About
Dr. Barbra Vrijer is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) providing comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She offers a patient-focused approach to manage a wide spectrum of conditions. Practicing at Niagara Health System in London, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. Dr. Vrijer's role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, to women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Erasmus University in the Netherlands in 1993 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 11 years, since 2013. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her specialized training and commitment to excellence in women's health.
Dr. Vrijer is committed to delivering patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making, and utilizing evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to advancing women's health in London through compassionate and individualized care. Fluent in Dutch and English, she ensures effective communication and understanding for her diverse patient community.
Dr. Barbra Vrijer provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Screening and Preventative Care
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Tests & HPV Testing): Regular screening to detect precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix, primarily through Pap tests and HPV DNA testing.
- HPV Vaccination Counseling: Discussing the benefits and recommendations for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- Fallopian Tube Disorders (Blockage, Hydrosalpinx, Adhesions): Conditions affecting the fallopian tubes, such as blockages or scarring, that can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
- Ovulatory Dysfunction (e.g., Anovulation, Oligo-ovulation): Problems with ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), such as infrequent or absent ovulation, a common cause of infertility.
- Uterine Factors Affecting Fertility (e.g., Septum, Asherman's Syndrome): Structural abnormalities or conditions of the uterus that can interfere with implantation or pregnancy maintenance.
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele, Uterine Prolapse, Enterocele, Vaginal Vault Prolapse): A condition where one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum, small bowel, vaginal apex) drop or press into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- 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.
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. Barbra Vrijer or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- Preconception Counseling & Health Optimization: Guidance and health optimization for individuals or couples planning a pregnancy, including discussion of folic acid supplementation, chronic medical conditions, genetic carrier screening, and lifestyle factors.
- Management of Menstrual Disorders & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/PMDD.
- Surgical Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (e.g., Colporrhaphy, Sacrocolpopexy): Reconstructive surgical procedures to correct the descent of pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum, often utilizing native tissue repair or mesh augmentation.
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- Contraceptive Counseling & Full Range Management: Comprehensive discussion and provision of various birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, patches, rings, injectables, IUD insertion/removal (hormonal and copper), and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) / Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Procedures to dilate the cervix and remove tissue from the inside of the uterus, for diagnosis or treatment of various uterine conditions or after miscarriage.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Vrijer 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. Vrijer practices at the Niagara Health System, located in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London, ON. The facility is conveniently situated near Victoria Park and Western University, making it easily accessible for patients in the area. Patients can reach the clinic via the London Transit Commission (LTC), with multiple transit options available. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by car, providing convenient and hassle-free access to care.
- Are services from Dr. Vrijer, 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. Vrijer 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. Vrijer, 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. Vrijer 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. Vrijer's office or your referring doctor.
- When should a teenager have her first OBGYN visit, and what does it involve?
- The first visit to an OBGYN for a teenager is often recommended between ages 13-15, or sooner if there are specific concerns like very painful periods, irregular cycles, or questions about sexual health. This initial visit may not involve a pelvic exam unless there's a specific medical reason. It's primarily an opportunity to build a rapport with Dr. Vrijer, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Vrijer do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Vrijer, is a medical doctor specializing in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They provide care throughout a woman's life, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum support, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions (e.g., infections, fibroids, endometriosis, menstrual disorders), family planning, contraceptive management, preventative screenings like Pap tests, and management of menopausal symptoms.
Niagara Health System
800 Commisioners Road E, Department of Diagnostic Radiology
London, ON N6A 5W9
Phone: (519) 646-6106 | Fax: (519) 646-6213
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Vrijer 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/de-Vrijer-Barbra/0226904-84045