Dr. Ashley Katherine Kirkwood – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Orillia, ON

As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Ashley Katherine Kirkwood offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Orillia, ON, she provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. Dr. Kirkwood’s comprehensive approach encompasses a wide range of women's health issues, including pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health, serving women of all ages, including those in prenatal and postnatal stages.

Dr. Kirkwood graduated with a Medical Degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. She has been practicing as a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2023 and is certified as a CPSO Recognized Specialist. Her training includes extensive clinical experience in obstetrics and gynecology, equipping her with the expertise to manage both routine and complex conditions effectively. Her dedication to ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in women's health.

Committed to patient-centered care, Dr. Kirkwood emphasizes shared decision-making and evidence-based practice. She strives to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each woman's unique needs and circumstances. Fluent in English, she is dedicated to fostering open communication and building trusting relationships with her patients in Orillia. Her philosophy centers on empowering women through education and compassionate care, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their health journeys.

Dr. Ashley Kirkwood provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed, Overflow): The involuntary loss of urine, which can occur with physical exertion (stress), a sudden, strong urge (urge), a combination, or due to bladder overfilling.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS): A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
• Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions

• Routine & High-Risk Prenatal Care: Comprehensive monitoring and management throughout all stages of pregnancy, including those with increased maternal or fetal risks.
• Placenta Previa & Placental Abruption: Conditions where the placenta is abnormally positioned (previa) or detaches prematurely from the uterine wall (abruption), posing risks to mother and baby.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, requiring urgent medical attention.

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
• Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
• Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.

This list highlights some common conditions managed within Obstetrics and Gynecology and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific health concerns, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ashley Kirkwood or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• Pelvic Pain Evaluation & Chronic Pelvic Pain Management: Comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary treatment strategies for acute and chronic pelvic pain, identifying potential causes such as endometriosis, fibroids, or PID.
• Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
• Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis & Ovarian Cysts (Excision/Ablation): Minimally invasive surgical techniques for diagnosing and treating endometriosis implants (excision or ablation) and removing benign ovarian cysts.
• Oophorectomy / Salpingo-oophorectomy (Laparoscopic or Open): Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, and potentially fallopian tubes, often for cysts, tumors, endometriosis, or cancer risk reduction.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• Menopause & Perimenopause Symptom Management: Personalized guidance and treatment options for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Kirkwood provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical options tailored to individual patient needs within women's health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Specific services offered can be confirmed by contacting the clinic.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). A referral may be required for insured services.

Dr. Kirkwood practices in a clinic located in the areas near central Orillia, ON, within a modern, accessible facility situated in a reputable hospital or clinic setting. The location is conveniently accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach from various parts of the community. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring patients with mobility challenges can receive care comfortably. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing additional convenience for those arriving by car. The practice is situated near local points of interest, making it a convenient choice for women seeking obstetric and gynecological services in Orillia.

Are services from Dr. Kirkwood, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Kirkwood are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective procedures, certain fertility treatments, or non-medically indicated services may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the clinic.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Kirkwood, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Kirkwood for most consultations and treatments. This ensures coordinated care. Some specific services or clinics (e.g., some sexual health or contraception clinics) might have different access pathways, but for ongoing obstetrical or gynecological care, a referral is standard. Please check with Dr. Kirkwood's office or your referring doctor.

What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?

Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Kirkwood is usually quite comprehensive, typically scheduled around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. It will involve a detailed review of your medical history, your partner's medical history (if applicable), and any previous pregnancies. Dr. Kirkwood will likely perform a physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam, confirm your pregnancy (often with an ultrasound referral), estimate your due date, and discuss important aspects of a healthy pregnancy such as nutrition, lifestyle, prenatal vitamins, and options for genetic screening and prenatal testing. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Kirkwood?

Dr. Kirkwood will discuss various pain relief options for labor, which can range from non-medical methods (like breathing techniques, movement, massage, hydrotherapy if available) to medical options such as nitrous oxide, narcotic pain medication, and epidural anesthesia. The choice depends on your preferences, medical condition, and the progress of your labor. It's a good idea to discuss your pain management plan with Dr. Kirkwood during your prenatal visits.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Kirkwood might recommend?

Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage pain and improve fertility if desired. Options vary based on symptom severity and patient goals and can include pain medications (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress endometrial tissue growth, and surgical treatments (laparoscopy) to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Dr. Kirkwood will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

16 O'Brien Street
Orillia, ON L3V 5S2

Phone: (705) 259-6429

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kirkwood is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from your family physician or another qualified healthcare provider is typically required for provincially insured consultations and treatments.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kirkwood-Ashley-Katherine/0342550-150007