Dr. Laura Politz, MD

Dr. Laura Politz, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. She 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. She serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Dr. Politz is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (727) 767-1285 to schedule.

Dr. Laura Politz, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Saint Petersburg, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine in 1995 and is affiliated with St. Anthony's Hospital. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Politz is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Politz provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Amenorrhea: Missing your period? Understanding the causes of amenorrhea, such as hormonal imbalances or significant weight changes, allows for timely intervention and prevents long-term fertility problems.
• Breast Cancer: Early detection of breast cancer through regular screenings like mammograms significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Regular Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for early detection of HPV infections, enabling timely treatment and reducing the risk of serious complications like cervical cancer.
• Pap Smear Abnormalities: Regular Pap smears are a vital part of preventive care; an abnormality discovered early can be managed effectively, reducing your risk of cervical cancer.
• Encounters for Normal Pregnancies: Prenatal care for normal pregnancies focuses on preventing complications and ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery for both mother and baby.
• Nipple Discharge: Nipple discharge, whether milky, bloody, or clear, should be checked by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and ensure early intervention if needed.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Taking proactive steps to prevent STDs, such as using barrier methods and getting tested, empowers you to take control of your sexual 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.
• Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that, while often harmless, can cause heavy bleeding and pain, highlighting the importance of regular checkups for early detection and management to prevent complications.
• Asymptomatic Post-Menopausal Status: Staying healthy after menopause means attending regular appointments for preventive care; early detection of potential problems is key for better health outcomes.
• 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.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Atrophic vaginitis, a thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls, is often a consequence of declining estrogen levels, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent discomfort and potential complications.

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

• Nuchal Translucency Screening: This early pregnancy ultrasound, called nuchal translucency screening, measures fluid at the back of your baby's neck to identify possible chromosomal problems.
• Rh Incompatibility Screening: Protecting your future baby's health starts with an Rh incompatibility screening, which proactively identifies potential blood type issues that could cause complications.
• Syphilis Screening: Protecting your future health starts with proactive steps like a syphilis screening, which helps detect a treatable infection that can have severe consequences if left untreated.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Take control of your perimenopause and menopause journey with a comprehensive evaluation to manage symptoms and prevent future health problems.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: An IUD placement is a proactive measure for women seeking a long-term, reversible contraceptive option, minimizing the need for frequent visits to refill prescriptions or other measures.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: Protecting your baby's well-being starts with an obstetric ultrasound; this simple scan helps detect birth defects, multiple pregnancies, or placental issues early on.
• Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening is a proactive step to check for an imbalance of vaginal bacteria that can lead to discomfort and infection, helping you maintain your vaginal health.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Hepatitis B screening is a straightforward blood test that helps diagnose infection, allowing for early treatment to minimize the risk of chronic liver disease.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Protecting your baby's heart starts with fetal cardiac screening, a non-invasive test that screens for potential heart conditions.
• Infertility Evaluation: Early detection is key: an infertility evaluation can reveal hidden causes of infertility, allowing for timely intervention and improving your chances of getting pregnant.
• Mammography: Invest in your health by getting a mammogram, an important screening test that can help detect breast cancer early and save your life.
• First Trimester Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge: first trimester screening provides valuable information about your baby's health, enabling you to make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy.

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. Laura Politz 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 the potential causes of amenorrhea and proactively managing her health, a patient was able to address the issue early, ensuring her reproductive health remained on track and preventing future complications.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient achieved peace of mind, knowing that early detection significantly improves outcomes for breast cancer.

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. Laura Politz:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Laura Politz?

Your first visit with Dr. Politz 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 cervical changes, and Dr. Politz follows the latest evidence-based screening recommendations. She 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 you have 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, and we're here to help.

I'm experiencing leakage of urine when I cough or exercise. Is this normal?

Many women experience urine leakage with coughing or exercise, especially after childbirth. This is a common issue called stress incontinence, and it's treatable. Dr. Politz can discuss various effective solutions, including pelvic floor therapy and specific procedures.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Politz offers many 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 she will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to determine the perfect fit for you.

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

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. Politz can recommend the appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

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

6450 38th Ave N Ste 200
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 767-1285

Dr. Laura Politz, 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): 1780910505

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. Laura Politz 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.