Dr. Ricky Leff, MD

Dr. Ricky Leff, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at AdventHealth Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology at Port Charlotte in Port Charlotte, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring the highest standards of care. 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. Please call (386) 401-5315 to schedule.

Dr. Ricky Leff, FACOG, brings over 31 years of experience in the medical field, with over 25 years dedicated to Obstetrics and Gynecology care. He is a board-certified OB/GYN physician, focusing on women's preventive care, labor and delivery, and the treatment of menopausal symptoms, incontinence, and more. He earned his medical degree from Augusta University Medical College of Georgia in 1996, and his approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Leff understands the importance of a supportive environment, and he offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Breast Cancer: Regular self-breast exams and professional mammograms are crucial for early detection, allowing for less invasive treatments and better chances of a full recovery.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Regular check-ups with your doctor, including proactive discussions about UTI symptoms and prevention strategies, play a crucial role in maintaining good bladder and urinary health.
• Genital Warts: Regular check-ups with your OB/GYN are crucial for early detection of genital warts, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the risk of spreading this infection.
• Uterine Prolapse: Uterine prolapse, a condition where the uterus descends into the vagina, can be managed with lifestyle changes and treatments to avoid further organ prolapse.
• Pelvic Abscess: A pelvic abscess is a serious infection that can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, addressing infections quickly, and attending regular wellness visits with your OB/GYN.
• Hemorrhage from Placenta Previa: Managing a placenta previa diagnosis with your healthcare team helps prevent complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage, leading to a healthier pregnancy and birth experience.
• Gestational Diabetes Postpartum: Addressing gestational diabetes postpartum through lifestyle changes and medication can significantly decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Ovarian Cysts: Preventive care, including routine pelvic exams and ultrasounds, allows for the early detection and management of ovarian cysts, reducing the risk of long-term health problems.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Don't ignore excessively heavy bleeding – early detection and treatment can prevent long-term health problems and improve your quality of life.
• Cervicitis: Protecting your cervical health involves understanding cervicitis – inflammation of your cervix – and taking steps like practicing safe sex to lower your risk and catch any infection early.
• Gynecologic Cancer: Understanding your family history and personal risk factors for gynecologic cancers empowers you to make informed decisions about preventative screenings and lifestyle choices.
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Protecting your long-term health includes understanding your menstrual cycle. Unusual bleeding patterns should be discussed with your doctor to identify and manage any potential 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. Ricky Leff offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus, often chosen to proactively manage severe uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
• Rh Incompatibility Screening: Take a proactive step in your pregnancy journey by getting screened for Rh incompatibility, a simple test that can prevent serious health issues for your baby.
• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): Taking a proactive step in your health, this treatment eliminates precancerous cells found on your cervix, helping to prevent cancer.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Ensure your baby's heart is developing properly with fetal cardiac screening, a crucial part of prenatal care that can detect abnormalities early.
• Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect abnormal cervical cells, allowing for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.
• Vaginosis Screening: Take charge of your wellbeing with vaginosis screening: a simple test that detects bacterial vaginosis, preventing potential complications and discomfort.
• Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives: Gynecologic cancer screenings are vital preventative measures to identify and treat cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries early on.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: Take a proactive step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy with an obstetric ultrasound; it allows early detection of potential problems, enabling timely interventions.
• Infertility Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards parenthood with an infertility evaluation; it's a comprehensive assessment that detects potential obstacles to conception.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Early detection is crucial for managing STIs. Regular screenings empower you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
• Colposcopy: Colposcopy is a screening procedure that helps detect and prevent cervical cancer by allowing for an in-depth examination of the cervix, leading to early diagnosis and treatment if needed.
• C-Section: A Cesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus, sometimes necessary for safer childbirth.

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. Ricky Leff 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 diligently scheduling regular self-exams and mammograms, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, knowing that early detection significantly improved her chances of successful breast cancer treatment.
• By discussing UTI prevention strategies with their healthcare provider, a patient felt empowered to take control of their urinary health, leading to a reduction in future infections.

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. Ricky Leff:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Ricky Leff?

Your first visit with Dr. Leff is a collaborative partnership-building session. We will review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a 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. Dr. Leff follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized screening schedule for you to ensure early detection of any potential cervical changes.

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 your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion about your overall well-being. No question is off-limits; we are here to support you.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, and may impact fertility. Dr. Leff can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

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

The goal of a breast self-exam is breast self-awareness—knowing what is normal for your body. Perform a self-exam monthly to recognize any changes, such as new lumps or skin changes. It's a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical exams by Dr. Leff and mammograms.

What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, often characterized by irregular periods and initial symptoms. Menopause is the point when periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. Dr. Leff provides guidance through both stages.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Leff 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 Dr. Leff will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the perfect fit for you.

When should I be concerned about an ovarian cyst?

Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve spontaneously. However, if you experience severe, persistent pain, bloating, or pressure, please contact us. Dr. Leff uses ultrasound to evaluate cysts and develop a personalized monitoring or management plan.

AdventHealth Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology at Port Charlotte
2380 Harbor Blvd
Port Charlotte FL 33952
Phone: (386) 401-5315

Dr. Ricky Leff, 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): 1558380642

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. Ricky Leff 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.