Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth, an Ottawa family physician, faced delays in getting gynecologic surgery after experiencing post-menopausal bleeding. Dr. Nick Leyland, the president-elect of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, explains the reasons behind prolonged wait times for gynecologic surgeries, including limited operating room availability, fewer gynecologists performing surgeries, and the lower prioritization of ovaries compared to testicles in the surgical hierarchy. Learn more about efforts to enhance healthcare for women nationwide.
Upon noticing abnormal bleeding at 51, Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth, a family physician in Ottawa who had been postmenopausal for eight years, became concerned. She was aware of the potential seriousness, having learned during medical training that postmenopausal bleeding could indicate endometrial or uterine cancer.
Her knowledge extended to the challenges her patients faced in securing appointments with gynecologists, especially those proficient in surgery, which often led to lengthy waiting periods ranging from six months to over a year in Ontario. Data from Ontario Health suggests average wait times for gynecological surgeries have increased to up to four months, a significant rise compared to a decade ago when the wait was approximately six weeks, as indicated by a Fraser Institute study.
Gynecological surgical wait times vary across Canada, with a 2020 study from the National Library of Medicine revealing that a gynecologist consultation alone could take up to four and a half months on average.
Dr. Kaplan-Myrth emphasizes the detrimental impact of prolonged wait times on Canadian women awaiting gynecological surgeries, describing it as a critical issue affecting those enduring prolonged suffering while waiting for what is considered an elective surgery.
Dr. Nick Leyland, the president-elect of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at McMaster University, attributes the delays in gynecologic care to systemic underinvestment, competition for surgical resources, and specific challenges within the field of gynecology. He notes the lack of comprehensive data tracking patient waitlists, surgical types, and delay locations across the country as a significant obstacle to addressing the issue effectively.
Michelle Ganam, who has been grappling with endometriosis and adenomyosis for sixteen years, shares her firsthand experience of enduring daily pain and the complexities of navigating the healthcare system for a hysterectomy. Despite finally receiving approval for the procedure at the age of 40, she faces additional delays for necessary assessments and scheduling, raising concerns about potential complications due to prolonged waiting periods.