About
Dr. Hassan Shenassa is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) providing comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. He offers a patient-focused approach to manage a wide spectrum of conditions. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Ottawa, ON, he offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Dr. Shenassa's practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. He is committed to supporting women through all stages of life, from reproductive years to menopause, with an emphasis on compassionate and personalized treatment.
Dr. Shenassa graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine in 1989 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of experience. He is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting his thorough training and dedication to excellence in women's health.
His clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. He is dedicated to promoting women's health in Ottawa by providing comprehensive, respectful, and accessible care. Dr. Shenassa speaks English, Farsi, and Persian, enabling him to serve a diverse community with cultural sensitivity and understanding.
Dr. Hassan Shenassa provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders affecting Gynecologic Health: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism that can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes.
- Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood, which can interfere with menstruation and fertility.
- Menopause & Perimenopausal Symptoms: The natural cessation of menstruation and the preceding transitional period, often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
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.
- 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. Hassan Shenassa or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Shenassa 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. Shenassa practices in a clinic and/or hospital setting located in the Nepean neighborhood of Ottawa, specifically in the Centrepoint, Tanglewood, and Craig Henry areas. The facility is conveniently situated near Confederation Square, making it easy to access via public transit, including OC Transpo services such as the O-Train LRT and buses. The location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing a comfortable and convenient environment for patients coming for appointments, prenatal visits, or surgical procedures.
- Are services from Dr. Shenassa, 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. Shenassa 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. Shenassa, 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. Shenassa 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. Shenassa's office or your referring doctor.
- What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Shenassa perform this?
- Yes, Dr. Shenassa can perform IUD (Intrauterine Device) insertions in the office. The procedure involves placing a small, T-shaped device into your uterus for long-acting, reversible contraception. During the insertion, you might experience some cramping, similar to period pains. Dr. Shenassa can discuss pain management options, such as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand or using local anesthetic in some cases. The actual insertion usually takes only a few minutes.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Shenassa deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Shenassa is affiliated with Almonte. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where he performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Shenassa's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
- What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?
- Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Shenassa 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. Shenassa 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.
Suite 330, 152 Cleopatra Drive
Ottawa, ON K2G 5X2
Phone: (613) 725-1870 | Fax: (613) 725-1647
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Shenassa 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/Shenassa-Hassan/0047326-61304