Dr. Joseph Costa, DO

Dr. Joseph Costa, DO is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician practicing at UF Health Urology - Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and 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. He serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 383-1015 to schedule. Dr. Costa graduated medical school from the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 1991, completing rigorous training at recognized institutions. He then served as a Naval Flight Surgeon for three years before pursuing residency in urology at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia, followed by a fellowship in male and female pelvic reconstructive surgery, trauma, and neurourology at the University of Iowa. He is Board Certified in Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and Board Certified in Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery by the American Board of Urology, and Board Certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology. His extensive experience includes leadership roles, including interim chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Florida in Jacksonville, and assistant dean for medical informatics. Dr. Costa's commitment to patient care extends beyond his clinical practice; he is actively involved with International Volunteers in Urology (IVU) Med, and has traveled extensively to Haiti for medical outreach. Dr. Joseph Costa provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pelvic Abscess: Preventing pelvic abscesses involves proactive care for any gynecological issues; early intervention minimizes the risk of severe complications requiring surgery.
• Urge Incontinence: Preventing complications from urge incontinence starts with early detection; recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice can help you manage this condition and maintain a better quality of life.
• Breast Cancer: Managing breast cancer effectively through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment prevents the spread of the disease and improves long-term health.
• Adenomyosis: Because adenomyosis can impact fertility, seeking preventive care and early detection allows for timely interventions, potentially preserving reproductive options and minimizing future complications.
• Breast Lump: While not all breast lumps are cancerous, early detection through regular checkups and self-awareness is vital for preventing the development of more serious conditions and ensuring better treatment outcomes.
• 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.
• Hypogonadism: Because hypogonadism can impact bone health and cardiovascular health, proactive monitoring and management with your OB/GYN are vital components of preventive care.
• Ovarian Cancer: Regular checkups and screenings can help detect ovarian cancer early, when treatment is most effective, significantly improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Endometriosis: Regular pelvic exams and open communication with your doctor are crucial for early detection of endometriosis, allowing for timely intervention and preventing severe symptoms.
• Syphilis Infections: Prevent the potentially devastating effects of syphilis by getting tested and treated promptly if infected.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: If your periods are significantly heavier than usual, talk to your doctor. This allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of future health challenges.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility problems, but early diagnosis and management can significantly reduce these risks.

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

• Hysterectomy: In cases of severe uterine prolapse or other pelvic organ prolapse conditions, a hysterectomy can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to restore pelvic support and alleviate symptoms.
• Incontinence Sling Procedure: If you're struggling with urinary incontinence, an incontinence sling procedure can be a proactive and effective way to restore bladder control and enhance your overall well-being.
• Salpingo Oopherectomy: Taking a proactive role in your health, a salpingo-oophorectomy can be a surgical option to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, thereby reducing the risk of cancer in these areas.
• STD Screening: Regular STD screenings are a proactive step in protecting your sexual health by identifying and treating infections early, preventing long-term health problems.
• Laparoscopic Oophorectomy: A laparoscopic oophorectomy is a surgical option that involves removing the ovaries through small incisions, often undertaken to address concerns about ovarian health and reduce cancer risk.
• Vaginectomy: Taking proactive steps for your health, a vaginectomy might be discussed if you have a serious vaginal condition unresponsive to other treatments, aiming to improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• Salpingectomy: For women seeking to minimize their cancer risk, a salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the fallopian tubes, a significant preventative step in reducing the likelihood of ovarian cancer.
• Oophorectomy: An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries, sometimes proactively chosen to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with a high genetic predisposition.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: A trichomoniasis screening is a vital part of your annual women's health checkup, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of this often asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection.
• 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: Take charge of your health by getting an HIV test – it's a simple screening that can detect the virus early, allowing for prompt treatment and a healthier future.

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. Joseph Costa 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 proactively addressing gynecological concerns with regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a pelvic abscess, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health.
• By recognizing early symptoms and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional, a patient proactively managed urge incontinence, reducing the risk of future complications and regaining confidence in daily activities.

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. Joseph Costa:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Joseph Costa?

Your first visit with Dr. Costa 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. The goal is early detection of potential cervical changes, and Dr. Costa follows the latest evidence-based recommendations. He will create a personalized screening 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. 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 support you.

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

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

When should I be concerned about an ovarian cyst?

Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve spontaneously. However, severe, persistent pain, bloating, or pressure warrants concern. Dr. Costa uses ultrasound to evaluate cysts and determine the best course of action.

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 common issue called stress incontinence, and it's treatable. Dr. Costa can offer various effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

What is endometriosis and how is it diagnosed?

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

UF Health Urology - Jacksonville
653 W 8th St # 2
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 383-1015

Dr. Joseph Costa, DO 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): 1467424093

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. Joseph Costa 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.