Dr. Peter George Gilmour Potts – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Kitchener, ON

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Peter George Gilmour Potts (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Kitchener, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at St Joseph's Healthcare in the Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood, he offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with metered street parking available nearby. Dr. Potts adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe and professional medical services.

With a medical degree from McMaster University obtained in 1986, Dr. Potts has over 33 years of experience practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 1991. He is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards in women’s health care.

Dr. Potts’s clinical philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care through shared decision-making and evidence-based practices. He is dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of women’s reproductive health needs in Kitchener, including prenatal, obstetric, gynecological, and postnatal care. He speaks English fluently and is committed to fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all patients.

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

Screening and Preventative Care

• Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Screening & Counseling: Testing for common STIs based on risk factors and symptoms, along with counseling on prevention and safe practices.
• Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• 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.
• Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.

Infertility and Reproductive Health

• 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.
• Female Infertility Evaluation & Initial Management: Comprehensive assessment to identify potential causes of difficulty conceiving in women and initiation of basic treatments.
• 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.

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. Peter Potts or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Potts 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 Ontario (CPSO). A referral may be required for insured services.

Dr. Potts practices at St Joseph's Healthcare, situated in the vibrant Downtown Kitchener neighborhood of Cedar Hill. The hospital is conveniently located near the heart of Downtown Kitchener, making it easily accessible by public transportation, including the Grand River Transit (GRT) bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing convenient options for visitors. The hospital's central location and accessible amenities support a comfortable and patient-friendly environment for women seeking obstetric and gynecological care in Kitchener.

Are services from Dr. Potts, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Potts are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the clinic.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Potts, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Potts 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. Potts's office or your referring doctor.

How often do I need a Pap test, and what is it for?

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It checks for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Guidelines vary slightly by province but are generally recommended for women starting around age 21-25 (or once sexually active) and continuing every 2-3 years if results are normal. The frequency may change based on your age, medical history (including HPV status), and previous Pap test results. Dr. Potts will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.

How can Dr. Potts help with menopause symptoms?

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

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

Dr. Potts 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. Potts during your prenatal visits.

St Joseph's Healthcare
202 - 475 Park Street, Centre for Mountain Health Services
Kitchener, ON N2G 4V5

Phone: (519) 744-8561 | Fax: (519) 744-3089

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Potts is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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 Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Potts-Peter-George-Gilmour/0044743-58721