Dr. William Harold Carlson – Urologist | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. William Harold Carlson 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 Dr. William Carlson in Nanaimo, BC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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 compassionate, patient-centered care to help individuals achieve optimal urinary health and well-being.

Dr. Carlson earned his medical degree from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Urologist. He maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his practice aligns with the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based standards in urological care. His training and ongoing professional development enable him to deliver expert diagnosis and treatment across the spectrum of urological conditions.

With a strong commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Carlson utilizes advanced and minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, always seeking to provide the most effective and least disruptive treatment options. He believes in thorough patient education, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and available therapies. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to serving the diverse community of Nanaimo with compassionate, comprehensive urological services.

Dr. William Carlson addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions

• 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.
• 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.

General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders

• Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Discomfort or burning sensation during urination, often a symptom of infection or inflammation.
• Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).

Urologic Cancers

• 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).
• Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system, most common in young men.
• Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Cancer that originates in the kidneys, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type in adults.

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

• Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal Consultations & Procedures: Performing vasectomy for permanent male contraception and offering consultations/procedures for vasectomy reversal.
• Endoscopic Urological Procedures: Utilizing scopes passed through natural body openings to diagnose and treat conditions within the urinary tract (e.g., stone removal, tumor resection).
• Open Urological Surgery (for complex cases): Traditional surgical approaches for conditions not amenable to minimally invasive techniques.
• Cystoscopy (Diagnostic & Therapeutic): Minimally invasive procedure using a thin, lighted scope to examine the bladder and urethra, with capabilities for biopsy or minor treatments.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) Management: Multimodal approaches to manage chronic bladder pain and discomfort.
• Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Multimodal Management: Including active surveillance, radical prostatectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic), radiation therapy coordination, and hormone therapy.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgical procedure to remove large or complex kidney stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Carlson 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. William Carlson practices in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Vancouver Island University (VIU), making it accessible for students and staff. Patients can reach the location via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), with multiple bus stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for individuals with mobility challenges. Paid parking options are conveniently located close to the clinic, providing easy and secure parking for visitors seeking urological care in a comfortable environment.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Carlson, a Urologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Carlson, 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. Carlson's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Carlson, 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. Carlson. 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. Carlson is appropriate.

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

Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. Carlson 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). He 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. Carlson can discuss the most suitable options for you based on your individual circumstances.

Dr. William Carlson
304-1621 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5T4

Phone: (250) 753-6844 | Fax: (250) 753-1249

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson 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/335894/Carlson%2CWilliam