Ashley Hester, MD is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist practicing at her clinic in Houston, TX. She is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act). Dr. Hester is dedicated to providing comprehensive Obstetric and Gynecologic care, focusing on the full spectrum of women's reproductive health needs from adolescence through menopause and beyond. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (713) 935-9791 to schedule an appointment.
Obstetrician/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are the primary healthcare specialists for women's reproductive health, providing gynecological care (routine exams, contraception, menopause management, etc.) and obstetrical care (pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum), often partnering with primary care physicians to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Dr. Hester, a native Houstonian, brings extensive experience and training to her practice. A graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Medical Branch, she completed her residency at the University of Texas at Houston. She is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and has received honors from the Society for Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Hester's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, focused on creating a supportive environment where patients and families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is certified on the da Vinci Robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgical procedures and offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Hester is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Hester provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care, prioritizing a patient-centered approach. She excels at building strong relationships with patients, ensuring clear communication throughout their care journey, from routine gynecological exams to complex pregnancies and postpartum recovery. Dr. Hester's practice integrates evidence-based treatments with personalized plans, fostering a collaborative environment with primary care physicians to optimize patient well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Hester can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SureFit Houston
- UnitedHealthCare
- Whole Health - Memorial Hermann HMO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Hester offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Pap Smear Abnormalities: An abnormal Pap smear result means changes were found in the cells of your cervix that need further evaluation by an OB/GYN.
- Mastodynia: Don't suffer in silence with breast pain. Your OB/GYN can provide a thorough examination, discuss potential causes of your mastodynia, and develop a personalized plan to manage your discomfort.
- Preeclampsia: If you develop dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy, it could be preeclampsia, requiring close observation and treatment from your OB/GYN.
- Ovarian Pregnancy: An OB/GYN specializes in managing ovarian pregnancies, a dangerous condition where a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, specifically on the ovary, requiring urgent care to prevent complications.
- Uterine Carcinoma: If you're diagnosed with uterine cancer (uterine carcinoma), your OB/GYN will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and provide ongoing support.
- Vaginal Prolapse: A weakened vagina can cause organs to slip down, leading to vaginal prolapse; an OB/GYN can diagnose and treat this condition.
- Vaginal Yeast Infection: A vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection in the vagina that causes itching, burning, and discharge; your OB/GYN can diagnose it and prescribe medication to clear it up.
- Uterine Cancer: If you're diagnosed with uterine cancer, your OB/GYN will work with you to create a treatment plan that might include surgery, radiation, or other therapies.
- Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar affecting pregnant women, potentially impacting both mom and baby's health; your OB/GYN will create a plan to manage this condition throughout your pregnancy.
- Coagulation Defects in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Pregnancy can increase the risk of blood clots; OB/GYNs monitor for and treat these coagulation defects to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.
- Multiple Gestation: An OB/GYN is your go-to doctor for managing a multiple pregnancy, offering extra monitoring and planning for the complexities of carrying more than one baby.
- Acute Vaginitis: If you experience sudden vaginal irritation, burning, or unusual discharge, it could be acute vaginitisyour OB/GYN can help identify the cause and provide effective treatment.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Hester offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Genetic screening for breast cancer helps identify your risk of developing the disease based on your genes.
- Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy is major surgery used to treat uterine diseases and conditions; it permanently ends the ability to have children.
- Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Gynecologic cancer screening involves tests to detect cancers of the female reproductive system early, when treatment is most effective.
- C-Section: A C-section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
- Vulvectomy: A vulvectomy is a surgery done to remove part or all of the external female genitalia, usually for treating serious medical issues like cancer.
- Birth Control: An OB/GYN can help you choose from various birth control options, including pills, IUDs, and implants.
- Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus to examine the lining and check for problems like fibroids or polyps.
- Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): This surgery removes a suspicious area on the cervix, helping diagnose or treat problems such as cervical dysplasia.
- Pregnancy Non-Stress Test: This simple test tracks your baby's heart rate to ensure it's healthy and getting enough oxygen.
- Laparoscopic Surgical Procedure: During a laparoscopic surgical procedure, a surgeon uses specialized instruments and a camera inserted through small incisions to perform minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
- Dilation and Curettage: If you're experiencing heavy bleeding or other uterine issues, a D&C may be performed to remove tissue and help determine the cause.
- Infertility Evaluation: Infertility evaluation is a series of tests and procedures to find out why a couple is having trouble getting pregnant.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Hester is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from the obstetrician/gynecologist, the patient felt empowered to actively manage their Pap smear abnormalities, leading to a return to optimal health.
- After receiving a thorough examination and personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief from their breast pain, regaining comfort and confidence in their daily life.
- By working with their obstetrician/gynecologist, a patient successfully managed their preeclampsia, allowing them to carry their pregnancy to term and deliver a healthy baby. Their provider's guidance empowered them to take control of their health and achieve a positive outcome.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
929 Gessner Rd Ste 2150, Houston, TX, 77024
Phone: (713) 935-9791
View on Map - Practice
628 S Peek Rd, Katy, TX, 77450
Phone: (832) 437-9690
View on Map - Practice
921 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX, 77024
Phone: (713) 242-3000
View on Map
- American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Obstetric and Gynecologic care with Dr. Hester:
- What is the difference between an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist?
- An OB/GYN, like Dr. Hester, is a physician trained in both obstetrics and gynecology. A gynecologist specializes in the overall health of the female reproductive system, including annual exams, infections, and contraception. An obstetrician specializes in pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Dr. Hester provides care for women throughout their lives.
- At what age should I (or my daughter) have my first gynecologist visit?
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a first gynecologist visit between the ages of 13 and 15. This first visit is often a conversation to establish a relationship and discuss healthy habits, and a pelvic exam is not typically needed unless there is a specific concern.
- I have very painful and heavy periods. Is that normal?
- Experiencing painful and heavy periods can be concerning. While some cramping is common, severe pain or excessive bleeding that interferes with your daily life is not normal and should be evaluated. These symptoms could indicate treatable conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, and Dr. Hester can diagnose the cause and offer solutions.
- What is the HPV vaccine and who should get it?
- The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. It's recommended for all preteens, both boys and girls, at age 11 or 12, and can be given to young adults as well.
- Do you perform gynecological surgery, like a hysterectomy?
- Yes, Dr. Hester performs a wide range of gynecological surgeries, including hysterectomies, myomectomies, and endometrial ablations. She is skilled in minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery, which can often result in a quicker recovery.
- What is the difference between 3D/4D ultrasound and the regular medical ultrasound?
- Standard 2D ultrasound is the primary tool for assessing fetal growth, anatomy, and well-being. 3D/4D ultrasounds provide detailed, photo-like images, but are not used for medical diagnoses and are an optional service for keepsake purposes only.
- I found a lump in my breast. Should I call my OB/GYN?
- Yes. Most breast lumps are benign, but any new lump or change warrants immediate evaluation. Dr. Hester will perform a clinical breast exam and order further imaging, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, if necessary.
- What are my options for birth control?
- Birth control options include hormonal methods like pills, patches, and rings; long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as IUDs and implants; barrier methods like condoms; and permanent options like tubal ligation. Dr. Hester will discuss your lifestyle and health to help you choose the best method for you.
929 Gessner Rd Ste 2150
Houston TX 77024
Phone: (713) 935-9791
Ashley Hester, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Physicians - Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1770826356
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Ashley Hester are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.