About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Demetra Vassiliou (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Ottawa, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Ottawa, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. Dr. Vassiliou provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She is dedicated to supporting women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, in a compassionate and respectful manner.
Dr. Vassiliou graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1987. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 32 years, since 1992. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Vassiliou is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Ottawa through personalized treatment plans and attentive listening. She speaks English, French, and Greek, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations and culturally sensitive care.
Dr. Demetra Vassiliou 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.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- Female Infertility Evaluation & Initial Management: Comprehensive assessment to identify potential causes of difficulty conceiving in women and initiation of basic treatments.
- 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.
- 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.
Sexual Health and Dysfunction
- Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
- Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.
- Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
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. Demetra Vassiliou or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Comprehensive Prenatal Care & Risk Assessment: Regular check-ups, monitoring, and guidance throughout pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal well-being, including initial risk assessment, ultrasound referrals, genetic screening discussions, and prenatal testing.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- 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.
- Pap Tests, HPV Testing & Cervical Cancer Screening (Colposcopy, LEEP): Cervical cancer screening through Pap tests and HPV testing, with follow-up diagnostic procedures like colposcopy and treatment for precancerous changes (e.g., LEEP - Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
- Diagnostic & Operative Hysteroscopy: Procedure using a thin, lighted scope to examine the inside of the uterus and perform minor surgical treatments such as polyp removal, fibroid resection, or septum correction.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Vassiliou 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. Vassiliou practices in a well-equipped clinic located in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood of Ottawa, ON. The facility is situated within a hospital or clinic setting near the Civic Hospital and Westboro East area. It is conveniently accessible from the CF Rideau Centre, with public transportation options including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus services). The clinic is wheelchair accessible to ensure ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments in a comfortable and accessible environment.
- Are services from Dr. Vassiliou, 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. Vassiliou 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. Vassiliou, 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. Vassiliou 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. Vassiliou'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. Vassiliou, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- 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. Vassiliou will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.
Suite 201, 1081 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G2
Phone: (613) 729-6113 | Fax: (613) 691-1276
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Vassiliou 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/Vassiliou-Demetra/0044738-58716