Dr. Jill Prafke, MD

Dr. Jill Prafke, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Pensacola, FL, dedicated 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), she understands the critical role of preventive health in achieving optimal well-being. 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 (850) 476-3696 to schedule.

Dr. Jill Prafke, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Pensacola, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School Of Medicine in 1990 and completed an internship at University Ill Hospital in 1991, gaining foundational clinical experience. Dr. Prafke is affiliated with Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and HCA Florida West Hospital, and is accepting new patients. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Jill Prafke provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Jill Prafke 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. Jill Prafke 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. Jill Prafke 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.
• Hemorrhage from Placenta Previa: Understanding your risk factors for placenta previa, such as previous cesarean sections, can help your doctor create a plan to minimize the chance of dangerous bleeding during pregnancy.
• Tubo-Ovarian Abscess: Early detection of symptoms like pelvic pain and fever can be crucial in preventing a tubo-ovarian abscess from becoming a life-threatening condition, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention.
• Vaginal Yeast Infection: A vaginal yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a common fungal infection easily treated with early detection, preventing discomfort and potential complications.
• Twin Pregnancy: Regular checkups during a twin pregnancy allow healthcare providers to monitor for complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, preventing serious health issues.
• Placenta Previa: With early detection of placenta previa through prenatal care, healthcare providers can carefully plan your delivery, reducing potential risks to both you and your baby.
• Cervical Polyps: Preventive care, including regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, plays a vital role in identifying cervical polyps, enabling timely intervention to minimize potential long-term health impacts.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Protecting yourself against HPV starts with understanding the risks and taking preventive measures like vaccination and practicing safe sex, significantly reducing your chances of developing related cancers.
• Postpartum Depression: Managing postpartum depression effectively prevents potential negative impacts on your physical and emotional health, helping you enjoy the joys of motherhood.
• Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle, causing painful periods and heavy bleeding, highlighting the importance of regular checkups for early detection and management to prevent complications like anemia.
• Chlamydia Infections: Protecting your reproductive health starts with awareness; getting tested for chlamydia helps identify and manage this infection before it causes infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Vaginal and Pelvic Prolapse: Early detection of vaginal and pelvic prolapse is key to managing symptoms and preventing further organ descent and related complications like incontinence or pain.

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

• C-Section: Planning for a potential C-section empowers you to discuss potential risks and benefits with your OB/GYN, ensuring a safer birthing experience.
• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): Protecting your long-term health, this treatment involves carefully removing suspicious tissue from the cervix to stop potential progression to cervical cancer.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Ensure your well-being during menopause with an assessment that identifies symptoms and offers solutions for a smoother transition.
• Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: Vaginal prolapse surgery is a proactive step to restore pelvic organ support and improve bladder and bowel control, enhancing your overall quality of life.
• HIV Screening: Early detection saves lives: routine HIV testing empowers you to manage your health proactively and access effective treatment options if needed.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with a gonorrhea screening, a quick test that can identify and treat this common STI before it causes problems.
• 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.
• Mammography: Protecting your future starts with a mammogram, a painless imaging test designed to screen for breast cancer and improve your odds of survival.
• Vaginosis Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with vaginosis screening, which helps identify and treat bacterial imbalances before they cause serious problems.
• Salpingectomy: As a proactive measure for long-term health, a salpingectomy is the surgical removal of the fallopian tubes, which can substantially reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Vaginal Delivery and VBAC: Choosing between vaginal delivery and VBAC involves a conversation with your healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective approach for you and your baby.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Take charge of your well-being with routine STI testing – it's a proactive step towards preventing serious health issues and preserving fertility.

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. Jill Prafke 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 greater peace of mind about her reproductive health.
• Knowing her risk factors for placenta previa, a patient felt empowered to proactively discuss a personalized plan with her care team, significantly reducing the chance of problematic bleeding during her pregnancy. This proactive approach allowed her to focus on enjoying her pregnancy without unnecessary anxiety.

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. Jill Prafke:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Jill Prafke?

Your first visit with Dr. Prafke is designed as 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 by age and risk factors, but the goal is early detection of cervical changes. Dr. Prafke 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 concerns about your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, or changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of any topic, no matter how personal. Your health is important to us, and we're here to address any questions or concerns you may have.

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

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

What are my options for birth control?

Many safe and effective birth control options are available, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, and non-hormonal options. The best choice is a personal one, and Dr. Prafke will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the perfect fit for you.

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

The goal of a breast self-exam is to become familiar with how your breasts normally feel. Perform a self-exam monthly, paying attention to any new lumps or skin changes. This is a helpful tool for breast awareness, but it should not replace regular clinical exams by Dr. Prafke and mammograms.

When should I be concerned about an ovarian cyst?

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

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. Prafke can help monitor them and discuss treatment options if they become problematic.

2114 Airport Blvd Ste 1000
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (850) 476-3696

Dr. Jill Prafke, 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): 1437148814

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. Jill Prafke 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.