About
As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Nicole Charest offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, always prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at Clinique Gynévic in Victoriaville, QC, she provides accessible and high-quality care to women of all ages within the community. Dr. Charest adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective medical practices. Her focus encompasses comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a particular emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health.
Dr. Charest graduated with a Medical Degree in 1987 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 37 years. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training and certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, maintaining a commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in her field.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to supporting women’s health in Victoriaville through personalized approaches that respect each patient's unique needs and preferences. Dr. Charest speaks fluent French, facilitating clear communication and compassionate care for her diverse patient population.
Dr. Nicole Charest 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.
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- Fallopian Tube Disorders (Blockage, Hydrosalpinx, Adhesions): Conditions affecting the fallopian tubes, such as blockages or scarring, that can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
- 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.
Screening and Preventative Care
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Tests & HPV Testing): Regular screening to detect precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix, primarily through Pap tests and HPV DNA testing.
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
- Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
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. Nicole Charest or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Charest 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. Charest practices at the Clinique Gynévic, situated in the vibrant areas near central Victoriaville. The clinic is conveniently located close to local points of interest, making it easily accessible for patients. It is reachable via local public transit, ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, accommodating patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are available nearby, providing ease of access for patients arriving by car. The clinic's central location and accessible amenities are designed to support women seeking comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care in Victoriaville and surrounding communities.
- Are services from Dr. Charest, 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. Charest 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. Charest, 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. Charest 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. Charest's office or your referring doctor.
- What birth control options can Dr. Charest discuss with me?
- Dr. Charest can discuss a wide range of contraceptive options tailored to your individual needs and preferences. These include hormonal methods (like birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, hormonal IUDs, contraceptive implants), non-hormonal methods (like copper IUDs, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps), and permanent sterilization methods (tubal ligation or Essure for women, vasectomy referral for men). The best option depends on your health, lifestyle, menstrual cycle characteristics, and family planning goals. Dr. Charest will help you make an informed choice.
- How can Dr. Charest help with menopause symptoms?
- Dr. Charest 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.
Clinique Gynévic
102-39 rue Laurier E
Victoriaville, QC G6P 6P6
Phone: (819) 357-4073 | Fax: (819) 357-4075
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Charest 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=87388