Dr. Dianne Margaret Heritz – Urologist | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Dianne Margaret Heritz is a dedicated Urologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in men and women, and the male reproductive system. Practicing at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in St. Catharines, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical care for all patients. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns, serving adult male and female patients. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities to provide thorough and advanced urological care.

With a robust educational background, Dr. Heritz graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. She has been practicing as a Urologist since 1993, bringing over 31 years of clinical experience to her patients. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to her specialty.

Dr. Heritz’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, utilizing evidence-based practices and incorporating advanced, minimally invasive techniques where appropriate. She is dedicated to providing thorough patient education and personalized treatment plans, ensuring her patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their care journey. She speaks English and is committed to serving her patients in St. Catharines with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Dianne Heritz addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

Prostate & Male Genital Conditions

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in aging men, causing urinary symptoms.
• Testicular Pain, Masses & Swelling (e.g., Epididymitis, Orchitis, Hydrocele, Varicocele, Testicular Torsion): Various conditions causing discomfort or changes in the testicles or scrotum, requiring urological evaluation.
• Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.

General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders

• Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections affecting any part of the urinary system that are frequent, persistent, or associated with underlying factors.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage or conditions affecting nerve control of the bladder.

Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele - Bladder Prolapse): When the bladder drops (prolapses) from its normal position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina.
• Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Frequent bladder or kidney infections requiring investigation and management.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Dianne Heritz.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Urological Aspects & Surgical Repair (e.g., Cystocele Repair): Evaluation and surgical management of bladder prolapse and other urological components of POP, often in collaboration with urogynecologists.
• Medical Management & Prevention of Kidney Stones: Dietary counseling, medication, and metabolic evaluation to prevent stone recurrence.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) Management: Multimodal approaches to manage chronic bladder pain and discomfort.
• Overactive Bladder (OAB) Management in Women: Treatment strategies for urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence, including medications and neuromodulation.
• Imaging Review & Interpretation (Ultrasound, CT, MRI for Urological Conditions): Expert review of radiological imaging related to the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and other urogenital organs.
• Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy & Stent Placement: Minimally invasive procedure using a scope passed through the ureter to locate and break up stones with a laser, often followed by temporary stent placement.
• Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Multimodal Management: Including active surveillance, radical prostatectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic), radiation therapy coordination, and hormone therapy.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Heritz for care relevant to your needs.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

The Juravinski Cancer Centre in St. Catharines is situated in the areas near central St. Catharines' neighborhood, easily accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Parking is convenient with metered street parking and nearby lots available for visitors. The centre is close to local points of interest, making it a practical choice for patients seeking expert urological care in a welcoming environment.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Heritz, a Urologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Heritz, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Heritz's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Heritz, a Urologist?

Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in ON, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Heritz. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.

What is a PSA test and who should have it?

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Heritz, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.

What are some common tests a Urologist might perform or order?

Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. Heritz may perform or order several tests. These can include urinalysis (urine test), urine culture, blood tests (like PSA for prostate health), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI of the kidneys, bladder, or prostate), urodynamic studies (to assess bladder function), and cystoscopy (a scope to look inside the bladder and urethra). She will explain why any specific test is needed and what it involves.

What are the treatment options for an enlarged prostate (BPH)?

Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your quality of life. Options range from lifestyle changes and medications to minimally invasive procedures (like UroLift, Rezum) and surgical treatments (such as TURP or laser prostatectomy). Dr. Heritz can discuss the most suitable options for you based on your individual circumstances.

Juravinski Cancer Centre
180 Vine Street, Department of Radiation Oncology
St Catharines, ON L2R 7P3

Phone: (905) 688-2761 | Fax: (905) 688-6638

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Heritz is a licensed Urologist 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 a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Heritz for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Heritz-Dianne-Margaret/0044001-57979