Christopher Cowden, MD, MPH

Christopher S. Cowden, MD, MPH Pronunciation Guide

Obstetrics/Gynecology
4.7of 5 | (234) | View Reviews
About our provider ratings

Accepting new patients ARC Center Street Ages seen: 13 - 99 Languages: Spanish Joined ARC: 2022

About Christopher S. Cowden, MD, MPH

  • 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.

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"

Adolescent Gynecology: "The First Visit"

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), adolescents should have their first routine gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15 years old, which includes an introduction to the gynecologist and general health counseling, as well as discussion of any concerns.

Annual Gynecological Exam

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

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 provids information and supporting patients' decision-making about birth control methods through contraceptive counseling.

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Comprehensive Gynecological Care

Comprehensive Gynecological Care

A gynecologist sees 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

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®)

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®)

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

Fertility Care

Fertility care at ARC focuses on monitoring, maintaining, and restoring your reproductive and gynecological health.

Flu Vaccinations for Pregnant Women

Flu Vaccinations for Pregnant Women

Flu vaccine can help prevent a flu-related visits to the doctor each year. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every flu season. 

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Genetic Screening

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

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

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

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 management options for gynecologic and obstetric procedures, including ibuprofen, topical lidocaine, paracervical blocks, and nitrous oxide delivery via a mask (not available at all locations;please check with your local clinic).

For procedures requiring pain management, our care team will carefully review your medical history and consider your personal preferences to recommend the most appropriate pain management option for you.

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Labor and Delivery

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

Menopause

An ARC Ob/Gyn physician 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

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

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

Postpartum Care

Your ARC doctor will show you what to expect and how to manage soreness and discharge, soreness, mood changes, and more after delivery.

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Prenatal Medical Care

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

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 Nurse Practitioner. 

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Preparing for Your Baby

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 Ob/Gyn physician or Nurse Practitioner.

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Sonography

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

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

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

  • Medical School
    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2018
  • Residency
    Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, 2022
  • Education
    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, 2010
  • Professional 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

Patient Reviews

OVERALL PROVIDER RATING

Rating based on "Did the healthcare provider or doctor provide the care you expected?"

4.7out of 5
  • October 24, 2024

    The doctor actually listened to me !

  • October 24, 2024

    No communication on wait times. Having to pay extra for my sitter to wait an hour past my appointment. Lack of bedside manner from everyone but the front desk staff (they’re great)

  • October 22, 2024

    The entire visit was great!!!

  • October 22, 2024

    Dr. Cowden is quick, direct, and answers all of my questions and concerns.

  • October 17, 2024

    Excelente, buenos profesionales, un colectivo 5 estrella .

  • October 15, 2024

    Dr. Cowden is an outstanding OBGYN! I came to him for a second opinion after a disappointing experience with the previous doctor, who was rough and didn’t take the time to explain my surgery in detail. Dr. Cowden, on the other hand, was patient, thorough, and made sure that all my questions were answered. It’s clear that he truly cares about his patients and loves what he does. His kindness and professionalism put me at ease, and I felt fully informed and confident in his care. If I could give him more than 10 stars, I definitely would! He is a GEM! I highly recommend Dr. Cowden.

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