Dr. Paul Bessette – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Sherbrooke, QC

Dr. Paul Bessette, 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 CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS - Hôp Fleurimont, Obstétrique-gynécologie in Sherbrooke, QC, he offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. As a licensed physician under the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), Dr. Bessette adheres to the highest standards of medical practice, ensuring safe and compassionate care tailored to each patient's needs.

With a special interest in areas such as Gynecologic Oncology, he brings focused expertise to Dr. Bessette's practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology. His dedication spans the full spectrum of women's health, including pregnancy, childbirth, gynecological disorders, and preventive health services. His approach is centered on supporting women through personalized care, fostering a reassuring environment for sensitive health concerns, and emphasizing shared decision-making.

Dr. Bessette is committed to providing patient-centered care that respects individual values and preferences. Fluent in French, he communicates clearly and compassionately with his patients in Sherbrooke, ensuring they feel heard and well-informed at every stage of their health journey.

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

Screening and Preventative Care

• Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Screening & Counseling: Testing for common STIs based on risk factors and symptoms, along with counseling on prevention and safe practices.
• 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.

Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders

• 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.
• Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood, which can interfere with menstruation and fertility.
• 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.

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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. Paul Bessette or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• Postpartum Care & Follow-up: Medical follow-up and support for mothers in the weeks following childbirth, addressing physical recovery, incision care (if applicable), breastfeeding support, contraception planning, and screening for postpartum mood disorders.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Gynecologic Cancers: Procedure to identify and remove the first lymph node(s) to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
• Radical Hysterectomy & Pelvic Lymphadenectomy: Extensive surgical procedures for certain gynecologic cancers involving removal of the uterus, cervix, surrounding tissues, and pelvic lymph nodes.
• Oophorectomy / Salpingo-oophorectomy (Laparoscopic or Open): Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, and potentially fallopian tubes, often for cysts, tumors, endometriosis, or cancer risk reduction.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Bessette 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. Bessette practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS - Hôp Fleurimont, Obstétrique-gynécologie, located in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. The facility is conveniently situated near Mont Bellevue Access and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The hospital is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available on-site, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The practice serves the diverse community of Sherbrooke, offering comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care in a welcoming environment.

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

I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Bessette 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. Bessette will help you decide the best course of action.

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

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Bessette, 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.

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

What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Bessette?

Dr. Bessette will discuss various pain relief options for labor, which can range from non-medical methods (like breathing techniques, movement, massage, hydrotherapy if available) to medical options such as nitrous oxide, narcotic pain medication, and epidural anesthesia. The choice depends on your preferences, medical condition, and the progress of your labor. It's a good idea to discuss your pain management plan with Dr. Bessette during your prenatal visits.

What birth control options can Dr. Bessette discuss with me?

Dr. Bessette 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. Bessette will help you make an informed choice.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS - Hôp Fleurimont, Obstétrique-gynécologie
3001 12E Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4

Phone: (819) 346-1110 | Fax: (819) 821-7168

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Bessette 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=93198