Dr. Sarah Diana McDonald – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Hamilton, ON

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Sarah Diana McDonald (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Hamilton, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Hamilton, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. The facility is located in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton, close to the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area, and is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible, and metered street parking is available nearby. Dr. McDonald adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring comprehensive and ethical care delivery.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1997 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 22 years since 2002. Dr. McDonald is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her advanced training and expertise in women’s reproductive health.

Dedicated to women’s health in Hamilton, Dr. McDonald’s clinical philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and the integration of the latest evidence-based practices. She speaks English and French, ensuring effective communication and culturally sensitive care for diverse patient populations.

Dr. Sarah McDonald 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.
• Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation): The absence of menstrual periods, either primary (menarche never occurred) or secondary (periods ceased after previously being regular).
• 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.

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Ovarian Cysts (Functional, Dermoid, Endometriomas): Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface, which are common and often benign but can sometimes cause pain or require intervention.
• Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy, painful periods.
• Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.

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.
• Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
• 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.

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. Sarah McDonald 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.
• 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).
• Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
• Menopause & Perimenopause Symptom Management: Personalized guidance and treatment options for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives.
• 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.
• Management of Common Pregnancy Complications: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum), gestational diabetes (in conjunction with specialists if needed), hypertensive disorders, and preterm labor risk assessment and prevention strategies.
• Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald practices at a modern clinic within a hospital setting situated in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, Ontario. The location is conveniently near the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Parking is hassle-free with metered street parking available nearby, making visits easy and efficient for patients from the surrounding communities.

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

Does Dr. McDonald manage high-risk pregnancies?

Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. McDonald has a particular focus on/experience with managing high-risk pregnancies, which may include conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple gestations (twins/triplets), or pre-existing maternal health issues. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to specific maternal or fetal conditions, Dr. McDonald will provide comprehensive care and may work closely with, or refer you to, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist if needed for highly specialized management. It's best to discuss your specific situation with Dr. McDonald.

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

1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 525-9140

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. McDonald 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/McDonald-Sarah-Diana/0139764-71396