About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Ferguson (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Toronto, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Toronto, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to ensure safe and ethical practice. Dr. Ferguson provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, supporting women through all stages of life. Her focus encompasses prenatal and postnatal care, reproductive health, and gynecological issues, ensuring a holistic approach tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Ferguson graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 1997 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 22 years since 2002. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development. Her extensive experience allows her to manage a wide range of obstetrical and gynecological conditions with expertise and compassion.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Ferguson is dedicated to advancing women’s health in Toronto by providing respectful, informed, and empathetic care. She speaks English fluently and is committed to understanding and addressing her patients' unique concerns, fostering a trusting healthcare relationship that promotes optimal outcomes.
Dr. Sarah Ferguson provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
- 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.
- 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.
Sexual Health and Dysfunction
- 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.
- Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Ferguson or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- Diagnosis & Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Management of conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and screening/treatment for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV counseling.
- Preconception Counseling & Health Optimization: Guidance and health optimization for individuals or couples planning a pregnancy, including discussion of folic acid supplementation, chronic medical conditions, genetic carrier screening, and lifestyle factors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- 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. Ferguson 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. Ferguson practices at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute located in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The facility is conveniently situated near St. Lawrence Market and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car. The location provides a welcoming environment for women seeking comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care in Toronto.
- Are services from Dr. Ferguson, 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. Ferguson 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. Ferguson, 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. Ferguson 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. Ferguson's office or your referring doctor.
- What are some common gynecological surgeries Dr. Ferguson 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. Ferguson will discuss if surgery is appropriate for your condition and explain the specific procedure, risks, and benefits.
- Does Dr. Ferguson discuss or offer the HPV vaccine?
- The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, as well as other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Ferguson can discuss the benefits of the HPV vaccine, current recommendations for different age groups (including catch-up vaccination for adults), and can either provide the vaccine or refer you to where it can be obtained, depending on clinic services and provincial programs.
- Does Dr. Ferguson support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?
- VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Ferguson's approach to VBAC will depend on your specific medical history, the reason for your previous C-section, the type of uterine incision you had, and current pregnancy factors. She will assess your individual suitability for VBAC and discuss the benefits and risks with you. Hospital policies also play a role in VBAC availability.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Suite 3406, 610 University Avenue M 700
Toronto, ON M5G 2M9
Phone: (416) 946-2254 | Fax: (416) 946-2288
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ferguson 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/Ferguson-Sarah-Elizabeth/0138937-71125