Dr. Stacy Lara Costa – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Scarborough, ON

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Stacy Lara Costa (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Scarborough, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at the Family Practice Health Centre in Scarborough, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical services. Dr. Costa’s role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, in a patient-centered manner. She serves women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, supporting them through various life stages with compassion and expertise.

Dr. Costa graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 1999.0 (Canada) and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2004, accumulating over 20 years of experience. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, reflecting her dedication to maintaining high standards of medical expertise and ongoing professional development.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Costa is dedicated to improving women’s health outcomes in Scarborough through compassionate, respectful, and personalized care. She communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and open dialogue with her patients, and is committed to empowering women to make informed health choices.

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

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions

• Postpartum Complications (e.g., Hemorrhage, Infection, Mood Disorders): Health problems that can occur after childbirth, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or postpartum depression/anxiety, requiring prompt attention.
• Preeclampsia & Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Pregnancy complications characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys.
• Preterm Labor & Birth: Labor or delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to complications for the newborn.

Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions

• 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.
• Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) & Vulvar Cancer: Precancerous changes (VIN) or malignant tumors affecting the external female genitalia (vulva).

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. Stacy Costa or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Costa 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. Costa practices at the Family Practice Health Centre, located in the vibrant areas near central Scarborough. The facility is conveniently situated close to several local points of interest, making it easily accessible for patients from surrounding neighborhoods. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach her office with ease. The clinic is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing additional options for those arriving by car. The location offers a welcoming environment dedicated to providing comprehensive women's health services in Scarborough.

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

Does Dr. Costa support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Costa'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.

When should a teenager have her first OBGYN visit, and what does it involve?

The first visit to an OBGYN for a teenager is often recommended between ages 13-15, or sooner if there are specific concerns like very painful periods, irregular cycles, or questions about sexual health. This initial visit may not involve a pelvic exam unless there's a specific medical reason. It's primarily an opportunity to build a rapport with Dr. Costa, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.

What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?

Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Costa 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. Costa 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.

Family Practice Health Centre
1780 Markham Rd, Women's College Hospital
Scarborough, ON M1B 2W2

Phone: (416) 291-2205 | Fax: (416) 291-0149

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Costa 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/Costa-Stacy-Lara/0159200-73821