Dr. Jessica Heft, MD

Dr. Jessica Heft, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at UF Health Women's Center - Medical Plaza in Gainesville, FL. She is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. Please call (352) 265-8200 to schedule.

Dr. Heft's expertise extends beyond routine care. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (urogynecology) to her practice. She is Board Certified in Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, having earned her medical degree from University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine. Her commitment to patient-centered care, evidenced by her research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and her publications in peer-reviewed journals, underscores her dedication to providing high-level, compassionate care. Dr. Heft provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rectovaginal Fistula: Regular pelvic exams are key to preventing long-term problems from a rectovaginal fistula—an unusual connection between the rectum and vagina—as early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment.
• Ovarian Cancer: Managing ovarian cancer effectively through prompt diagnosis and treatment helps to prevent the spread of the disease and minimizes potential complications.
• Vaginal Yeast Infection: Managing vaginal yeast infections promptly helps avoid prolonged symptoms and potential secondary infections, emphasizing the importance of preventive health strategies.
• 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.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are key to preventing and managing genitourinary infections throughout your pregnancy.
• Sexual Disorders: Open communication with your OB/GYN about sexual health concerns allows for early detection and treatment of potential problems, improving your quality of life.
• Sexual Arousal Disorder: Sexual arousal disorder makes it difficult to experience sexual excitement, and addressing it early can improve your overall sexual health and well-being.
• Menstrual Disorders: Managing menstrual disorders proactively, such as heavy bleeding or absent periods, is crucial for preventing anemia, infertility, or other long-term health problems.
• Uterine Cancer: Preventative care, including discussions with your OB/GYN about your individual risk factors, helps ensure timely detection and effective management of uterine cancer, preserving your health and well-being.
• 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.
• High Risk Pregnancy: Preventive care during a high-risk pregnancy involves close monitoring and tailored strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the healthiest possible outcome for both mother and baby.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, can harm your heart and kidneys, so regular checkups help us catch it early and prevent serious 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. Jessica Heft offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Mammography: Early detection is key to beating breast cancer, and a mammogram is your powerful tool for finding it early, before it becomes a serious threat.
• 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.
• Infertility Evaluation: Proactively assess your fertility with an evaluation to uncover underlying problems that might be hindering your ability to conceive.
• 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.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a chlamydia screening. This quick test can identify this common STI, ensuring you receive treatment to prevent future complications.
• Colpopexy: As a proactive step in managing pelvic organ prolapse, colpopexy strengthens the supporting tissues to alleviate discomfort and improve bladder or bowel function.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: An IUD placement is a proactive step to prevent pregnancy for several years, offering a long-term, highly effective birth control solution.
• 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.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Protecting your sexual health is key; STI screenings identify infections so you can get the care you need and avoid complications.
• First Trimester Screening: Take a proactive step towards a healthy pregnancy by scheduling first trimester screening; it helps detect potential chromosomal abnormalities in your developing baby early on.
• Endometrial Ablation: Taking a proactive step towards better uterine health, endometrial ablation helps alleviate bothersome symptoms associated with heavy periods, such as fatigue and anemia.
• Pregnancy Test: Early detection of pregnancy, through a simple pregnancy test, empowers you to seek appropriate prenatal care promptly.

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. Jessica Heft 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 prioritizing regular pelvic exams, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential issues, significantly reducing the risk of developing a rectovaginal fistula and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively scheduling regular checkups and genetic counseling, a patient significantly reduced her risk of ovarian cancer, gaining peace of mind and empowered control over her 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. Jessica Heft:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Jessica Heft?

Your first visit with Dr. Heft 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 potential cervical changes. Dr. Heft follows the latest evidence-based 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 concerns, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, or changes in breast or pelvic health. No question is off-limits; we are here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Open communication is key to maintaining optimal health.

I'm concerned about STIs. What screenings are available?

We understand your concern about STIs. Confidential screenings are available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Dr. Heft can recommend the appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

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. It may mean you need to start screenings earlier or consider genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Heft can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Heft offers a variety of 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. Heft will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to help you find the perfect fit.

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. Heft can help optimize your lifestyle, discuss starting folic acid, review any medications, and consider genetic carrier screening. She is happy to partner with you in optimizing your health for a future pregnancy.

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

UF Health Women's Center - Medical Plaza
1549 Gale Lemerand Dr # 4
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-8200

Dr. Jessica Heft, 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): 1649536731

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. Jessica Heft 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.