Dr. Sarah Jill Mah

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

Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions

• Ovarian Cancer (Epithelial, Germ Cell, Stromal Tumors): Cancer that begins in the ovaries, which can be difficult to detect early and often requires specialized surgical and medical treatment.
• Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) & Vaginal Cancer: Precancerous changes (VAIN) or rare cancers affecting the vagina.
• Cervical Dysplasia (CIN) & Cervical Cancer: Precancerous changes (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) or malignant tumors of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus, often linked to HPV infection.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions

• Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, requiring urgent medical attention.
• Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, requiring careful monitoring and management to ensure health for both mother and baby.
• 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.

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.
• 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 Mah or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• Diagnostic & Operative Hysteroscopy: Procedure using a thin, lighted scope to examine the inside of the uterus and perform minor surgical treatments such as polyp removal, fibroid resection, or septum correction.
• 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.
• Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
• Contraceptive Counseling & Full Range Management: Comprehensive discussion and provision of various birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, patches, rings, injectables, IUD insertion/removal (hormonal and copper), and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.
• 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.
• 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).

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Mah 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. Mah practices at the Niagara Health System - St. Cathari, located in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The facility is conveniently situated near Pier 4 Park, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Easily reachable via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), it offers public transit options for those commuting without a vehicle. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. For those arriving by car, metered street parking is available nearby, providing convenient parking options for visitors seeking in-person care.

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

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

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Mah, 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 can I expect during my first prenatal visit?

Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Mah is usually quite comprehensive, typically scheduled around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. It will involve a detailed review of your medical history, your partner's medical history (if applicable), and any previous pregnancies. Dr. Mah will likely perform a physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam, confirm your pregnancy (often with an ultrasound referral), estimate your due date, and discuss important aspects of a healthy pregnancy such as nutrition, lifestyle, prenatal vitamins, and options for genetic screening and prenatal testing. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Mah perform this?

Yes, Dr. Mah 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. Mah 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.

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. Mah will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.

Niagara Health System - St. Cathari
699 Concession St, General Internal Medicine
Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2

Phone: (905) 387-9495

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Mah 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/Mah-Sarah-Jill/0326477-117113