About
As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Jeffrey Acres Somerville offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at the Dr. Jeffery Sommerville Clinic in Nanaimo, BC, he provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe and ethical medical services. Dr. Somerville’s focus encompasses comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a compassionate approach tailored to each woman's unique needs. He serves women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal patients, fostering a supportive environment for women’s health throughout their life stages.
Dr. Somerville graduated with his MD from the University of Saskatchewan in 1987 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He holds certifications including: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development. His training provides him with the expertise to manage a wide array of gynecological and obstetrical conditions, ensuring that patients benefit from evidence-based, individualized care.
Dedicated to patient-centered care, Dr. Somerville emphasizes shared decision-making and evidence-based practices. He is committed to supporting women’s health in Nanaimo through compassionate, respectful, and comprehensive medical services. Fluent in English, he strives to create a trusting and open environment where women feel comfortable discussing their health concerns and options. His overarching goal is to empower women with knowledge and compassionate support for their reproductive health journey.
Dr. Jeffrey Somerville provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
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.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Ovarian Cysts (Functional, Dermoid, Endometriomas): Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface, which are common and often benign but can sometimes cause pain or require intervention.
- Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy, painful periods.
- Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina (vulva) for which there's no identifiable cause, requiring careful management.
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. Jeffrey Somerville or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
- 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.
- Pelvic Pain Evaluation & Chronic Pelvic Pain Management: Comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary treatment strategies for acute and chronic pelvic pain, identifying potential causes such as endometriosis, fibroids, or PID.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Somerville 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required for insured services.
Dr. Jeffery Sommerville Clinic is situated in the heart of Nanaimo, BC, in the vibrant neighborhood of Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Bastion and Downtown Nanaimo, making it easily accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to provide a comfortable environment for all patients. Parking is available at the clinic, and it is well-served by the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient public transportation options for visitors seeking expert women's health care.
- Are services from Dr. Somerville, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Somerville are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Somerville, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Somerville 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. Somerville's office or your referring doctor.
- What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Somerville perform this?
- Yes, Dr. Somerville 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. Somerville 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.
- What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Somerville?
- Dr. Somerville will discuss various pain relief options for labor, which can range from non-medical methods (like breathing techniques, movement, massage, hydrotherapy if available) to medical options such as nitrous oxide, narcotic pain medication, and epidural anesthesia. The choice depends on your preferences, medical condition, and the progress of your labor. It's a good idea to discuss your pain management plan with Dr. Somerville during your prenatal visits.
- Does Dr. Somerville 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. Somerville 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.
Dr. Jeffery Sommerville Clinic
1165 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B5
Phone: (250) 753-9396 | Fax: (250) 753-9434
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Somerville is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306599/Somerville%2CJeffrey