Dr. Stephanie Palerme – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Orléans, ON

Dr. Stephanie Palerme 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 or hospital setting in Orléans, ON, she ensures 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 Ontario (CPSO). Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Palerme addresses both routine and complex conditions with compassion and expertise.

Dr. Palerme graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 1998 in Canada. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 21 years, since 2003. Her extensive experience is complemented by her certification as a RCPSC Specialist, ensuring her adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and continuous professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is committed to improving women's health outcomes in Orléans through personalized and empathetic care. Dr. Palerme speaks both English and French, ensuring effective communication and comfort for her diverse patient population.

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

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• 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.
• 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.

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• 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.
• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 Palerme 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.
• Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Palerme 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. Palerme's practice is located within a well-equipped clinic or hospital setting in the areas near central Orléans. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The practice is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are available nearby, providing added convenience for those coming by car. The location offers a welcoming environment dedicated to high-quality women's healthcare in the Orléans community.

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

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

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Palerme, 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.

At which hospital(s) does Dr. Palerme deliver babies or perform surgeries?

Dr. Palerme is affiliated with Ottawa. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Palerme's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Palerme 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. Palerme will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

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

VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Palerme'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. Palerme, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.

Unit 2, 4289 Innes Rd, 2nd floor
Orléans, ON K1E 0A8

Phone: (613) 686-1911 | Fax: (613) 830-1901

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Palerme 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/Palerme-Stephanie/0150094-80133