About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Sarah Kathleen Monahan (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Richmond, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Richmond, BC, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Monahan provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1992 in the United States and completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Monahan holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with the highest professional standards.
Dr. Monahan's clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to supporting women’s health needs in Richmond, providing compassionate and respectful care. Fluent in English and Spanish, she strives to make her patients feel comfortable and informed throughout their healthcare journey.
Dr. Sarah Monahan provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Screening and Preventative Care
- 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.
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
- 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.
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 Monahan or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- Management of Menstrual Disorders & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/PMDD.
- 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.
- 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.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
- 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. Monahan 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required for insured services.
Dr. Monahan practices in a clinic setting located in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond, BC. The facility is conveniently situated near Garden City Lands Park and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU Richmond). It is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Canada Line and bus routes. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing a convenient experience for those coming for appointments.
- Are services from Dr. Monahan, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Monahan are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Monahan, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Monahan 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. Monahan'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. Monahan will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.
- How can Dr. Monahan help with menopause symptoms?
- Dr. Monahan 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.
200-7031 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC V6X 1A3
Phone: (604) 821-1960 | Fax: (604) 821-1965
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Monahan is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332149/Monahan%2CSarah