What is a Pediatric Urologist?

Pediatric urologists are surgeons who can diagnose, treat, and manage children's urinary and genital problems.

If your child has an illness or disease of the genitals or urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder), a pediatric urologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child.

What Does a Pediatric Urologist Do?

These doctors are trained to treat a number of genital abnormalities (growths or positioning of genitals on the body) and groin problems like varicocele (swelling of veins in the scrotum).

Pediatric urologists are trained to understand problems and pain in children that can’t be easily expressed by the child. They examine, diagnose, and treat urology and genital problems in children in a comforting and relaxing environment to help put the child at ease. Many of their offices are decorated in ways that appeal to children too, with toys, books, or games.

Reasons to See a Pediatric Urologist

Minor pediatric urology problems like urinary tract infections or genitalia adhesions (tissue that joins parts of your genitals together) can be treated by your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor. However, when more serious problems occur, you’ll need to see a pediatric urologist.

Common conditions that require an appointment include:

• Swelling around a testicle (hydroceles)
• Undescended testicles (testicles that haven't dropped by 12 to 18 months of age.)
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Hernias in the groin or scrotum
• Recurrent urinary tract infections with high fever (pyelonephritis or pyelonephritis.)
• Bedwetting in children and teens
• Daytime accidents and bladder control problems

Oftentimes your pediatrician will refer your child to a pediatric urologist if more serious conditions are present.

Pediatric urologists will examine and recommend the level of treatment required for your child's condition. They provide further counseling to determine if surgery is necessary, and are specialized to operate on your child's urinary system if needed.