About
Dr. Marie Maltais, a respected Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), focuses on empowering women through all stages of life with expert medical and surgical care, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Practicing at Hôpital de Chicoutimi in Chicoutimi, QC, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that patients receive safe and up-to-date medical services. Dr. Maltais's role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, to women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care.
She graduated with a Medical Degree in 2016 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2016, accumulating over 8 years of clinical experience. Dr. Maltais completed extensive post-graduate medical training and certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, which qualifies her to manage a wide range of women's health issues with expertise and confidence.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to improving women's health outcomes in Chicoutimi through compassionate, personalized care. Dr. Maltais speaks French fluently and is committed to ensuring her patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their healthcare journey.
Dr. Marie Maltais provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Menopause & Perimenopausal Symptoms: The natural cessation of menstruation and the preceding transitional period, often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
- Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood, which can interfere with menstruation and fertility.
- Hirsutism (Excess Hair Growth) & Acne (Hormonal): Excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern or persistent acne, often related to hormonal imbalances like those seen in PCOS.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
- 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.
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. Marie Maltais or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis & Ovarian Cysts (Excision/Ablation): Minimally invasive surgical techniques for diagnosing and treating endometriosis implants (excision or ablation) and removing benign ovarian cysts.
- 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.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- 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.
- Management of Menstrual Disorders & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/PMDD.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Maltais 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required for insured services.
Dr. Maltais practices at the Hôpital de Chicoutimi, located in the areas near central Chicoutimi. The hospital is conveniently situated close to several local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the hospital, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The hospital's central location and accessible facilities make it an ideal choice for women seeking comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care in the Chicoutimi area.
- Are services from Dr. Maltais, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Maltais are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Maltais, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Maltais 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. Maltais's office or your referring doctor.
- What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Maltais 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. Maltais will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.
- Does Dr. Maltais support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?
- VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Maltais's approach to VBAC will depend on your specific medical history, the reason for your previous C-section, the type of uterine incision you had, and current pregnancy factors. she will assess your individual suitability for VBAC and discuss the benefits and risks with you. Hospital policies also play a role in VBAC availability.
- What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Maltais perform this?
- Yes, Dr. Maltais 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. Maltais 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.
- How can Dr. Maltais help with menopause symptoms?
- Dr. Maltais can help manage bothersome menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and bone density concerns. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress reduction), non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen for localized symptoms, or systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a thorough discussion of the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile and preferences.
Hôpital de Chicoutimi
305 Rue Saint-Vallier
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5H6
Phone: (418) 541-1000 | Fax: (418) 541-1078
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Maltais is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another qualified healthcare provider is typically required for provincially insured consultations and treatments.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16590