Dr. Cassandra Jean Hirt-Walsh – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Edmonton, AB

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Cassandra Jean Hirt-Walsh (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Edmonton, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Edmonton, AB, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, she serves women of all ages, including those requiring prenatal and postnatal care.

Dr. Hirt-Walsh graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2013, completing extensive post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her certification process involved rigorous residency training, ensuring she is well-equipped to manage a wide range of women's health issues with the highest standards of medical practice.

With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Hirt-Walsh is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She values shared decision-making and strives to empower women through education and personalized treatment plans. Fluent in English, she is committed to fostering open communication and trust with her patients, ensuring their health and well-being are prioritized at every stage of life.

Dr. Cassandra Hirt-Walsh provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:

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.

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• 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.
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
• 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.

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
• Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy, painful periods.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries), often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to serious complications if untreated.

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. Cassandra Hirt-Walsh or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• 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.
• Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
• Management of Common Pregnancy Complications: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum), gestational diabetes (in conjunction with specialists if needed), hypertensive disorders, and preterm labor risk assessment and prevention strategies.
• Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
• 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.
• Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hirt-Walsh 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 Alberta (CPSA). A referral may be required for insured services.

Dr. Hirt-Walsh practices within a modern clinic situated in the SE: Mill Woods Town Centre, Michaels Park, Richfield neighborhood of Edmonton. The facility is conveniently located near the Living History Museum and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ample convenience for those visiting for appointments. The location is easily reachable for residents of Edmonton and surrounding areas seeking comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care.

Are services from Dr. Hirt-Walsh, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Hirt-Walsh are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the clinic.

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

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Hirt-Walsh 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. Hirt-Walsh's office or your referring doctor.

How can Dr. Hirt-Walsh help with menopause symptoms?

Dr. Hirt-Walsh can help manage bothersome menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and bone density concerns. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress reduction), non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen for localized symptoms, or systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a thorough discussion of the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile and preferences.

Does Dr. Hirt-Walsh support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Hirt-Walsh's approach to VBAC will depend on your specific medical history, the reason for your previous C-section, the type of uterine incision you had, and current pregnancy factors. she will assess your individual suitability for VBAC and discuss the benefits and risks with you. Hospital policies also play a role in VBAC availability.

How often do I need a Pap test, and what is it for?

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It checks for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Guidelines vary slightly by province but are generally recommended for women starting around age 21-25 (or once sexually active) and continuing every 2-3 years if results are normal. The frequency may change based on your age, medical history (including HPV status), and previous Pap test results. Dr. Hirt-Walsh will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.

120-3017 66 St NW, South Side Womens Health Centre
Edmonton, AB T6K 4B2

Phone: (780) 461-6220 | Fax: (780) 461-4197

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hirt-Walsh is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=08bffeb8-b47e-4317-9ef0-9dfe2398a790&i=622