Dr. Sheryl McLaren – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Nelson, BC

Dr. Sheryl McLaren is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) providing comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She offers a patient-focused approach to manage a wide spectrum of conditions. Practicing at a clinic and hospital setting in Nelson, BC, she delivers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, Dr. McLaren is committed to supporting women of all ages through their health journeys, including prenatal and postnatal care.

Dr. McLaren graduated with an MD from McMaster University in 2003 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds certifications including: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, license number 63231. Her dedication to ongoing medical education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements and best practices in women’s health care.

Driven by a philosophy of patient-centered care, Dr. McLaren emphasizes shared decision-making, evidence-based practice, and compassionate support. She is committed to addressing each woman's unique health needs with empathy and respect. Fluent in English, she strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive health issues. Her goal is to empower women through education and personalized care, promoting optimal health outcomes in Nelson and surrounding areas.

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

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

• 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.
• Endometriosis: A painful disorder in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining.
• Vaginitis (Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis): Inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain, commonly caused by infections or imbalances in vaginal flora.

Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders

• Pre-menstrual 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).
• Menopause & Perimenopausal Symptoms: The natural cessation of menstruation and the preceding transitional period, often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.

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. Sheryl McLaren 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• 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.
• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
• Pap Tests, HPV Testing & Cervical Cancer Screening (Colposcopy, LEEP): Cervical cancer screening through Pap tests and HPV testing, with follow-up diagnostic procedures like colposcopy and treatment for precancerous changes (e.g., LEEP - Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C) / Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Procedures to dilate the cervix and remove tissue from the inside of the uterus, for diagnosis or treatment of various uterine conditions or after miscarriage.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. McLaren 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. McLaren practices in a clinic and hospital setting located in the areas near central Nelson. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and is accessible via local public transit. The clinic is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring ease of access for patients coming for appointments. The location offers a welcoming environment dedicated to providing high-quality women's health services to the Nelson community and surrounding neighborhoods.

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

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

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

Yes, Dr. McLaren 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. McLaren 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.

410-3 View St, Kootenay Lake Hospital
Nelson, BC V1L 2V1

Phone: (250) 352-1122 | Fax: (250) 352-1183

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. McLaren 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/333527/McLaren%2CSheryl