Dr. Raphny A. Johnson, MD

Dr. Raphny A. Johnson, MD Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Women’s Health Care

Dr. Raphny A. Johnson, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist providing care for pregnancy, preventive gynecology, adolescent reproductive health, menstrual concerns, birth control, and conditions affecting the female reproductive system.

Her professional interests include prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy monitoring, annual wellness examinations, management of heavy menstrual bleeding, adolescent gynecology, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

An appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist is not limited to pregnancy. Patients may also seek care for irregular periods, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, cervical screening, contraception, ovarian cysts, uterine conditions, vaginal symptoms, and changes related to perimenopause or menopause.

About Dr. Raphny A. Johnson

Dr. Johnson provides obstetric and gynecologic care through Women’s Specialists of Clear Lake. Her work supports patients through different stages of reproductive health, from adolescent gynecology and family planning to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and later-life gynecologic care.

Her areas of care may include:

• Routine gynecologic examinations
• Annual women’s health visits
• Adolescent gynecology
• Pregnancy confirmation
• Prenatal care
• High-risk pregnancy monitoring
• Labor and delivery planning
• Postpartum follow-up
• Birth control management
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Cervical screening
• Abnormal Pap or HPV results
• Ovarian cyst evaluation
• Uterine fibroid assessment
• Minimally invasive gynecologic procedures
• Menopause-related concerns

Patients comparing doctors in this field can review other gynecology specialists through Doctiplus.

Education and Medical Training

Training Area	Institution	Details
Undergraduate education	Florida International University	Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude
Medical education	Howard University College of Medicine	Doctor of Medicine, completed in 2012
Residency	Baylor College of Medicine	Obstetrics and gynecology, 2012 to 2016
Board certification	American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology	Obstetrics and gynecology

Dr. Johnson completed her undergraduate studies in biology before attending Howard University College of Medicine, where she graduated as salutatorian.

She then completed specialist residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine.

OB-GYN residency prepares physicians to provide preventive reproductive care, manage pregnancy and childbirth, evaluate gynecologic symptoms, perform procedures, and respond to urgent pregnancy or pelvic health concerns.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Johnson is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Her professional credentials include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• Residency training in obstetrics and gynecology
• Board certification in obstetrics and gynecology
• Experience in prenatal and high-risk pregnancy care
• Training in medical and surgical women’s health
• Experience with adolescent and preventive gynecology

Board certification is separate from medical licensing. A medical license permits a physician to practice, while board certification reflects specialist education, supervised training, and professional assessment.

Preventive Gynecologic Care

Preventive gynecology helps patients monitor reproductive health and identify concerns before they become more difficult to manage.

A routine appointment may include:

• Menstrual history review
• Blood pressure measurement
• Medication and supplement review
• Cervical screening when due
• Breast health discussion
• Pelvic examination when appropriate
• Pregnancy planning
• Contraception counseling
• Infection testing when appropriate
• Menopause discussion
• Family cancer history review

Not every patient needs every examination or test during each visit. Recommendations depend on age, symptoms, previous results, pregnancy history, medical conditions, and personal risk factors.

Regular women’s health appointments are also part of the wider role of preventive medical checkups.

Adolescent Gynecology

Adolescent gynecology addresses menstrual and reproductive health concerns during the teenage years and early adulthood.

Reasons for an appointment may include:

• Periods that have not started when expected
• Very heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe period pain
• Irregular cycles
• Periods that stop unexpectedly
• Vaginal discharge or irritation
• Acne or unwanted hair growth
• Possible polycystic ovary syndrome
• Questions about birth control
• Concerns about normal development

An adolescent gynecology appointment does not always require a pelvic examination. The visit may begin with a discussion of menstrual patterns, symptoms, medical history, medication, and the patient’s questions.

The doctor should explain why an examination or test may be needed before it begins.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

Prenatal care monitors the health of the pregnant patient and developing baby throughout pregnancy.

Care may include:

• Confirming pregnancy
• Estimating the expected delivery date
• Reviewing previous pregnancies
• Checking blood pressure and weight
• Ordering blood and urine tests
• Reviewing medication and supplements
• Monitoring fetal growth
• Discussing ultrasound findings
• Screening for gestational diabetes
• Assessing pregnancy-related anemia
• Preparing for labor and delivery

Patients should tell Dr. Johnson about previous miscarriages, premature deliveries, cesarean sections, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, blood clots, or other complications.

