About
Dr. Gregory Allan Houle 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 a urology clinic or hospital department in Vernon, BC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in patient care.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Urologist. His qualifications include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of urological practice. Dr. Houle continually updates his knowledge through ongoing education and professional development to stay current with advancements in urological care.
Guided by a philosophy of patient-centered care, Dr. Houle emphasizes utilizing advanced and minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, combining evidence-based practices with comprehensive patient education. He is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to his patients in Vernon, communicating effectively in English, and ensuring they are well-informed about their diagnosis and treatment options.
Dr. Gregory Houle addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions
- Urethral Syndrome / Chronic Urethritis: Symptoms of urethral irritation or inflammation without evidence of bacterial infection.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Frequent bladder or kidney infections requiring investigation and management.
- Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
Urologic Cancers
- 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.
- Penile Cancer: A rare type of cancer that occurs on or in the penis.
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 Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections affecting any part of the urinary system that are frequent, persistent, or associated with underlying factors.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Gregory Houle.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Diagnosis & Treatment: Comprehensive evaluation and management of ED, including oral medications, injection therapy, vacuum devices, and penile prosthesis surgery.
- Testicular Conditions Management (e.g., Testicular Torsion, Hydrocele, Varicocele, Epididymitis): Diagnosis and treatment of various conditions affecting the testicles and scrotum.
- Peyronie's Disease Treatment: Medical and surgical options for managing penile curvature caused by Peyronie's disease.
- Prostate Biopsy (TRUS-guided): Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy to obtain prostate tissue samples for cancer diagnosis.
- Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) Management: Multimodal approaches to manage chronic bladder pain and discomfort.
- Male Infertility Evaluation & Management (in collaboration with fertility specialists): Investigating causes of male infertility and offering medical or surgical treatments (e.g., varicocele repair, sperm retrieval).
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller, passable fragments.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Houle 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Houle practices within a urology clinic located in the heart of Vernon’s Central Vernon neighborhood, conveniently situated in a modern medical facility. The practice is easily accessible from the Coldstream Area and is well-served by the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city and surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of access for patients attending their appointments. Whether you are seeking consultation, diagnosis, or treatment, Dr. Houle’s practice offers a welcoming environment dedicated to your urinary health needs.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Houle, a Urologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Houle, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Houle's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Houle, a Urologist?
- Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in BC, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Houle. 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 treatment options are available for erectile dysfunction (ED) with Dr. Houle?
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) has various treatment options available. After evaluating the potential causes, Dr. Houle may discuss lifestyle modifications, oral medications (like PDE5 inhibitors), vacuum erection devices, injection therapy (intracavernosal injections), or in some cases, surgical options like penile implants. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED and individual patient factors and preferences.
- What is a cystoscopy and why might I need one?
- A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Dr. Houle, 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.
201-3301 24 Ave
Vernon, BC V1T 9S8
Phone: (250) 542-8715 | Fax: (250) 542-2798
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Houle is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Houle for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324476/Houle%2CGregory