Dr. Sarah Oconnor, MD

Dr. Sarah Oconnor, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is committed to creating a long-term wellness plan tailored to each individual. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to coordinating essential screenings and managing overall health, ensuring patients thrive for years to come. 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, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Sarah Oconnor, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Gainesville, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Boston Medical Center and Saint Vincent Hospital. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality, personalized care. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (352) 273-7584. Dr. Sarah Oconnor provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding can indicate an underlying health issue, so seeking medical attention ensures early diagnosis and prevents potential complications.
• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and early detection through prenatal screenings helps prevent complications for both you and your baby.
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the baby is smaller than expected for their gestational age, and proactive management helps reduce potential long-term health issues for the child.
• Menstrual Disorders: Don't ignore unusual menstrual symptoms; seeking help promptly from your doctor can help prevent serious health issues and improve your overall well-being.
• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Preventing complications during pregnancy requires early detection of pre-existing diabetes; regular checkups can help you manage your blood sugar and ensure a healthier outcome.
• Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Vaginal infections like vaginitis and vaginosis highlight the significance of preventive care; early identification and treatment can help avoid potential long-term health issues and discomfort.
• Vaginismus: Preventing long-term sexual difficulties associated with vaginismus starts with recognizing its symptoms and seeking help from a healthcare professional for effective management strategies.

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

• 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.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Pregnancy ultrasounds provide crucial visual information about your pregnancy, enabling early detection of potential complications and guiding necessary interventions.
• Vaginal Delivery and VBAC: Understanding your options for vaginal delivery, including VBAC if applicable, allows you to actively participate in creating a birth plan that aligns with your preferences and medical history.
• Pregnancy Non-Stress Test: Protecting your baby's health, a non-stress test is a crucial part of prenatal care that helps detect potential problems with your baby's heart rate.
• Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a simple test that helps detect abnormal cervical cells, allowing for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.
• Ovarian Transposition (Oophoropexy): Consider ovarian transposition as a preventative strategy to safeguard your ovaries from the damaging effects of radiation, especially if you are facing pelvic cancer treatment and wish to preserve your fertility.
• Radical Cydoreductive Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Radical cytoreductive surgery is a major operation to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible from the ovaries and surrounding areas, improving chances of successful treatment for ovarian cancer.

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 Oconnor 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 scheduling regular checkups and discussing concerns with a healthcare provider, a patient was able to identify and address the cause of her excessive menstrual bleeding, reducing discomfort and preventing potential complications. This proactive approach allowed her to regain control over her health and well-being.
• By attending regular prenatal screenings and following a healthy diet, a pregnant woman successfully managed her blood sugar levels, ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both herself and her baby. This proactive approach reduced the risk of gestational diabetes complications for everyone involved.

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 Oconnor:

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

Your first visit with Dr. O'Connor is designed as 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, but the goal is early detection of potential cervical issues. Dr. O'Connor follows the latest evidence-based 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, feel free to discuss any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, or changes in breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion; no question is off-limits. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. What does that mean for me?

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is an important factor to consider. It might mean you need to start screenings earlier or explore genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. O'Connor can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

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. O'Connor can recommend 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. O'Connor can help monitor them and discuss treatment options if they become problematic.

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

I'm thinking about getting pregnant. What should I do to prepare?

Taking proactive steps to prepare for pregnancy is excellent! A preconception counseling visit with Dr. O'Connor can help you discuss lifestyle factors, starting folic acid, reviewing current medications, and considering genetic carrier screening. She can be a valuable partner in optimizing your health for a successful pregnancy.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-7584

Dr. Sarah Oconnor, 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): 1366946329

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 Oconnor 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.