Dr. Sarah Baxley, MD

Dr. Sarah Baxley, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive 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. She serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

Dr. Sarah Baxley, MD, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida School of Medicine. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Eclectic Medicine University in 2012 and her PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas and a fellowship in medical education at Yale University. Dr. Baxley is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, please call (352) 392-1161 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Sarah Baxley provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Maternal Anemia: Regular blood tests and dietary adjustments can help prevent maternal anemia, a condition that can significantly impact your pregnancy's health and your baby's development.
• 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.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Preventive care during and after menopause includes regular checkups to detect and address potential issues like hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness, improving your quality of life.
• Vulvar Leukoplakia: Vulvar leukoplakia is a whitening of the vulva's skin that, while sometimes harmless, can be a sign of precancerous changes, highlighting the importance of regular OB/GYN checkups for early detection and prevention of more serious conditions.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV is a common virus that can be prevented through vaccination and regular screenings, helping to protect against cervical cancer and other health problems.
• Mastodynia: Experiencing breast pain? Regular check-ups with your OB/GYN are crucial for identifying the cause of mastodynia and developing a plan to manage it, preventing unnecessary worry and potential complications.
• Genital Herpes: Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be managed effectively with early detection and treatment to prevent outbreaks and transmission to others.
• Uterine Prolapse: Maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good pelvic floor health can significantly reduce your risk of developing uterine prolapse.
• Venous Thrombosis and Phlebitis in Pregnancy: Preventing blood clots during pregnancy is crucial for a healthy mom and baby, as early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.
• Miscarriages: Early detection of potential complications during pregnancy, through regular monitoring and testing, is crucial for minimizing the chances of miscarriage.
• 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.
• Hypertension: Preventing long-term health complications associated with high blood pressure requires regular monitoring and appropriate treatment, starting with early detection.

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

• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): This helps detect and remove abnormal cervical cells identified during a Pap smear or HPV test, significantly reducing your cancer risk.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Protecting your sexual health is key; STI screenings identify infections so you can get the care you need and avoid complications.
• STD Screening: STD screenings are a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your sexual and overall health. Early diagnosis through testing allows for effective treatment and helps prevent the spread of infection.
• Pregnancy Test: Proactively managing your reproductive health begins with a pregnancy test, helping you make informed decisions about your body.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Take a proactive step towards a healthy pregnancy by scheduling a pregnancy ultrasound; it helps detect abnormalities and ensures your baby's well-being.
• Excision of Cervix: To prevent the progression of abnormal cervical cells to cancer, excision of the cervix is a surgical procedure to remove these cells and maintain your overall health.
• Laparoscopic Oophorectomy: A laparoscopic oophorectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries, sometimes proactively chosen to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in high-risk individuals.
• Salpingectomy: Taking charge of your reproductive health, a salpingectomy is a surgical option to remove your fallopian tubes, lowering your chances of developing ectopic pregnancies and some ovarian cancers.
• Hysteroscopy: For peace of mind and improved reproductive health, a hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure offering a direct visualization of your uterine cavity, enabling early detection of potential problems.
• Rh Incompatibility Screening: Ensure a healthy pregnancy by undergoing Rh incompatibility screening; this test detects potential blood type conflicts and enables timely medical interventions.
• Fetal Ultrasound: Empower yourself with knowledge about your baby's health with a fetal ultrasound; it's a key part of prenatal care, helping identify any concerns and allowing for proactive management.
• Endometrial Ablation: Endometrial ablation is a procedure designed to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, thereby preventing complications like anemia and improving your daily life.

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. Sarah Baxley 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 following a personalized plan that included regular blood tests and dietary changes, a pregnant woman successfully prevented maternal anemia, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a positive outcome for her baby.
• By understanding and implementing simple hygiene practices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of urinary tract infections, fostering a healthier lifestyle and greater peace of mind.

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. Sarah Baxley:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Sarah Baxley?

Your first visit with Dr. Baxley will be a collaborative partnership-building session. We'll 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. Baxley follows the latest evidence-based recommendations. She 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 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; no question is off-limits. Your health is important to us.

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 not something you have to live with. Dr. Baxley can offer 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 potentially affecting fertility. Diagnosis often involves a careful history and physical exam, and may be confirmed with minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Baxley is skilled in diagnosing and managing this complex condition.

What are my options for birth control?

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

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

Mammogram recommendations generally start at age 40, but can vary based on family history and personal risk factors. Dr. Baxley will assess your individual risk to recommend the most appropriate screening schedule to ensure early detection of breast cancer.

Does Dr. Sarah Baxley manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Baxley and our practice manage high-risk pregnancies, which include those with advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to ensure comprehensive care and the best possible outcomes for our patients.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 392-1161

Dr. Sarah Baxley, 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): 1134474240

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. Sarah Baxley 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.