About
Christopher S. Cowden, MD, MPH
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Dr. Cowden was raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. When he is not at work, Dr. Cowden enjoys spending time with his friends in Austin, including hiking the Greenbelt, paddleboarding Lake Austin, catching concerts, and trying new restaurants and watering holes. He says he loves sports – “particularly college basketball (Go Tar Heels!),” and skiing. Among his favorite area locales are Barking Springs, “anywhere along the Greenbelt,” New Braunfels, and Gruene.
Dr. Cowden provides labor and delivery services and performs surgical gynecological procedures at:
I began my career in public health as an epidemiologist, conducting public health research with multiple organizations. Thinking about disease at the population level inspired an interest in taking care of patients, so I entered medical school. I was drawn to women’s health because I can serve women with a diverse set of medical needs across all stages of life. Obstetrics and gynecology also allows me to use my public health experience and skills to address health disparities and participate in health advocacy. I listen to the concerns and needs of my patients and offer solutions that are grounded in evidence-based medicine. I strive to create an environment in which patients feel heard and supported so that I may best help them make decisions for their health most consistent with their desires and values.
Services
- Adolescent Gynecology: "The First Visit"
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Adolescent Gynecology: "The First Visit"
Adolescent gynecology includes an introduction to a gynecologist or advanced practice clinician (APC) and general health counseling, as well as discussion of any concerns.
- Annual Gynecological Exam
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Annual Gynecological Exam
The annual gynecological exam is a yearly preventative and diagnostic examination that helps monitor any ongoing physical or hormonal conditions. The examination typically includes a routine breast and pelvic exam and may include a screening for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
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- Birth Control and Contraceptive Counseling
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Birth Control and Contraceptive Counseling
Contraception (birth control) is any activity, medicine, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available for women who do not wish to become pregnant. The choice of a birth control method is a complex decision; ARC provides information and supporting patients' decision-making about birth control methods through contraceptive counseling.
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- Comprehensive Gynecological Care
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Comprehensive Gynecological Care
ARC gynecologists and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) see patients of all ages for a wide variety of health issues, including pap tests, menopause, UTIs, birth control, well-checks, and STD testing and treatment.
- Comprehensive Obstetric Care
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Comprehensive Obstetric Care
Obstetrical care is a term used to describe the management of both normal and complicated pregnancy as well as the delivery and postpartum periods.
- Endometrial Ablation for Menstruation with Heavy Bleeding (Minerva®)
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Endometrial Ablation for Menstruation with Heavy Bleeding (Minerva®)
Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. It's done to stop or reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
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- Endometrial Ablation for Menstruation with Heavy Bleeding (NovaSure®)
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Endometrial Ablation for Menstruation with Heavy Bleeding (NovaSure®)
Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. It's done to stop or reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
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- Fertility Care
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Fertility Care
Fertility care at ARC focuses on monitoring, maintaining, and restoring your reproductive and gynecological health.
- Flu Vaccinations for Pregnant Women
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Flu Vaccinations for Pregnant Women
Flu vaccines given during pregnancy help protect both the pregnant mother and the baby from flu. The influenza vaccine can be given during any trimester of pregnancy.
- Genetic Screening
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Genetic Screening
Genetic screening is the process of testing for a genetic disorders that may be passed to offspring.
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- High Risk Pregnancy Care
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High Risk Pregnancy Care
A high-risk pregnancy is one where the mother or the fetus has an increased risk of adverse outcomes compared to uncomplicated pregnancies.
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- Hysterectomy
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Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. In some cases, other parts of the reproductive system may be removed.
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- IUD Insertion and Removal
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IUD Insertion and Removal
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped birth control device inserted in the uterus to help prevent pregnancy.
IUD insertions are scheduled at your ARC Ob/Gyn’s office.
Your comfort and well-being are our priority. At ARC, we offer a wide range of pain relief options for gynecologic and obstetric procedures, including ibuprofen, topical lidocaine, paracervical blocks, and nitrous oxide delivery by mask.
For procedures requiring pain relief, our care team will carefully review your medical history and consider your personal preferences to recommend the most appropriate option for you.
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- Labor and Delivery
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Labor and Delivery
For your convenience and to provide you with the best care, ARC Ob/Gyn doctors are credentialed to deliver at a hospital near your clinic location.
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- Menopause
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Menopause
An ARC Ob/Gyn physician or advanced practice clinician (APC) can help treat menopause symptoms and help prevent osteoporosis and will work with you to recommend lifestyle changes and possibly medicine.
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- Nexplanon Implantation and Removal
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Nexplanon Implantation and Removal
Nexplanon is a hormonal contraceptive implant designed to provide long-term birth control for individuals.
- Pap Smears and Other Gynecological Screenings
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Pap Smears and Other Gynecological Screenings
Getting regular preventive care and screenings may help find cancer and other health risks early, when they are most treatable and more treatment options are available.
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- Postpartum Care
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Postpartum Care
Your ARC doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) will explain what to expect and how to manage soreness, discharge, mood changes, and more after delivery.
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- Prenatal Medical Care
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Prenatal Medical Care
Prenatal care provides the best care for you and your unborn child. It also helps prepare you for the delivery of a healthy baby.
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- Preparing for Pregnancy
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Preparing for Pregnancy
If you're planning to become pregnant, you want to take the best care of you and your baby to help reduce risks. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. We recommend you begin with a pre-pregnancy exam with an ARC Ob/Gyn physician or advanced practice clinician (APC).
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- Preparing for Your Baby
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Preparing for Your Baby
Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. We recommend you begin with a pre-pregnancy exam with an ARC Ob/Gyn physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
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- Sonography
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Sonography
A sonogram is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound waves, to look at the organs and structures in your pelvic area.
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- STD Screening and Treatment
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STD Screening and Treatment
STIs are infectious diseases passed from person to person through sexual contact. They may also be called STDs for sexually transmitted diseases.
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- Tubal Ligation
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Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation, or “tying your tubes,” is a surgical procedure that prevents you from becoming pregnant.
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Locations & Hours
Credentials
Residency
Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, 2022Medical School
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2018Education
B.S. in Health Policy and Administration, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007
Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 2010Professional Positions
- Chief Resident, Resident and Medical Student Education, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin
- Member, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Member, Travis County Medical Society
Awards & Honors
- Resident Achievement Award, Outstanding Minimally Invasive Surgery Resident, The Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons, 2022
- Residency Program Award for Excellence in Obstetrics, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 2021
Mentions