Dr. Nina Sophie Maerkl – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Kelowna, BC

As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Nina Sophie Maerkl 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 Kelowna, BC, she provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. Dr. Maerkl adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and ethical practice. Her role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She is dedicated to supporting women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, in a compassionate and respectful manner.

Dr. Maerkl graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2018 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Committed to patient-centered care, Dr. Maerkl emphasizes shared decision-making, evidence-based practice, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each woman's unique health needs. She is dedicated to promoting women's health and well-being in Kelowna, ensuring her patients receive respectful, comprehensive, and up-to-date medical care. She speaks English fluently and strives to foster a trusting, open environment for all her patients.

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

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Endometriosis: A painful disorder in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining.
• 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.
• 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.

Screening and Preventative Care

• HPV Vaccination Counseling: Discussing the benefits and recommendations for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.
• 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.
• Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• 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.
• Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological 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. Nina Maerkl or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
• 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.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
• 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.
• 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).

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Maerkl 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. Maerkl practices in a clinic located in the heart of Kelowna, BC, within a modern facility in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Orchard Park Mall Area and Mission Creek Regional Park, making it easily accessible for patients. The location is well-served by the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring public transportation options are available. The facility is wheelchair accessible, providing barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car, offering flexibility and ease of access for her patients.

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

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

What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?

Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Maerkl 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. Maerkl 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.

1131 Lawson Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6T8

Phone: (250) 763-0640

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Maerkl 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/345283/Maerkl%2CNina