Dr. Stephanie Marie Tatzel 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 Toronto Western Hospital in Thorold, 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). She provides comprehensive urological care for a diverse patient population, offering expert management of complex urinary and reproductive health issues. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities to ensure thorough and compassionate urological care for adult male and female patients.
Dr. Tatzel graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has been practicing as a Urologist since 2016, accumulating over 8 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing medical education. Her certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest level of clinical competence in urological medicine.
Her clinical philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care, utilizing evidence-based practices, and incorporating advanced minimally invasive techniques where appropriate. Dr. Tatzel is dedicated to comprehensive patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their urological health. She offers care in English and is committed to addressing each patient's unique needs with empathy, professionalism, and thoroughness, especially for those in the Thorold community seeking specialized urological services.
Dr. Stephanie Tatzel addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders
- Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage or conditions affecting nerve control of the bladder.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections affecting any part of the urinary system that are frequent, persistent, or associated with underlying factors.
- Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
- Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
- 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.
Prostate & Male Genital Conditions
- Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Stephanie Tatzel.
- Medical Management & Prevention of Kidney Stones: Dietary counseling, medication, and metabolic evaluation to prevent stone recurrence.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Management in Women: Investigating causes and providing preventive and treatment strategies for women with frequent UTIs.
- Testicular Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Management: Including radical inguinal orchiectomy and coordination with oncologists for further therapy.
- Prostate Biopsy (TRUS-guided): Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy to obtain prostate tissue samples for cancer diagnosis.
- Peyronie's Disease Treatment: Medical and surgical options for managing penile curvature caused by Peyronie's disease.
- Laser Surgery for Urological Conditions: Employing various laser technologies for treatments such as BPH (e.g., HoLEP, GreenLight), kidney stones, and bladder tumors.
- Urinary Incontinence Evaluation & Treatment in Women (Stress, Urge, Mixed): Comprehensive management of involuntary urine leakage, including behavioral therapies, medications, pelvic floor exercises, and surgical options (e.g., slings).
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Tatzel 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.
Toronto Western Hospital, located in the areas near central Thorold, ON, serves as a vital medical facility within the region. Situated in close proximity to local points of interest and accessible via local public transit, the hospital provides a dedicated space for specialized urological services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, facilitating convenient visits for individuals seeking expert urinary health services. As a key part of the hospital's medical community, Toronto Western Hospital offers state-of-the-art facilities and a welcoming environment for patients requiring comprehensive urological care.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Tatzel, a Urologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Tatzel, 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. Tatzel's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Tatzel, 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. Tatzel. 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 cystoscopy and why might I need one?
- A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Tatzel, 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. She will explain the procedure and any preparation needed.
- What are some common tests a Urologist might perform or order?
- Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. Tatzel 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. Tatzel can discuss the most suitable options for you based on your individual circumstances.
- 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. Tatzel is appropriate.
- What does a vasectomy involve if performed by Dr. Tatzel?
- A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for permanent male contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Dr. Tatzel would perform this procedure, usually in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It's a highly effective form of birth control. It's important to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and the fact that it's considered permanent with Dr. Tatzel beforehand.
Toronto Western Hospital
East Wing 8-416, 3350 Merrittvillle Highway, Department of Medicine
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Phone: (905) 641-5556 | Fax: (905) 641-7515
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Tatzel 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. Tatzel 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/Tatzel-Stephanie-Marie/0273614-95837