Dr. Ivonne E. Smith, MD

Dr. Ivonne E. Smith  Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Dr. Ivonne E. Smith is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist providing preventive, pregnancy, reproductive, and gynecological care for adult women. Her services cover routine wellness examinations, prenatal monitoring, childbirth, contraception, menstrual concerns, pelvic symptoms, and menopause care.

She has more than 30 years of medical experience and is affiliated with The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. Dr. Smith offers in-person appointments through OBGYN Medical Center Associates, with online booking and video visits currently listed as available.

Patients comparing women’s health physicians can also read about Dr. Shannon L. Hardy’s obstetric and gynecological care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Ivonne E. Smith, MD
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Medical Degree Completed: 1994
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals
Practice: OBGYN Medical Center Associates
Hospital Affiliation: The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
Primary Location: Houston, Texas
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
NPI Number: 1609878941
Video Visits: Available for suitable appointments
Online Booking: Available
Accepting New Patients: Yes, according to current public practice profiles

Dr. Smith’s specialty, practice information, languages, hospital affiliation, new-patient status, and telehealth availability are listed across current provider directories. Patients should still confirm these details directly before scheduling because availability and insurance participation can change.

About Dr. Ivonne E. Smith

Dr. Smith earned her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in 1994. She then completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology through the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals.

Her training prepared her to provide medical and surgical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, contraception, menopause, and conditions affecting the female reproductive system.

Patients may visit Dr. Smith for an annual examination, pregnancy monitoring, abnormal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, family-planning advice, or a reproductive health concern requiring further assessment.

Her role may include reviewing symptoms, completing a physical examination, ordering laboratory or imaging tests, explaining treatment options, and coordinating with other specialists when the condition requires more focused care.

Preventive Gynecological Care

Preventive gynecology helps identify health changes before they cause significant symptoms or complications. It also gives patients a private setting in which to discuss menstrual patterns, sexual health, reproductive goals, contraception, and menopause.

Dr. Smith’s preventive services may include:

• Well-woman examinations
• Pelvic examinations
• Pap tests
• Cervical cancer screening
• Breast health discussions
• Mammography guidance
• Sexually transmitted infection testing
• Contraception counselling
• Menstrual health assessment
• Menopause support
• Reproductive planning
• Review of personal and family medical history

The appropriate screening schedule depends on the patient’s age, symptoms, previous results, pregnancy history, medication use, and individual risk factors.

A preventive visit may also include blood pressure measurement and discussion of general medical concerns that could affect reproductive health.

Patients seeking another physician for preventive women’s care may review Dr. Jackquelin Perez’s OB-GYN profile.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

Prenatal care helps monitor the health of the pregnant patient and developing baby. Regular appointments allow the physician to follow fetal growth, review symptoms, arrange recommended testing, and identify concerns that may need closer observation.

Dr. Smith’s obstetric services may include:

• Pregnancy confirmation
• Initial prenatal assessment
• Review of medical and pregnancy history
• Routine prenatal examinations
• Laboratory testing
• Ultrasound coordination
• Fetal growth monitoring
• Blood pressure assessment
• Gestational diabetes screening
• Genetic screening discussions
• Labour and delivery planning
• Postpartum follow-up

The frequency of appointments generally increases as pregnancy progresses. Patients with an existing medical condition, a previous pregnancy complication, or an abnormal test result may require additional visits.

Pregnant patients should provide a full list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Products that are commonly used outside pregnancy may not always be appropriate during pregnancy.

High-Risk Pregnancy Concerns

Some pregnancies need closer observation because of maternal health, age, pregnancy history, fetal development, or a complication identified during prenatal care.

Dr. Smith may evaluate or help manage concerns such as:

• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancy
• Previous pregnancy complications
• Previous cesarean delivery
• Abnormal fetal growth
• Placental concerns
• Premature labour risk
• Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age
• Existing diabetes or thyroid disease

Additional blood tests, urine testing, ultrasound examinations, or fetal monitoring may be recommended.

A maternal-fetal medicine specialist may become involved when the pregnancy requires advanced assessment or coordinated high-risk care.

Labour and Delivery Care

Delivery planning can include discussions about the expected hospital, signs of labour, pain-management options, induction, vaginal delivery, and circumstances that could require a cesarean birth.

The safest delivery method depends on factors such as:

• The patient’s health
• Fetal position
• Placental location
• Labour progress
• Previous uterine surgery
• Pregnancy complications
• Fetal well-being
• Previous delivery history

A birth plan can help patients communicate their preferences. However, plans sometimes need to change when an unexpected medical concern develops during labour.

