About
Dr. Pascale Girard, 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 the Hôpital Sainte-Croix in Drummondville, QC, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Girard provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, ensuring women receive personalized and compassionate treatment tailored to their unique needs. She serves women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, supporting them through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
Dr. Girard graduated with a Medical Degree in 2014 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 10 years, since 2014. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training and certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle a wide range of women's health issues with expertise and confidence.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Girard is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Drummondville through compassionate, respectful, and thorough care. She speaks French fluently, ensuring clear communication and comfort for her patients. Her goal is to create a trusting environment where women feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Dr. Pascale Girard provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A collection of emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period, with PMDD being a more severe, debilitating form.
- Thyroid Disorders affecting Gynecologic Health: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism that can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes.
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Heavy, Irregular, Prolonged Periods): Menstrual bleeding that is different in frequency, duration, or amount than what is typical for an individual, requiring investigation.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Morning Sickness): A severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical management.
- Preeclampsia & Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Pregnancy complications characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys.
- Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, requiring careful monitoring and management to ensure health for both mother and baby.
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.
- 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.
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
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. Pascale Girard or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- 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).
- 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).
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Girard 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. Girard practices at the Hôpital Sainte-Croix located in the Drummondville West neighborhood of Saint-Charles-de-Drummond. The facility is conveniently situated near the Maison des arts Desjardins and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Drummondville (STD). The hospital is wheelchair accessible and offers ample parking facilities for patients. Its central location makes it easy for women from surrounding areas to access expert obstetric and gynecological care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
- Are services from Dr. Girard, 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. Girard 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. Girard, 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. Girard 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. Girard's office or your referring doctor.
- What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Girard perform this?
- Yes, Dr. Girard 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. Girard 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 the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Girard 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. Girard will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Girard suggest?
- Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, location, and the severity of your symptoms (like heavy bleeding or pain), as well as your reproductive goals. Options range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic fibroids, to medications (hormonal therapies to manage symptoms), to minimally invasive procedures (like uterine artery embolization - often by interventional radiology), or surgical removal of fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). Dr. Girard will help you decide the best course of action.
- When should a teenager have her first OBGYN visit, and what does it involve?
- The first visit to an OBGYN for a teenager is often recommended between ages 13-15, or sooner if there are specific concerns like very painful periods, irregular cycles, or questions about sexual health. This initial visit may not involve a pelvic exam unless there's a specific medical reason. It's primarily an opportunity to build a rapport with Dr. Girard, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
Hôpital Sainte-Croix
570 rue Hériot
Drummondville, QC J2B 1C1
Phone: (819) 478-6464
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Girard 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=14733