Dr. Rufus Armstrong III, MD

Dr. Rufus Armstrong III, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, 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), Dr. Armstrong III understands that 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. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (813) 265-1788 to schedule.

Dr. Rufus Armstrong III, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Tampa, FL, with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1974 and is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. With such extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, fostering a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Rufus Armstrong III 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. Rufus Armstrong III 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. Rufus Armstrong III 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:

• Fetal Abnormality: Identifying potential fetal abnormalities through prenatal testing can help expectant parents make informed decisions and prepare for potential challenges.
• Bacterial Vaginosis: Preventing complications from bacterial vaginosis starts with understanding its symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Cervical Polyps: Early detection of cervical polyps through routine screenings allows for prompt treatment if needed, reducing the risk of complications like heavy bleeding or difficulty conceiving.
• Leiomyoma: Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can be monitored through regular OB/GYN checkups to prevent complications like heavy bleeding or pain.
• Urinary Disorders: Managing urinary issues proactively, whether through lifestyle changes or medical interventions, can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent long-term damage.
• Autoimmune Disease in Pregnancy: Autoimmune diseases, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can impact pregnancy, so early detection and proactive management with your OB/GYN are crucial for a healthier pregnancy and baby.
• Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy: To protect your pregnancy and ensure a healthy outcome, promptly report any vaginal bleeding to your doctor for evaluation and management.

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

• Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation: For women certain about completing their family, laparoscopic tubal ligation is a safe and effective permanent sterilization procedure performed using small incisions.
• Intra Uterine Insemination: Taking a proactive step towards parenthood, IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is directly inserted into the uterus, improving the odds of fertilization.
• Hysteroscopy Sterilization: Hysteroscopy sterilization is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for permanent birth control by blocking or removing the fallopian tubes, ensuring a permanent and safe method of preventing future pregnancies.
• Cystoscopy: For early detection of bladder conditions, a cystoscopy provides a direct view of your bladder's interior, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
• Ultrasound, Breast: For peace of mind and proactive breast health management, schedule a breast ultrasound. This imaging test can help identify and evaluate changes in your breast tissue, helping ensure you receive timely care.
• Ovarian Cystectomy: An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a cyst from your ovary, helping prevent complications like pain, infertility, or the rare risk of ovarian cancer.
• Urinary Incontinence Surgery: Proactively address urinary incontinence with surgery to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce embarrassing leaks.

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. Rufus Armstrong III 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 engaging in prenatal testing, a family felt empowered to address potential concerns early, ultimately fostering peace of mind throughout their pregnancy. This proactive approach allowed them to make informed decisions and prepare for any eventualities.
• By understanding the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and seeking prompt medical attention, a patient achieved early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications and regaining comfort.

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. Rufus Armstrong III:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Rufus Armstrong III?

Your first visit with Dr. Armstrong will be 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 that could lead to cancer. Dr. Rufus Armstrong III 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, be open and proactive about discussing your menstrual cycle, sexual health concerns, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. Remember, no question is off-limits; we are here to support you.

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. Armstrong III can recommend appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

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

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. Rufus Armstrong III can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Armstrong offers a variety of safe and effective birth control options, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, as well as non-hormonal choices. The best method for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. We will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and goals to determine the ideal fit.

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 our office. Dr. Armstrong III utilizes ultrasound to evaluate cysts and create a proactive monitoring or management plan.

10010 N Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 120
Tampa FL 33618
Phone: (813) 265-1788

Dr. Rufus Armstrong III, 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): 1275529208

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. Rufus Armstrong III 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.