Urology When children need to urologist

Frequently presented urological teething

30/10/2014

Not only men have to go to the urologist. Women and children should also visit the urologist for certain diseases. Because he is not only responsible for diseases of the male genital organs, but also for problems with kidneys and urinary tract. Especially in children, in which the body still grows and develops, abklärungspflichte often occur. Dr. Reinhold Schaefer, Managing Director of the medical network Uro-GmbH Nordrhein, explains the most common diseases in childhood.

Foreskin narrowing up to the age of 4 normal
More than 90 percent of all boys have a foreskin narrowing at birth, the so-called phimosis. It is caused by a mismatch between the size of the glans and the width of the penis foreskin, also often the foreskin is glued to the glans. However, this is usually a temporary phenomenon that disappears by itself between the first and the fourth year of life. However, if the glans inflamed frequently or there are problems with urination, should be treated. Sometimes the pushing back of the foreskin is sufficient with slight anesthesia. In rare cases, the foreskin must be partially or completely removed. „Parents should not try to treat the constriction themselves“, explains Dr. Shepherd. „It can cause injuries and scars.“ A phimosis should be removed at the latest before enrollment.

Take urinary tract infections seriously
Bladder infections are more likely to affect boys in their babyhood, after which mostly girls suffer. „The reason for urinary tract infections is usually hypothermia“, urologist explains Shepherd. “Especially the genital region is quickly overcooled and thus poorly supplied with blood. Then bacteria penetrate more easily and can miraculously multiply at temperatures below 37 ° C and then lead to inflammation.” Frequent urinary urgency, which can also be seen in small children by enuresis, as well as burning or pain when urinating are warning signs. „The smaller the child, the more advisable it is to go to a urologist for symptoms“, clarifies Shepherd. „So we can detect internal malformations favoring infection.“

Testicular uplift can lead to infertility
The testicles develop in the unborn child in the abdominal cavity. From there they usually migrate into the scrotum. If this does not happen or testicles go back again and again it comes to undescended testicles. „An undescended testicle causes no discomfort, but it can lead untreated to infertility or even to a tumor“, clarifies Shepherd. Because temperatures inside the body are too high for seed-forming tissue. An undescended testicle should be corrected at best until reaching the first year of life. He may initially be treated with medications, but in some cases must also be operated on.

Bedwetting: a taboo subject in childhood
Nocturnal urine loss can be normal until the age of five. Only when children are older and about twice a month lose the night control of their bladder, urologists speak of bedwetting. If the child has never been dry for more than six months, delayed development of the nervous system may be responsible for sphincter control“, explains Dr. Shepherd. Other children, on the other hand, sleep so deeply that they do not feel their full bladder, or the nocturnal rise of the so-called antidiuretic hormone is absent. As a result, the body produces more urine than the child's bladder can hold. Treatment basis is the so-called urotherapy. „Regular scheduled toilet visits and moderate fluid restriction may improve bladder control“, describes Dr. Shepherd. „A bubble diary kept by the child, apparative behavior therapy with doorbell mat or pants can also help.“ Medications can help bridge critical situations like school trips. (Pm)