About
Dr. Francine Blais 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 CSSS Gatineau - Hôp de Gatineau in Gatineau, QC, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Blais addresses both routine and complex conditions, ensuring personalized treatment plans. She is committed to supporting women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, fostering a trusting and collaborative doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Blais graduated with a Medical Degree in 1979 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 45 years. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training and certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, maintaining a strong dedication to continuous professional development and excellence in her field.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to promoting women's health in Gatineau through compassionate, respectful, and informed care. Dr. Blais speaks fluent French and is committed to serving her community with professionalism and empathy.
Dr. Francine Blais 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.
- 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.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) & Vaginal Cancer: Precancerous changes (VAIN) or rare cancers affecting the vagina.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia & Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Precancerous thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) or cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
- Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) & Vulvar Cancer: Precancerous changes (VIN) or malignant tumors affecting the external female genitalia (vulva).
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- 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.
- 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.
- Female Infertility Evaluation & Initial Management: Comprehensive assessment to identify potential causes of difficulty conceiving in women and initiation of basic treatments.
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. Francine Blais 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.
- Hysterectomy (Abdominal, Vaginal, Laparoscopic, Robotic-Assisted): Surgical removal of the uterus, performed through various approaches including minimally invasive techniques, depending on the medical indication and patient factors.
- 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.
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- Labor and Delivery Management (Vaginal & Cesarean): Professional medical care and support during labor and childbirth, including management of vaginal deliveries, assisted vaginal deliveries (forceps/vacuum if needed), and planned or emergency Cesarean sections (C-sections).
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- Postpartum Care & Follow-up: Medical follow-up and support for mothers in the weeks following childbirth, addressing physical recovery, incision care (if applicable), breastfeeding support, contraception planning, and screening for postpartum mood disorders.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Blais 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required for insured services.
Dr. Blais practices at CSSS Gatineau - Hôp de Gatineau, located in the Gatineau Sector East (Pointe-Gatineau, Le Baron) neighborhood of Gatineau, QC. The facility is conveniently situated near prominent landmarks such as Federal Government Buildings (Place du Portage) and the Canadian Museum of History. Easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system, the clinic offers excellent public transit options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car, providing added convenience for patients attending appointments.
- Are services from Dr. Blais, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Blais are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Blais, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Blais 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. Blais's office or your referring doctor.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Blais suggest?
- Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, location, and the severity of your symptoms (like heavy bleeding or pain), as well as your reproductive goals. Options range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic fibroids, to medications (hormonal therapies to manage symptoms), to minimally invasive procedures (like uterine artery embolization - often by interventional radiology), or surgical removal of fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). Dr. Blais will help you decide the best course of action.
- What are some common gynecological surgeries Dr. Blais might perform?
- Common gynecological surgeries include procedures like hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), tubal ligation (female sterilization), D&C (dilation and curettage), endometrial ablation, and surgeries to treat conditions such as fibroids (myomectomy), endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic organ prolapse. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Dr. Blais will discuss if surgery is appropriate for your condition and explain the specific procedure, risks, and benefits.
CSSS Gatineau - Hôp de Gatineau
909 boul de La Verendrye O
Gatineau, QC J8P 7H2
Phone: (819) 966-6100 | Fax: (819) 966-6290
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Blais is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another qualified healthcare provider is typically required for provincially insured consultations and treatments.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=79063