Dr. Helen Louise Steed – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Helen Louise Steed 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 Helen Steed Clinic Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Dr. Steed adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective treatment. Her role encompasses providing compassionate care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on supporting women throughout all stages of life, from adolescence through postmenopause. Patients of all ages, including those planning pregnancy or in postpartum recovery, can trust her expertise and dedication.

Dr. Steed graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1997. She completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, gaining comprehensive clinical experience in women's health. She holds key certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), reflecting her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making and evidence-based practice. Dr. Steed is dedicated to promoting women's health in Edmonton through personalized care and compassionate support. She communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and respectful dialogue with her patients, and strives to create a trusting environment where women feel empowered to discuss their health concerns openly.

Dr. Helen Steed provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:

Screening and Preventative Care

• Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
• Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Screening & Counseling: Testing for common STIs based on risk factors and symptoms, along with counseling on prevention and safe practices.

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• 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.
• Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Helen Steed or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• Menopause & Perimenopause Symptom Management: Personalized guidance and treatment options for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives.
• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Management of conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and screening/treatment for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV counseling.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Steed 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. Steed practices at the Helen Steed Clinic Edmonton, located in the vibrant S Central area near the University of Alberta in the Garneau and Windsor Park neighborhoods of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently situated close to the Edmonton Elks CFL Team and major city events, making it easily accessible for local patients. The facility is well-connected via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, providing accessible transportation options. The clinic is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and paid parking options are available nearby for added convenience.

Are services from Dr. Steed, 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. Steed 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. Steed, 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. Steed 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. Steed's office or your referring doctor.

Does Dr. Steed discuss or offer the HPV vaccine?

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, as well as other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Steed can discuss the benefits of the HPV vaccine, current recommendations for different age groups (including catch-up vaccination for adults), and can either provide the vaccine or refer you to where it can be obtained, depending on clinic services and provincial programs.

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. Steed, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.

Helen Steed Clinic Edmonton
11560 University Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2

Phone: (780) 432-8560 | Fax: (780) 432-8333

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Steed 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=45cdaea2-a6c6-4f5e-9104-d46191897853&i=1385