Dr. Valerie Bloomfield – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Valerie Bloomfield, 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 Niagara Health - St. Catharines Sit in Hamilton, 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, ethical, and comprehensive care. Dr. Bloomfield provides a full spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each woman, whether it's routine check-ups, complex surgeries, or pregnancy-related care.

Dr. Bloomfield graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in 2016. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 3 years, since 2021. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards in her field and staying current with the latest medical advancements.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Bloomfield is dedicated to supporting women's health in Hamilton through compassionate, respectful, and individualized care. She speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming environment where women feel empowered and informed about their health choices.

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

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.

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.
• Ovarian Cysts (Functional, Dermoid, Endometriomas): Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface, which are common and often benign but can sometimes cause pain or require intervention.
• Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.

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.
• Preterm Labor & Birth: Labor or delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to complications for the newborn.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Morning Sickness): A severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical management.

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. Valerie Bloomfield or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Management of conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and screening/treatment for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV counseling.
• Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
• Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Bloomfield 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. Valerie Bloomfield practices at Niagara Health - St. Catharines Sit, situated in the Durand, Kirkendall South neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance) and is easily accessible by public transportation via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient options for those driving to their appointments.

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

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

How can Dr. Bloomfield help with menopause symptoms?

Dr. Bloomfield can help manage bothersome menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and bone density concerns. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress reduction), non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen for localized symptoms, or systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a thorough discussion of the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile and preferences.

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

Dr. Bloomfield 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. Bloomfield during your prenatal visits.

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

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

Niagara Health - St. Catharines Sit
301 James St S
Hamilton, ON L8P 3B6

Phone: (905) 521-6041 | Fax: (905) 383-3336

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Bloomfield 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/Bloomfield-Valerie/0309990-109763