Description
About Dr. David Stephen Sands
Dr. David Stephen Sands 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 L H S C - Victoria Hospital in Brantford, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. Adhering to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Sands provides comprehensive urological care for adult patients of all genders. His practice focuses on a broad spectrum of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate health, bladder conditions, and male reproductive concerns. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities designed to deliver thorough and compassionate urological services, ensuring patients receive individualized and effective treatment.
He completed his medical education with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. Since beginning his practice as a Urologist in 2023, he has accumulated over a year of specialized experience in urinary and male reproductive health. Dr. Sands is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his adherence to rigorous standards of certification and practice excellence.
Guided by a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Sands utilizes advanced, minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, ensuring optimal outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. His clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based practice, thorough patient education, and compassionate communication. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to providing accessible and comprehensive urological care to the residents of Brantford and surrounding communities.
Common Conditions Dr. David Sands Addresses
Dr. David Sands addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions
- 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.
- 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.
Urologic Cancers
- Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, most commonly in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder.
- Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system, most common in young men.
- Prostate Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid.
Prostate & Male Genital Conditions
- 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.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in aging men, causing urinary symptoms.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. David Sands.
Urologist Services Offered by Dr. David Stephen Sands
- Open Urological Surgery (for complex cases): Traditional surgical approaches for conditions not amenable to minimally invasive techniques.
- Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism) Management: Diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone levels, including hormone replacement therapy.
- Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment: Including transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy (BCG, chemotherapy), and radical cystectomy.
- Comprehensive Urological Consultation & Evaluation: In-depth assessment of urinary tract and male reproductive system conditions, including medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic planning.
- Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal Consultations & Procedures: Performing vasectomy for permanent male contraception and offering consultations/procedures for vasectomy reversal.
- Overactive Bladder (OAB) Management in Women: Treatment strategies for urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence, including medications and neuromodulation.
- Testicular Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Management: Including radical inguinal orchiectomy and coordination with oncologists for further therapy.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Sands 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
L H S C - Victoria Hospital is situated in Brantford's Eagle Place, Echo Place neighbourhood. It serves as a key medical facility within the hospital, offering specialized urological services. The hospital is conveniently accessible via public transit, including Brantford Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the hospital, ensuring ease of access for patients and visitors. It is located near prominent landmarks such as the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, making it a central and accessible location for residents of Brantford and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Sands, a Urologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Sands, 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. Sands's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sands, 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. Sands. 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. Sands, 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 is a cystoscopy and why might I need one?
- A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Sands, to look directly inside your bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope. It might be recommended to investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent UTIs, bladder pain, or difficulty urinating. It can also be used to take biopsies or perform minor treatments. He will explain the procedure and any preparation needed.
- What are kidney stones and how does Dr. Sands treat them?
- Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain medication. Larger stones or those causing significant symptoms might require procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break them up, ureteroscopy with laser to remove or break them, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for very large stones. Dr. Sands will also work with you on strategies to prevent future stones.
- 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. Sands can discuss the most suitable options for you based on your individual circumstances.
Contact & Licensing Information
L H S C - Victoria Hospital
99 Wayne Gretzky Parkway, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Brantford, ON N3S 7P1
Phone: (226) 400-0883 | Fax: (519) 512-2710
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sands 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. Sands 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/Sands-David-Stephen/0325000-115174