Dr. Owen Alexander Prowse – Urologist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Owen Alexander Prowse 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 Collingwood General and Marine Hospital in Thunder Bay, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His work adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, ensuring compassionate and effective care. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities to provide thorough urological assessment and treatment.

Dr. Prowse earned his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and has been practicing as a Urologist since 2001, bringing over 23 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to offer expert diagnosis and management of complex urological conditions, utilizing the latest advancements in medical and surgical techniques.

With a strong commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Prowse emphasizes evidence-based practice, utilizing minimally invasive and advanced surgical options when appropriate. His clinical philosophy centers on comprehensive patient education, ensuring individuals are well-informed about their health and treatment choices. Dedicated to serving the Thunder Bay community, he provides care in English and strives to foster a trusting, empathetic relationship with each patient, guiding them through their urological health journey with professionalism and compassion.

Dr. Owen Prowse addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

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.
• Prostate Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid.
• Ureteral & Renal Pelvis Cancer: Cancers that form in the urothelial cells lining the ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder) or renal pelvis (funnel-like part of kidney).

Prostate & Male Genital Conditions

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in aging men, causing urinary symptoms.
• Peyronie's Disease: A condition where scar tissue (plaque) forms under the skin of the penis, causing curved, painful erections.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller, passable fragments.
• Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment: Including transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy (BCG, chemotherapy), and radical cystectomy.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) Management: Multimodal approaches to manage chronic bladder pain and discomfort.
• Management of Post-Operative Urological Care: Providing comprehensive follow-up and management after urological surgeries to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Urological Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex urological diagnoses and treatment plans to ensure informed patient decisions.
• Open Urological Surgery (for complex cases): Traditional surgical approaches for conditions not amenable to minimally invasive techniques.
• Testicular Conditions Management (e.g., Testicular Torsion, Hydrocele, Varicocele, Epididymitis): Diagnosis and treatment of various conditions affecting the testicles and scrotum.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Prowse 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.

Situated within the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central neighborhood, Dr. Prowse’s practice is easily accessible to the community. The hospital is located near the Thunder Bay Historical Museum and is well-served by Thunder Bay Transit, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers metered street parking along with nearby parking lots for visitors. As a key medical facility, it provides specialized urological services in a modern, patient-friendly environment, supporting comprehensive adult male and female urinary health care.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Prowse, 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. Prowse's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Prowse, 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. Prowse. 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.

When should I consider seeing a Urologist?

You should consider seeing a Urologist if you experience symptoms such as blood in your urine (hematuria), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), difficulty urinating (hesitancy, weak stream, straining), frequent or urgent need to urinate, urinary incontinence (leakage), pain in the flank, lower abdomen, or groin that might be related to kidney stones, or any concerns related to the male reproductive organs (e.g., testicular pain/lumps, erectile dysfunction, male infertility). Your family doctor can help determine if a referral to a urologist like Dr. Prowse is appropriate.

What can be done for urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) is a common and often treatable condition. Treatment depends on the type of incontinence (stress, urge, mixed, overflow). Options may include lifestyle changes (e.g., fluid management, bladder training), pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels), medications, medical devices (like pessaries for women), nerve stimulation, or surgical procedures (such as sling surgery for stress incontinence). Dr. Prowse can help determine the cause and best treatment plan for you.

What does a Urologist like Dr. Prowse specialize in?

A Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as conditions of the male reproductive system. This includes organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). He is a Urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Dr. Prowse provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.

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. Prowse, 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. Prowse, 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.

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
984 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7C7

Phone: (807) 346-1440 | Fax: (807) 346-1445

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Prowse 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. Prowse 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/Prowse-Owen-Alexander/0056695-68283