About
Dr. Vanessa Michelle Carlson 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 CAMH in Hamilton, ON, she offers 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), ensuring safe and effective medical care for all patients.
Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, Dr. Carlson serves women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care. Her practice is committed to supporting women through every stage of life, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, with a focus on personalized, evidence-based treatment options.
Dr. Carlson graduated with a Medical Degree from the National University of Ireland in 2011. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2016, accumulating over 8 years of experience. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in women's health.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Carlson is dedicated to providing compassionate, respectful, and comprehensive care tailored to each woman's unique needs in Hamilton. She speaks English fluently and values open communication to foster trust and understanding with her patients.
Dr. Vanessa Carlson provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- 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.
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) & Vaginal Cancer: Precancerous changes (VAIN) or rare cancers affecting the vagina.
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) (e.g., Molar Pregnancy): A group of rare pregnancy-related tumors that develop in the uterus from cells that normally form the placenta, requiring careful monitoring and treatment.
- Ovarian Cancer (Epithelial, Germ Cell, Stromal Tumors): Cancer that begins in the ovaries, which can be difficult to detect early and often requires specialized surgical and medical treatment.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.
- Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
- 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.
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. Vanessa Carlson or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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).
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- 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.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
- 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. Carlson 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. Vanessa Michelle Carlson practices at CAMH, located in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The facility is conveniently situated near Lime Ridge Mall and the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area, making it accessible for patients. It is easily reachable via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) transit system. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Paid parking options are available nearby for those arriving by car, providing convenient and secure parking during visits.
- Are services from Dr. Carlson, 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. Carlson 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. Carlson, 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. Carlson 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. Carlson's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Carlson manage high-risk pregnancies?
- Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Carlson has a particular focus on/experience with managing high-risk pregnancies, which may include conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple gestations (twins/triplets), or pre-existing maternal health issues. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to specific maternal or fetal conditions, Dr. Carlson will provide comprehensive care and may work closely with, or refer you to, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist if needed for highly specialized management. It's best to discuss your specific situation with Dr. Carlson.
- What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?
- Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson 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.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson will help you decide the best course of action.
CAMH
699 Concession St
Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2
Phone: (905) 387-9495 | Fax: (905) 575-6343
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Carlson 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/Carlson-Vanessa-Michelle/0297479-104773