Dr. Luz Jalime Arbelaez Correa – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Nanaimo, BC

As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Luz Jalime Arbelaez Correa 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 Nanaimo, BC, she provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. The practice is located in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, conveniently close to Woodgrove Centre Mall and Nanaimo North Town Centre. It is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible, with metered street parking available nearby. Dr. Arbelaez Correa adheres to the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe, ethical, and patient-centered care.

Dr. Luz Jalime Arbelaez Correa graduated with an MD from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 1992 in Colombia. She completed extensive post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, gaining comprehensive expertise in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy management, and surgical procedures. She holds certifications including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence and continuous professional development.

Dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and patient-centered care, Dr. Arbelaez Correa values shared decision-making and respects each woman's unique health journey. She is committed to supporting women of all ages through preventive care, pregnancy, and menopause management, ensuring their comfort and understanding at every stage. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she strives to communicate clearly and empathetically, fostering trusting relationships with her patients in Nanaimo.

Dr. Luz Arbelaez Correa provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:

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.
• 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.

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.

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Bartholin's Gland Cysts/Abscesses: Blockage and subsequent swelling or infection of the Bartholin's glands, located near the vaginal opening.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries), often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to serious complications if untreated.
• Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy, painful periods.

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. Luz Arbelaez Correa 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• 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).
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
• 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. Arbelaez Correa 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. Luz Jalime Arbelaez Correa practices in a modern clinic situated within a hospital setting in Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay. The location offers convenient access for residents from the surrounding neighborhoods, including proximity to major shopping centers like Woodgrove Centre Mall and Nanaimo North Town Centre. Easily reachable via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), the facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, making it easy for women to attend appointments comfortably and efficiently. The clinic's environment is designed to promote a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for women seeking comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care.

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

What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?

Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Arbelaez Correa 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. Arbelaez Correa 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.

What are some common gynecological surgeries Dr. Arbelaez Correa 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. Arbelaez Correa will discuss if surgery is appropriate for your condition and explain the specific procedure, risks, and benefits.

Does Dr. Arbelaez Correa manage high-risk pregnancies?

Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Arbelaez Correa has a particular focus on/experience with managing high-risk pregnancies, which may include conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple gestations (twins/triplets), or pre-existing maternal health issues. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to specific maternal or fetal conditions, Dr. Arbelaez Correa will provide comprehensive care and may work closely with, or refer you to, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist if needed for highly specialized management. It's best to discuss your specific situation with her.

105-1621 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5T4

Phone: (250) 755-1763 | Fax: (250) 755-1793

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Arbelaez Correa 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/332132/Arbelaez%20Correa%2CLuz