Every prescription, nonprescription medicine, vitamin, and herbal product should be reviewed. A product described as natural is not automatically suitable during pregnancy.

Patients can also review other doctors providing obstetric and pregnancy care.

High-Risk Pregnancy Monitoring

Some pregnancies require closer monitoring because a medical condition, earlier pregnancy problem, or new complication may increase risk for the patient or baby.

Reasons for additional monitoring may include:

• High blood pressure
• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Multiple pregnancy
• Previous premature delivery
• Previous pregnancy loss
• Placental concerns
• Abnormal fetal growth
• Blood-clotting conditions
• Kidney or heart disease
• Pregnancy at a later reproductive age

Additional care may involve more frequent appointments, laboratory testing, ultrasound examinations, fetal monitoring, medication, or coordination with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

Patients can read about high-risk pregnancy warning signs, but severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should be assessed without delay.

Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Blood Pressure

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and signs that other organs may be affected.

Possible warning signs include:

• Severe or continuing headache
• Vision changes
• Sudden swelling
• Pain beneath the ribs
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid fluid-related weight gain
• High blood pressure readings
• Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy

Some patients have few noticeable symptoms, which is why blood pressure and urine checks are included in prenatal care.

Treatment depends on the stage of pregnancy, blood pressure, laboratory findings, symptoms, and the health of the baby.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops when blood sugar becomes elevated during pregnancy.

Many patients do not notice clear symptoms, so screening is commonly completed during prenatal care.

Management may involve:

• Home blood sugar monitoring
• Nutrition planning
• Suitable physical activity
• Medication when needed
• Additional fetal monitoring
• Delivery planning
• Blood sugar testing after pregnancy

Managing blood sugar may reduce the risk of excessive fetal growth, difficult delivery, newborn blood sugar problems, and other complications.

Patients who develop gestational diabetes should continue follow-up after delivery because it can increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Labor and Delivery Planning

Delivery planning considers the patient’s health, fetal position, pregnancy progress, previous deliveries, and personal preferences.

Topics may include:

• Signs that labor has begun
• When to contact the maternity team
• When to travel to the hospital
• Pain-management options
• Vaginal delivery
• Induction of labor
• Assisted delivery
• Cesarean delivery
• Support during labor
• Newborn care
• Postpartum recovery

A birth plan can help patients communicate preferences. However, it may need to change if an unexpected medical concern affects the patient or baby.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum care supports physical and emotional recovery after childbirth.

A follow-up visit may include:

• Reviewing vaginal bleeding
• Checking blood pressure
• Examining a cesarean incision or tear
• Discussing pain management
• Reviewing breastfeeding concerns
• Assessing bladder or bowel symptoms
• Birth control planning
• Pelvic floor recovery
• Emotional health screening
• Planning a return to activity

Patients should mention persistent sadness, severe anxiety, panic symptoms, difficulty completing basic daily care, or emotional changes that feel difficult to manage.

Heavy bleeding, chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe headache, fever, or painful swelling in one leg requires prompt medical assessment.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Dr. Johnson has a professional interest in managing heavy menstrual cycles.

Heavy bleeding may involve:

• Soaking through menstrual products very quickly
• Needing to use more than one product at a time
• Bleeding for longer than expected
• Passing large clots
• Waking during the night to change protection
• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Developing iron-deficiency anemia
• Missing work, school, or activities

Possible causes include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Hormonal changes
• Ovulation problems
• Thyroid conditions
• Bleeding disorders
• Medication effects
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Changes in the uterine lining

Evaluation may include pregnancy testing, blood work, pelvic examination, ultrasound, cervical testing, or sampling of the uterine lining when appropriate.

Treatment should address the cause and may include medication, hormonal treatment, an intrauterine device, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery.

Irregular Periods and Missed Cycles

Menstrual cycles may become irregular because of:

• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Weight changes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Thyroid conditions
• Medication
• Perimenopause
• Intense physical activity
• Chronic illness
• Hormonal changes

One unusual cycle may not indicate a serious problem. Medical assessment may become useful when irregularity continues, periods stop unexpectedly, bleeding becomes very heavy, or pregnancy is possible.

