Dr. Sunita Therese Lal – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Sunita Therese Lal, a respected Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), focuses on empowering women through all stages of life with expert medical and surgical care, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Ottawa, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Dr. Lal adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her role involves providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, ensuring women receive personalized and compassionate treatment. She serves women of all ages, including those requiring prenatal and postnatal care, supporting them through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.

Dr. Lal graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 1996 and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2001, accumulating over 23 years of experience. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical expertise and continuous professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on delivering patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making, evidence-based practices, and respecting each woman's individual health needs. Dedicated to advancing women's health in Ottawa, Dr. Lal communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and effective patient interactions. She is committed to providing compassionate, respectful, and comprehensive care to support women's health and well-being at every stage of life.

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

Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions

• Routine & High-Risk Prenatal Care: Comprehensive monitoring and management throughout all stages of pregnancy, including those with increased maternal or fetal risks.
• Preterm Labor & Birth: Labor or delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to complications for the newborn.
• Placenta Previa & Placental Abruption: Conditions where the placenta is abnormally positioned (previa) or detaches prematurely from the uterine wall (abruption), posing risks to mother and baby.

Infertility and Reproductive Health

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• 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.
• Bartholin's Gland Cysts/Abscesses: Blockage and subsequent swelling or infection of the Bartholin's glands, located near the vaginal opening.
• Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.

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. Sunita Lal or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Lal 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. Lal practices in Ottawa within a well-equipped clinic located in the Nepean neighborhood, including areas such as Centrepoint, Tanglewood, and Craig Henry. The facility is situated conveniently near the Centretown Business Area and Lansdowne Park, home to TD Place Stadium and Arena. Easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services, the location is designed to be accessible for all patients. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, and metered street parking is available nearby, ensuring ease of access for patients coming for routine visits or specialized procedures.

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

What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Lal?

Dr. Lal will discuss various pain relief options for labor, which can range from non-medical methods (like breathing techniques, movement, massage, hydrotherapy if available) to medical options such as nitrous oxide, narcotic pain medication, and epidural anesthesia. The choice depends on your preferences, medical condition, and the progress of your labor. It's a good idea to discuss your pain management plan with Dr. Lal during your prenatal visits.

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

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

What are some common gynecological surgeries Dr. Lal might perform?

Common gynecological surgeries include procedures like hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), tubal ligation (female sterilization), D&C (dilation and curettage), endometrial ablation, and surgeries to treat conditions such as fibroids (myomectomy), endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic organ prolapse. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Dr. Lal will discuss if surgery is appropriate for your condition and explain the specific procedure, risks, and benefits.

Suite 28, 1580 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K2G 4B5

Phone: (613) 686-7580 | Fax: (613) 656-9789

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lal 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/Lal-Sunita-Therese/0116817-69946