Dr. Mara Lindsay Sobel – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Toronto, ON

Dr. Mara Lindsay Sobel 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 The Credit Valley Hospital in Toronto, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Sobel’s role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a compassionate approach tailored to each patient's needs. She is committed to supporting women through all stages of life, including prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for her patients.

Dr. Sobel graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2007 in Canada. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 12 years, since 2012. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, maintaining ongoing certification and professional development to stay updated with the latest evidence-based practices.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practices. Dr. Sobel is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Toronto by providing empathetic, comprehensive, and personalized care. She speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate actively in their healthcare decisions.

Dr. Mara Sobel 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.
• Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.
• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.

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.
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
• 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.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions

• Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, requiring careful monitoring and management to ensure health for both mother and baby.
• Postpartum Complications (e.g., Hemorrhage, Infection, Mood Disorders): Health problems that can occur after childbirth, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or postpartum depression/anxiety, requiring prompt attention.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage): The occurrence of two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation, prompting investigation for underlying 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. Mara Sobel or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• 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.
• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Prenatal Care & Risk Assessment: Regular check-ups, monitoring, and guidance throughout pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal well-being, including initial risk assessment, ultrasound referrals, genetic screening discussions, and prenatal testing.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Sobel 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. Sobel practices at The Credit Valley Hospital, located in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighbourhood of Toronto. The hospital is conveniently situated near St. Lawrence Market and Scotiabank Arena, making it easily accessible by public transportation including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers parking facilities for patients. The hospital’s central location ensures that women from across Toronto and the surrounding areas can access comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

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

How often do I need a Pap test, and what is it for?

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It checks for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Guidelines vary slightly by province but are generally recommended for women starting around age 21-25 (or once sexually active) and continuing every 2-3 years if results are normal. The frequency may change based on your age, medical history (including HPV status), and previous Pap test results. Dr. Sobel will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.

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

Yes, Dr. Sobel 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. Sobel 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. Sobel?

Dr. Sobel 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. Sobel during your prenatal visits.

The Credit Valley Hospital
700 University Avenue, Department of Family Medicine
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z5

Phone: (416) 586-8273 | Fax: (416) 586-8312

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sobel 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/Sobel-Mara-Lindsay/0242530-86274