Patients should record the beginning and end of each period, bleeding amount, associated pain, and any missed cycles.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus.

Some cause no symptoms. Others may lead to:

• Heavy periods
• Pelvic pressure
• Painful menstruation
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Abdominal fullness
• Anemia
• Pregnancy or fertility concerns

Treatment depends on the number, size, and location of the fibroids, along with the patient’s symptoms and future pregnancy plans.

Options may include monitoring, medication, minimally invasive treatment, or surgery.

Endometriosis

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

Possible symptoms include:

• Painful periods
• Pelvic pain between cycles
• Pain during sexual activity
• Pain with bowel movements
• Heavy or irregular bleeding
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Lower-back discomfort
• Fatigue

The severity of symptoms does not always show how extensive the condition may be.

Treatment may include pain management, hormonal medication, surgery, fertility assessment, or a combination of approaches.

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled or partly solid area that develops on or inside an ovary.

Many cysts are related to normal ovulation and disappear without treatment. Further assessment may be needed when a cyst:

• Causes continuing pain
• Increases in size
• Appears complex on imaging
• Develops after menopause
• Causes pressure or bloating
• Is associated with abnormal bleeding
• Remains present on follow-up imaging

The doctor may recommend repeat ultrasound, blood testing, monitoring, or surgery depending on the findings.

Sudden severe pelvic pain accompanied by vomiting, weakness, or fainting requires urgent assessment.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain may be sudden, recurring, or present for a long period.

Possible causes include:

• Menstrual cramping
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic infection
• Bladder conditions
• Digestive problems
• Pelvic floor concerns
• Scar tissue after surgery
• Pregnancy-related complications

Patients should describe whether the pain feels sharp, cramping, aching, burning, or pressure-like.

It may also help to record whether pain is connected with periods, urination, bowel movements, physical activity, pregnancy, or sexual activity.

Cervical Screening and Abnormal Results

Cervical screening helps identify abnormal cell changes before they become more serious.

Screening may involve:

• A Pap test
• HPV testing
• Both tests together

An abnormal result does not automatically mean that cervical cancer is present.

Further care may include:

• Repeat testing
• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy
• Treatment of abnormal cells
• Closer monitoring

Patients should provide information about earlier abnormal results, cervical procedures, pregnancy, immune conditions, and HPV vaccination.

Birth Control Management

Birth control counseling helps patients compare available methods according to their health, pregnancy goals, menstrual preferences, and daily routine.

Options may include:

• Birth control pills
• Skin patches
• Vaginal rings
• Injections
• Contraceptive implants
• Intrauterine devices
• Barrier methods
• Fertility-awareness approaches
• Permanent contraception

No single method is suitable for everyone.

The doctor may consider blood pressure, migraine history, clotting risk, tobacco exposure, menstrual symptoms, medication, and future pregnancy plans.

Patients should ask about effectiveness, possible side effects, expected bleeding changes, and how quickly fertility may return after stopping a method.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Dr. Johnson’s professional interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

These procedures use smaller surgical openings than traditional open abdominal surgery. Depending on the condition, the surgeon may use laparoscopic instruments, a small camera, or another specialized method.

Minimally invasive surgery may be considered for selected patients with:

• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Abnormal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Scar tissue
• Other uterine or ovarian concerns

Possible benefits for suitable patients may include smaller incisions, shorter hospitalization, reduced postoperative discomfort, and a faster return to normal activity.

This approach is not appropriate for every diagnosis. The choice depends on the condition, anatomy, earlier surgery, general health, and the amount of treatment required.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the transition leading to menopause. Hormone levels and menstrual cycles may become less predictable during this stage.

Possible symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Irregular bleeding
• Sleep difficulty
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary symptoms
• Reduced concentration
• Changes in sexual comfort
• Joint or muscle discomfort

Treatment may involve lifestyle support, vaginal moisturizers, local vaginal medication, nonhormonal treatment, or hormone therapy for suitable patients.

