in Pensacola, FL. 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 (850) 477-2330 to confirm if Dr. Couch is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Gordon Couch, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Pensacola, FL with over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1963, earning his medical degree. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Couch is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and his approach to care prioritizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively manage their long-term health. Dr. Gordon Couch provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gordon Couch 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. Gordon Couch 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. Gordon Couch 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: Vaginitis and vaginosis are infections of the vagina that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups with your OB/GYN for early detection and treatment.
• Hypertension: Even if you feel fine, hypertension often has no symptoms. Regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and proactive management.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Don't let the symptoms of menopause control your life. Seeking medical advice and developing a management plan is key to preventing disruption to your daily activities and overall health.
• 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.
• Yeast Infections: Regular check-ups with your OB/GYN can help identify and treat yeast infections early, reducing their frequency and impact on your daily life.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Don't wait for symptoms to worsen; proactive management of menopausal changes through regular health visits and open communication with your doctor ensures you receive the best possible care.
• Menstrual Disorders: Preventive care includes monitoring your menstrual cycle for changes that could indicate problems like endometriosis or PCOS, allowing for early intervention and better management.
• Cervical Polyps: Managing cervical polyps, often through simple removal, is a key aspect of preventive women's health, ensuring reproductive health and preventing future complications like abnormal bleeding or infertility.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): While some HPV infections are harmless, regular checkups allow your doctor to monitor for high-risk types, allowing for intervention and preventing potentially life-threatening diseases.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Don't ignore vaginal dryness and discomfort – these could be signs of atrophic vaginitis, a manageable condition when diagnosed early, so schedule a check-up with your doctor.
• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, so regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for prevention.
• Ovarian Cysts: Preventive care, including routine pelvic exams and ultrasounds, allows for the early detection and management of ovarian cysts, reducing the risk of long-term health problems.

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

• Pap Smear: Protect your future with a Pap smear: this proactive screening helps detect cervical cancer early, when it's most treatable.
• Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC): A VBAC is a path to explore if you desire a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean, leading to a potentially quicker recovery and reduced risk of some post-surgical complications.
• 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.
• Mirena® Intrauterine Device: Protect against unplanned pregnancies and experience potentially lighter periods by incorporating the Mirena IUD into your proactive women's health plan.
• Ovarian Transposition (Oophoropexy): As a preventative measure, ovarian transposition involves carefully relocating your ovaries to lessen the chance of damage from radiation treatments for certain cancers.
• Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation: This minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic tubal ligation, is a proactive step for women who want to ensure they will not become pregnant in the future.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a safe and painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your internal organs, helping your doctor assess your reproductive health and detect potential problems early.

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. Gordon Couch 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 scheduling regular check-ups with their OB/GYN, a patient proactively managed potential vaginitis or vaginosis, ensuring a comfortable and healthy experience. This proactive approach allowed her to focus on other important aspects of her life, free from worry.
• By consistently scheduling blood pressure checks, a patient proactively managed their hypertension and avoided potential future health issues, gaining peace of mind in their 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. 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. Gordon Couch:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Gordon Couch?

Your first visit with Dr. Couch will be 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 by age and risk factors, but the goal is early detection of potential cervical changes. Dr. Gordon Couch 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, feel free to discuss any topics related to your menstrual cycle, sexual health, birth control, 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; please bring up anything that's on your mind.

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

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

Does Dr. Gordon Couch manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Couch's practice manages high-risk pregnancies, encompassing conditions like advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, and pre-existing health issues. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible outcomes for these pregnancies.

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. Gordon Couch so you don't have to suffer in silence.

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

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, such as new lumps or skin changes. It's important to remember that this is a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical exams by Dr. Couch and mammograms.

Gordon T Couch MD
4900 Bayou Blvd Ste 104
Pensacola FL 32503
Phone: (850) 477-2330

Dr. Gordon Couch, 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): 1457534166

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. Gordon Couch 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.