Dr. Smith can explain why an intervention is being recommended and what the patient may expect during delivery and early recovery.

Cesarean Delivery

A cesarean delivery may be recommended when vaginal birth would create additional risk for the patient or baby.

Possible reasons include:

• Abnormal fetal position
• Placental complications
• Labour that does not progress
• Signs of fetal distress
• Certain previous uterine procedures
• Umbilical cord concerns
• Maternal medical conditions
• Other urgent obstetric problems

Because a cesarean is an abdominal operation, recovery generally includes incision care, pain management, activity restrictions, and monitoring for postoperative complications.

Patients who have had a previous cesarean should discuss whether a planned repeat operation or a trial of labour may be medically appropriate in a future pregnancy.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum appointments support physical recovery and help address concerns that appear during the weeks after childbirth.

Dr. Smith may review:

• Recovery after vaginal delivery
• Recovery after cesarean delivery
• Postpartum bleeding
• Incision or tear healing
• Pelvic discomfort
• Breast and feeding concerns
• Urinary symptoms
• Blood pressure
• Return to normal activity
• Menstrual changes
• Contraception after pregnancy

Recovery varies according to the delivery method, pregnancy complications, sleep, general health, and available support.

Patients should discuss unexpected pain, heavy bleeding, fever, wound changes, or other concerning symptoms with their medical team.

Menstrual Disorder Evaluation

Menstrual cycles can change because of hormonal conditions, pregnancy, medication, uterine disorders, stress, weight changes, or the transition toward menopause.

Dr. Smith may evaluate symptoms including:

• Heavy periods
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Painful periods
• Missed periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding after sexual activity
• Bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic pain linked to menstruation

An assessment may involve a pregnancy test, blood testing, pelvic examination, ultrasound, or sampling of the uterine lining.

Treatment depends on the identified cause and may include medication, hormonal therapy, an intrauterine device, an office procedure, or surgery.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding describes bleeding that is heavier, longer, or less predictable than expected.

Possible causes include:

• Hormonal changes
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Thyroid disorders
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Medication effects
• Changes associated with perimenopause
• Blood-clotting conditions
• Abnormal changes in the uterine lining

Evaluation may include blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, cervical screening, or endometrial sampling.

Treatment is selected according to the cause, severity of blood loss, age, general health, and future pregnancy plans.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain may begin suddenly or continue for several months. It can involve the uterus, ovaries, bladder, bowel, pelvic muscles, or more than one body system.

Possible causes include:

• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic infection
• Menstrual conditions
• Pregnancy-related concerns
• Urinary disorders
• Digestive conditions
• Scar tissue from earlier procedures

Dr. Smith may ask where the pain occurs, whether it follows the menstrual cycle, what makes it worse, and whether it is associated with bleeding, urination, bowel movements, or sexual activity.

Testing is selected according to the symptom pattern and examination findings.

Uterine Fibroid Care

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. Some cause no symptoms, while others can affect bleeding, pelvic comfort, bladder function, or fertility.

Possible symptoms include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged periods
• Pelvic pressure
• Abdominal fullness
• Menstrual pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Back discomfort
• Anemia
• Fertility concerns

Evaluation commonly includes a pelvic examination and ultrasound.

Treatment may involve monitoring, medication, hormonal therapy, removal of individual fibroids, or hysterectomy. The appropriate option depends on fibroid size, location, symptoms, age, health, and reproductive goals.

Ovarian Cyst Evaluation

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or within an ovary. Many cysts are related to normal ovulation and disappear without treatment.

Some cysts may cause:

• Pelvic pain
• Pressure
• Bloating
• Menstrual changes
• Pain during physical activity
• Discomfort during sexual activity

Pelvic ultrasound may be used to assess the cyst’s size, appearance, and location.

Management can include monitoring, repeat imaging, medication, or surgery. The decision depends on the patient’s age, symptoms, cyst characteristics, and whether it changes over time.

Endometriosis Care

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.

Possible symptoms include:

• Painful periods
• Continuing pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual activity
• Digestive symptoms linked to menstruation
• Heavy bleeding
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Diagnosis may involve medical history, pelvic examination, imaging, and sometimes minimally invasive surgery.

Treatment may include pain medication, hormonal treatment, fertility planning, or surgery. The recommended approach depends on symptom severity, earlier treatment, age, and reproductive goals.

