Dr. Jennifer Oakes – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Vancouver, BC

As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Jennifer Oakes offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Vancouver, BC, she provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and ethical medical practice. Dr. Oakes’s role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on women's health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She is dedicated to supporting women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, with a compassionate and empathetic approach.

Dr. Oakes graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2000 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and continuous learning in her field.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making, evidence-based practice, and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Oakes is committed to advancing women's health in Vancouver through compassionate care, clear communication, and respect for each patient’s unique needs. She speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment for all her patients.

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

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
• 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.

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.

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

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. Jennifer Oakes or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C) / Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Procedures to dilate the cervix and remove tissue from the inside of the uterus, for diagnosis or treatment of various uterine conditions or after miscarriage.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Oakes 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. Oakes practices in a modern clinic in Vancouver's Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood, conveniently situated near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium). The facility is easily accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments.

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

What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Oakes?

Dr. Oakes 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. Oakes during your prenatal visits.

What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Oakes perform this?

Yes, Dr. Oakes 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. Oakes 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. Oakes deliver babies or perform surgeries?

Dr. Oakes is affiliated with affiliated local hospitals. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Oakes's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Oakes might recommend?

Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage pain and improve fertility if desired. Options vary based on symptom severity and patient goals and can include pain medications (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress endometrial tissue growth, and surgical treatments (laparoscopy) to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Dr. Oakes will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

1290 Hornby St, Seymour Medical Clinic
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B9

Phone: (604) 689-1400 | Fax: (604) 689-1437

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Oakes 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/325003/Oakes%2CJennifer