Dr. Stephanie Irene Ayre – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Guelph, ON

Dr. Stephanie Irene Ayre 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 UHN Toronto General Hospital in Guelph, ON, she delivers high-quality, accessible care to the community. Dr. Ayre adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical practice in all her services.

Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, she is committed to supporting women through every stage of life—from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Her approach emphasizes empathetic communication, personalized treatment plans, and evidence-based medicine to foster trust and positive health outcomes. Dr. Ayre serves women of all ages, including those seeking prenatal, postnatal, or gynecological care, with a focus on compassion and understanding.

With a strong dedication to women's health in Guelph, Dr. Ayre believes in empowering her patients through education and shared decision-making. She speaks English fluently and is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every woman she cares for.

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

Infertility and Reproductive Health

• 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.
• Female Infertility Evaluation & Initial Management: Comprehensive assessment to identify potential causes of difficulty conceiving in women and initiation of basic treatments.
• Fallopian Tube Disorders (Blockage, Hydrosalpinx, Adhesions): Conditions affecting the fallopian tubes, such as blockages or scarring, that can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
• Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
• Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Stephanie Ayre or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• 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.
• Menopause & Perimenopause Symptom Management: Personalized guidance and treatment options for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives.
• 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).
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Ayre 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. Ayre practices at the UHN Toronto General Hospital located in the vibrant Downtown Guelph, within the Exhibition Park neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near the University of Guelph and the South End Commercial Area, making it easily accessible for residents in and around Guelph. Patients can reach the location via Guelph Transit, which offers reliable public transportation options. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those who prefer to drive, providing added convenience for your visit.

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

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Ayre might recommend?

Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage pain and improve fertility if desired. Options vary based on symptom severity and patient goals and can include pain medications (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress endometrial tissue growth, and surgical treatments (laparoscopy) to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Dr. Ayre will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

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. Ayre, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.

Does Dr. Ayre 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. Ayre 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.

UHN Toronto General Hospital
1 PMB 273, 89 Dawson Road, Department of Medical Imaging
Guelph, ON N1H 1B1

Phone: (519) 265-7477 | Fax: (519) 265-6006

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ayre 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/Ayre-Stephanie-Irene/0265511-92789