Hormone treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Personal history, breast health, cardiovascular conditions, blood-clotting risk, unexplained bleeding, and medication use should be reviewed first.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Johnson

An appointment may be appropriate for patients who:

• Need a routine gynecologic examination
• Are planning a pregnancy
• Need prenatal care
• Have a high-risk pregnancy
• Need adolescent gynecology care
• Experience heavy or irregular periods
• Have pelvic pain
• Need cervical screening
• Have an abnormal Pap or HPV result
• Want birth control guidance
• Need evaluation of a fibroid or ovarian cyst
• Have symptoms of endometriosis
• Experience menopause-related concerns
• Want another opinion before a gynecologic procedure

Patients searching for another healthcare professional can use the Doctiplus directory to find doctors by specialty.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation usually begins with a review of the patient’s main concern, reproductive history, medical conditions, medication, and previous test results.

Dr. Johnson may ask about:

• Menstrual cycle patterns
• Pregnancy history
• Previous deliveries
• Current birth control
• Medication and allergies
• Earlier surgery
• Family medical history
• Pelvic or vaginal symptoms
• Previous Pap or HPV results
• Pregnancy plans
• Menopause symptoms
• Recent laboratory or imaging findings

The examination depends on the reason for the appointment. A pelvic or breast examination may be recommended when medically appropriate.

Possible next steps include:

• Pregnancy testing
• Blood or urine testing
• Cervical screening
• Infection testing
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Medication
• Prenatal monitoring
• Follow-up examination
• Referral to another specialist
• Discussion of a procedure

Patients can ask for an explanation before any examination, test, or procedure begins.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A medication and supplement list
• Allergy information
• Dates of recent menstrual periods
• Pregnancy records
• Previous ultrasound reports
• Earlier Pap or HPV results
• Surgical records
• Blood pressure or blood sugar readings
• Insurance information
• Referral documents
• Written questions

Patients with abnormal bleeding may find it helpful to record the timing, duration, and approximate heaviness of each episode.

Pregnant patients should bring information about previous complications and every medicine or supplement currently being used.

Questions to Ask Dr. Johnson

Patients may consider asking:

• What could be causing my symptoms?
• Which tests are necessary?
• Is my pregnancy considered high risk?
• What monitoring may be needed?
• Are my menstrual changes expected?
• What treatment options are available?
• Could medication be contributing to the problem?
• Is a procedure necessary?
• Are there nonsurgical alternatives?
• Could treatment affect fertility?
• How long might recovery take?
• When should I return for follow-up?
• Which symptoms require urgent assessment?
• Should another specialist be involved?

Written instructions may help when the care plan includes several medicines, tests, or appointments.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Johnson provides care through Women’s Specialists of Clear Lake.

Practice address:
400 West Medical Center Boulevard, Suite 300
Webster, TX 77598

Appointment phone:
281-557-0300

Her current practice profile lists online booking for new patients and telemedicine for selected appointment types. She is affiliated with HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.

Practice hours, appointment availability, telemedicine access, insurance participation, and hospital affiliations may change. Patients should confirm current information before traveling.

Languages and Communication

English is listed on Dr. Johnson’s official practice profile.

Patients who need another language should ask whether interpreter assistance can be arranged when scheduling the appointment.

Insurance and Telehealth Information

Insurance participation depends on the patient’s exact plan, provider network, hospital, and requested service.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Johnson included in my network?
• Is the hospital or delivery facility also in network?
• Is a referral required?
• Does prenatal care need prior authorization?
• Are laboratory and ultrasound services billed separately?
• Are delivery charges separate from office appointments?
• Does a planned procedure require approval?
• Is telehealth suitable for the appointment type?
• Are new patients currently being accepted?

Telehealth may be useful for selected follow-up appointments, medication discussions, or test-result reviews. Pregnancy concerns, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and conditions requiring an examination may need an in-person appointment.

When Symptoms Require Urgent Care

Patients should not wait for a routine gynecology appointment when symptoms are severe, sudden, or rapidly worsening.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• A positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding
• Severe headache during pregnancy
• Vision changes during pregnancy
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy
• Fluid leaking during pregnancy
• Labor symptoms earlier than expected
• Fever with severe pelvic pain
• Pain and swelling in one leg
• Serious symptoms after delivery or surgery

Patients can review guidance about when immediate medical attention may be necessary, but severe symptoms should be assessed without delay.