What Is Pediatric Urology?
Children have unique health needs as their bodies grow and change. Consequently, many medical specialties have subspecialties for pediatric care. Pediatric urology is one example. Urology is the specialty focused on the urinary tract and reproductive system. Pediatric urology specifically addresses conditions affecting a child’s urinary and genital systems.
This article provides an overview of pediatric urology, including its definition and the conditions treated by pediatric urologists.
What Is a Pediatric Urologist?
A pediatric urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing urinary and genital tract issues in infants, children and adolescents. These specialists address problems affecting what’s often referred to as the genitourinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and for males, the testicles and penis, and for females, the vagina.
While a pediatrician can manage many common urinary concerns, more complex or persistent conditions often require the expertise of a pediatric urologist, who possesses specialized training and experience in pediatric care.
What Conditions Do Pediatric Urologists Treat?
Bladder and Urinary Disorders
Pediatric urologists treat issues like bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), neurogenic bladder (bladder dysfunction due to nerve problems), frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary incontinence.
Developmental Issues
These problems can involve malformations of the kidneys, bladder, urethra or genital tract, such as bladder exstrophy (where the bladder is exposed outside the body), cloacal anomalies (abnormalities of the rectum, vagina and urinary tract) and hypospadias (a congenital disability where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis).
Genital Conditions
Pediatric urologists diagnose and treat problems such as hernias, undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) and intersex conditions (abnormal development of the genitals).
Kidney-Related Issues
These problems include conditions like hydronephrosis (swelling of a kidney due to urine backup) and kidney stones.
Tumors
Pediatric urologists play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular and kidney tumors in children.
Specialized Urologic Care Is Essential for Children
Because children are still developing, their responses to illnesses and treatments differ from those of adults. Consequently, specialized care is essential. Pediatric urologists are trained to understand these physiological differences, providing care that’s tailored to a child's growing body.
They also have the expertise to communicate effectively with children and their families, ensuring a supportive and comforting environment during what can be a stressful and challenging time. Their focus isn’t strictly on resolving the immediate medical issue but also on ensuring the child's long-term health and quality of life.
Get Help With Pediatric Urologic Issues From Baptist Health
If you suspect your child has a health problem affecting their urinary or genital system, Baptist Health can help. Contact your pediatrician to discuss the issue. They may be able to diagnose and treat the problem and can refer you to a pediatric urologist if necessary.
If you don’t have a Baptist Health pediatrician, you can find one in our online provider directory.
Next Steps and Helpful Resources
Learn More About Urology Care at Baptist health
Most Common Urology Problems
What to Expect at Your First Urology Appointment
What Color Should Urine Be?
