Dr. Jennifer Harper, MD

Dr. Jennifer Harper, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician practicing at Lauderdale Lakes Health Center in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. She is a dedicated and registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. 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 (954) 759-7557 to schedule.

Dr. Jennifer Harper, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Lauderdale Lakes, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1981 and completed an internship at Monmouth Medical Center in 1982, followed by residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Monmouth Medical Center and New Hanover Medical Center, graduating in 1988. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Harper is affiliated with HCA Florida Northwest Hospital and Broward Health Coral Springs and is accepting new patients. She offers consultations in Spanish and is committed to providing compassionate care for women, allowing the patient to feel comfortable and safe with her plan of care. Her ability to listen to patient concerns and her commitment to professional excellence, coupled with a desire to give back to the community, are integral parts of her philosophy.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Jennifer Harper 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. Jennifer Harper 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. Jennifer Harper 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 Vaginitis: Catching acute vaginitis early through self-awareness and regular OB/GYN visits is crucial for preventing discomfort and potential spread of infection.
• Adenomyosis: Managing adenomyosis through early diagnosis and treatment options, such as hormone therapy or surgery, can help prevent long-term issues like infertility and chronic pelvic pain, underscoring the value of proactive women's health.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) starts with good hygiene practices and staying hydrated to flush out bacteria, reducing your risk of painful infections and potential kidney complications.
• 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.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are key to preventing and managing genitourinary infections throughout your pregnancy.
• 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.
• Asymptomatic Post-Menopausal Status: Even without symptoms, post-menopausal women should schedule regular visits for preventive screenings to catch problems early and maintain their well-being.
• Ovarian Cancer: Understanding your family history and risk factors for ovarian cancer allows for proactive steps like increased screening frequency or preventative surgeries to minimize your risk.
• Female Infertility due to Ovulatory Disorder: Managing ovulation disorders proactively can prevent years of emotional distress and costly treatments associated with infertility.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Managing hyperemesis gravidarum through proper treatment helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications for the mother.
• Gestational Diabetes: Managing gestational diabetes effectively through diet, exercise, and monitoring prevents potential risks like premature birth and birth defects.
• Tubal Pregnancy: Early detection of a tubal pregnancy is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of rupture and internal bleeding, significantly improving your long-term 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. Jennifer Harper offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colporrhaphy: As a preventative measure for pelvic organ prolapse, colporrhaphy surgery tightens the vaginal tissues, supporting the uterus, bladder, and rectum.
• Cholesterol Screening: Take control of your heart health: a cholesterol screening allows for early detection of high cholesterol, enabling timely interventions.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Taking a proactive step towards better health, a laparoscopic hysterectomy involves a small incision to remove the uterus, helping alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding or chronic pain.
• Myomectomy: To manage bothersome uterine fibroids and maintain your reproductive health, a myomectomy is a procedure that surgically removes these growths.
• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): A preventative measure, this procedure targets and removes areas of abnormal cells on your cervix to avoid future health complications.
• Fetal Monitoring: Fetal monitoring uses technology to track your baby's heartbeat and movements, helping ensure a healthy pregnancy and early detection of potential problems.
• Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: For women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, vaginal prolapse surgery is a surgical option to correct the condition and improve physical well-being.
• Colposcopy: To help prevent cervical cancer, a colposcopy involves a visual examination of your cervix to detect and treat abnormal cells that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• 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.
• MonaLisa Touch Laser Treatment: Proactively address vaginal dryness and discomfort by exploring MonaLisa Touch laser treatment, a gentle and effective way to rejuvenate vaginal tissue.
• Gynecological Examination: Invest in your health with a gynecological exam; it's a vital tool for screening and prevention, ensuring you receive the right care at the right time.
• Laparoscopic Oophorectomy: As a proactive step in women's health, this minimally invasive surgery removes ovaries, which can help prevent ovarian cancer or address existing conditions such as cysts or endometriosis.

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. Jennifer Harper 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 recognizing early symptoms and scheduling routine checkups, a patient proactively managed potential discomfort and avoided the spread of infection, gaining confidence in her reproductive health.
• By proactively discussing potential adenomyosis risk factors with her healthcare provider, a woman gained valuable insight into early detection and treatment options, significantly reducing her long-term health concerns. This proactive approach empowered her to make informed decisions about her reproductive health.

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. Jennifer Harper:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Jennifer Harper?

Your first visit with Dr. Harper is a collaborative partnership-building session. We'll 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, but the goal is early detection of cervical changes that could lead to cancer. Dr. Harper 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, be open and proactive about discussing your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. No question is off-limits; we encourage you to bring up anything that's on your mind.

When should I be concerned about an ovarian cyst?

Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve spontaneously. However, severe, persistent pain, bloating, or pressure warrant concern. Dr. Harper uses ultrasound to evaluate cysts and create a proactive monitoring or management plan.

What is endometriosis and how is it diagnosed?

Endometriosis is a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain and potentially impacting fertility. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical exam, and may be confirmed with minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Harper is skilled in diagnosing and managing this complex condition.

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. Harper can help discuss lifestyle choices, starting folic acid, reviewing current medications, and considering genetic carrier screening. She can partner with you to optimize your health for a successful pregnancy.

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 important, as it may increase your risk. Dr. Harper can assess your personal risk and create a proactive screening plan, which may include earlier screenings or genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes.

At what age should I start getting mammograms, and how often?

Mammogram recommendations generally start at age 40, but can vary based on family history and personal risk factors. Dr. Harper will assess your individual risk to recommend the most appropriate screening schedule, ensuring early detection of breast cancer.

Lauderdale Lakes Health Center
3716 W Oakland Park Blvd
Lauderdale Lakes FL 33311
Phone: (954) 759-7557

Dr. Jennifer Harper, 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): 1235188749

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. Jennifer Harper 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.