Children, infants, and adolescents suffering from illness or injury to the genitals or urinary tract need a specialist who understands their developing bodies. With an additional six to nine years of training after medical school, pediatric urologists are the specialists for this type of medical care.
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
The most common condition treated by pediatric urologists is a urinary tract infection (UTI). This condition affects one to two percent of all children in the US. A UTI is more common for girls than boys and its symptoms are an unusual odor, change in urination patterns, and blood in the stream.
What Is Hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is the swelling of one or both kidneys due to a blockage. Treatment and prognosis depend on the nature of the obstruction. Infants diagnosed with a blockage prior to birth often see a spontaneous resolution between birth and age three. Proper medical care is available to those with persistent problems diagnosed after birth.
What Are Undescended Testes?
Undescended testes occur in the womb and can include one or both testicles failing to descend to the scrotal sac during development. The majority of males born with this problem will see spontaneous resolution within the first year of life. However, those whose problem does not resolve on its own will require laparoscopic surgery to help the testicle descend. Those who suffer from both testicles not descending have a lower fertility rate than others. However, if only one testicle is affected, fertility isn’t affected as significantly as long as they receive proper medical care.
What Is Nocturnal Enuresis?
Nocturnal enuresis is the condition in which a child continues to wet the bed after age five. These children never achieve consistent dryness during the night and the action is involuntary. In most cases, your family physician will suggest monitoring to see if the child outgrows the problem, as most do. However, he or she may prescribe medication, which will reduce the amount of urine produced during sleep.