Family Planning and Contraception

Dr. Smith can help patients compare contraception methods according to medical history, pregnancy plans, effectiveness, convenience, and possible side effects.

Options may include:

• Birth control pills
• Contraceptive injections
• Intrauterine devices
• Contraceptive implants
• Patches
• Vaginal rings
• Barrier methods
• Fertility-awareness methods
• Permanent contraception
• Postpartum birth control

Some hormonal methods may also help reduce heavy periods, painful menstruation, acne, or irregular cycles.

Patients should discuss blood pressure, migraine history, tobacco exposure, blood-clot risk, medication use, and future pregnancy plans before choosing a hormonal method.

Fertility Concerns

Difficulty becoming pregnant may involve ovulation, the uterus, fallopian tubes, sperm health, age, or several factors occurring together.

An initial fertility assessment may include:

• Menstrual and ovulation history
• Previous pregnancy history
• Medication review
• Pelvic examination
• Hormone testing
• Ultrasound
• Assessment of the uterus and ovaries
• Partner evaluation
• Referral to a reproductive specialist

The timing of testing depends on the patient’s age, medical history, menstrual regularity, and how long pregnancy has been attempted.

Urinary and Pelvic Floor Symptoms

Urinary symptoms may be connected with infection, bladder irritation, pelvic floor weakness, prolapse, childbirth history, menopause, medication, or another condition.

Dr. Smith may evaluate:

• Urinary leakage
• Frequent urination
• Sudden urgency
• Painful urination
• Repeated urinary infections
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Pelvic pressure
• Urinary changes after childbirth
• Symptoms developing during menopause

Testing may include urine analysis, pelvic examination, bladder assessment, or referral to a urologist.

Treatment depends on the cause and may involve pelvic floor exercises, medication, lifestyle changes, or a procedure.

Menopause Care

Menopause is the stage when menstrual periods permanently stop. Symptoms may begin earlier during perimenopause.

Dr. Smith may help patients manage:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Irregular periods
• Sleep disruption
• Vaginal dryness
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• Mood changes
• Urinary symptoms
• Bone-health concerns

Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medication, vaginal treatment, or menopausal hormone therapy when medically appropriate.

Hormone treatment is not suitable for everyone. Its benefits and risks depend on age, symptoms, medical history, and personal risk factors.

Another physician offering pregnancy, reproductive, and menopause care is Dr. Jihad M. Harmouche.

Gynecological Procedures

Depending on the diagnosis and available practice services, Dr. Smith may perform or coordinate procedures such as:

• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy
• Endometrial biopsy
• Hysteroscopy
• Dilation and curettage
• Endometrial ablation
• Tubal sterilization
• Treatment of selected ovarian conditions
• Fibroid surgery
• Hysterectomy
• Cesarean delivery

Not every gynecological condition requires surgery. Monitoring, medication, hormonal treatment, or another conservative approach may be appropriate.

Before undergoing a procedure, patients should understand why it is recommended, what alternatives are available, and what recovery may involve.

Video Visits

Current provider information lists video visits as available through Dr. Smith’s practice. Telehealth may be useful for selected follow-up appointments and concerns that do not require an immediate physical examination.

A virtual visit may be suitable for:

• Review of test results
• Medication follow-up
• Contraception discussions
• Menopause treatment follow-up
• Prenatal questions
• Postoperative follow-up when appropriate
• Discussion of stable symptoms

Pelvic examinations, Pap tests, ultrasound studies, procedures, and certain pregnancy assessments still require an in-person appointment.

The practice can determine whether an office or video appointment is more suitable.

Preparing for an Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medication list
• The date of the last menstrual period
• Previous Pap test results
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Earlier surgical records
• Recent laboratory reports
• Ultrasound or imaging results
• A list of medication allergies
• Notes about current symptoms
• Questions about testing or treatment

Patients experiencing abnormal bleeding may find it helpful to record when the bleeding occurs, how long it lasts, and how heavy it becomes.

Pregnant patients should bring available prenatal records, ultrasound reports, laboratory results, and details of all medicines and supplements.

Patient-Centered Women’s Healthcare

Dr. Smith provides obstetric and gynecological care based on each patient’s age, symptoms, pregnancy needs, medical history, and reproductive goals.

Her services may include preventive examinations, prenatal monitoring, childbirth care, postpartum follow-up, contraception, menstrual treatment, menopause support, diagnostic testing, and gynecological procedures.

Patients should confirm appointment availability, insurance participation, hospital arrangements, video-visit eligibility, and referral requirements directly with OBGYN Medical Center Associates.