Dr. Sheila Devanesan, MD

Dr. Sheila Devanesan, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at All Children's OB/GYN Specialists in St. Petersburg, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with each patient to develop a personalized wellness plan. 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, and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (727) 380-2497 to schedule your appointment.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, Dr. Devanesan brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1997 and completed an internship and residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the same institution, gaining extensive experience in the comprehensive medical care of women. Dr. Devanesan is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As a member of the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital OB/GYN Specialists and a practicing OB/GYN specialist for more than 15 years, she has developed a strong understanding of maternal and infant health issues. Dr. Devanesan's expertise extends to research in Maternal Child Health, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, urogynecology, and adolescent gynecology. She is also the principal investigator for a recently awarded Healthy Start Federal grant, focusing on improving health outcomes for under-served populations. Dr. Devanesan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Cervicitis: Protecting your reproductive health involves knowing the signs of acute cervicitis, a cervical infection, and seeking prompt medical attention to prevent potential infertility or other complications.
• Asherman Syndrome: Asherman syndrome, characterized by scar tissue in the uterus, can hinder pregnancy, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving your reproductive health.
• Blood Disorders in Pregnancy: Preventing complications during pregnancy involves proactively addressing blood disorders through regular monitoring and appropriate treatment.
• Uterine Cancer: Early diagnosis of uterine cancer through preventive screenings is vital to minimize the need for extensive treatments and increase your chances of a full recovery.
• Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids can affect fertility and pregnancy, so understanding your risk and seeking preventative care can help you plan for a healthy future.
• Chronic Vaginitis: Chronic vaginitis, or persistent vaginal inflammation, can be prevented through proactive steps like maintaining good hygiene and recognizing early symptoms to avoid long-term complications.
• Maternal Anemia: Addressing anemia during pregnancy is key to a healthy pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications like premature delivery and low birth weight for your baby.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Prolonged or unusually heavy periods can disrupt your daily life; preventive care helps identify the cause and find effective management strategies.
• Genital Warts: Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are a common STI, and early detection through regular screenings helps prevent complications like more warts or even cancer.
• Uterine Prolapse: Early detection of uterine prolapse through regular OB/GYN checkups is crucial to prevent discomfort and more serious complications later on.
• 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.
• Menstrual Disorders: Regular visits with your OB/GYN are key to identifying and managing menstrual disorders, reducing your risk of developing more complex health concerns down the line.

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

• 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.
• Endometrial Ablation: For women experiencing excessive uterine bleeding, endometrial ablation offers a minimally invasive solution to manage symptoms and improve their health.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with a gonorrhea screening, a quick test that can identify and treat this common STI before it causes problems.
• Salpingo Oopherectomy: To prevent certain cancers, a salpingo-oophorectomy involves the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, a preventative measure discussed with your doctor based on your risk factors.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Protecting your future health starts now: mammograms and other breast cancer screenings are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Hysteroscopy: Taking charge of your reproductive health, a hysteroscopy allows your doctor to visually inspect your uterus for abnormalities like polyps or fibroids, potentially preventing future complications.
• Salpingectomy: For women seeking to minimize their cancer risk, a salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the fallopian tubes, a significant preventative step in reducing the likelihood of ovarian cancer.
• Rh Incompatibility Screening: This screening checks for a blood type mismatch between you and your baby, helping to prevent severe complications that can occur during pregnancy and delivery.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Genetic screening for breast cancer helps identify your risk of developing this disease, allowing for proactive steps like increased surveillance or preventative measures.
• Nuchal Translucency Screening: To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, nuchal translucency screening uses ultrasound to assess your baby's risk for conditions like Down syndrome.
• Birth Control: Proactively manage your menstrual cycle, reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies, and improve overall reproductive health by choosing a suitable birth control method.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a chlamydia screening—an important step in preventing complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

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. Sheila Devanesan 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 potential risk factors, a patient proactively reduced the chance of developing acute cervicitis, ensuring a healthy future for her reproductive health.
• By proactively discussing potential risks with their healthcare provider, a patient gained valuable knowledge about Asherman syndrome and implemented strategies to reduce their risk, fostering peace of mind regarding their reproductive health.

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. Sheila Devanesan:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Sheila Devanesan?

Your first visit with Dr. Devanesan is designed as 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, but the goal is early detection of cervical changes. Dr. Devanesan 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, 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. No question is off-limits; we encourage you to bring up anything that's on your mind.

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 very common issue called stress incontinence, and it is treatable. Dr. Devanesan can offer various effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

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. Devanesan uses ultrasound to evaluate cysts and create a tailored monitoring or management plan.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Devanesan offers many safe and effective birth control options, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, as well as non-hormonal choices. The best method is a personal decision, and we will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the ideal fit for you.

Are painful periods normal?

While mild cramping can be normal, severe, debilitating pain is not. This could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheila Devanesan so you don't have to suffer in silence.

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 important. It may mean you need to start screenings earlier or consider genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Devanesan can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

All Children's OB/GYN Specialists
5959 Central Ave Ste 103
St Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 380-2497

Dr. Sheila Devanesan, 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): 1629053517

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. Sheila Devanesan 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.