Dr. Mark Stafford Carey – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Mark Stafford Carey, 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 a clinic and/or hospital setting in Vancouver, BC, he offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). With a special interest in areas such as Specialty practice - gynecologic oncology, he brings focused expertise to Dr. Carey's practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology. His services encompass a wide range of women's health needs, including prenatal care, pregnancy management, and gynecological treatments, serving women of all ages with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Carey graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1981 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He holds certifications including those recognized by the College Registration Committee of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Throughout his career, Dr. Carey is committed to providing patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making, evidence-based practices, and individualized treatment plans. He is dedicated to women’s health in Vancouver, offering services in English, and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel heard and supported in their healthcare journey.

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

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• 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.
• Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.
• Vaginitis (Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis): Inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain, commonly caused by infections or imbalances in vaginal flora.

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.

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

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

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. Mark Carey 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis, Staging & Surgical Treatment of Gynecologic Cancers: Comprehensive evaluation, staging, and surgical management of cancers affecting the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vulva, vagina, and fallopian tubes.
• Management of Precancerous Gynecologic Conditions (e.g., CIN, VIN, Endometrial Hyperplasia): Treatment of conditions like cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia to prevent progression to invasive cancer.
• Cytoreductive (Debulking) Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Surgical procedure aimed at removing as much visible tumor as possible in advanced ovarian cancer cases.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Carey 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. Carey practices in a modern clinic located in the vibrant Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, BC. The facility is situated near the Vancouver Art Gallery, making it a central and accessible destination for patients. Easily reachable via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), Bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring convenience for all patients. Paid parking options are close by, providing easy access for those traveling by car. The location offers a comfortable environment for women seeking comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care in Vancouver.

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

What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Carey do?

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Carey, is a medical doctor specializing in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They provide care throughout a woman's life, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum support, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions (e.g., infections, fibroids, endometriosis, menstrual disorders), family planning, contraceptive management, preventative screenings like Pap tests, and management of menopausal symptoms.

Does Dr. Carey 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. Carey 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.

How can Dr. Carey help with menopause symptoms?

Dr. Carey 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.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Carey 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. Carey will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

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

2775 Laurel St, Department of OBGYN 6th Floor, Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4268 | Fax: (604) 875-5128

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Carey 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/334035/Carey%2CMark