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 kind of training do pediatric urologists have?

  • At least four years of medical school
  • One year of surgical internship
  • At least three additional years of residency training in general urology
  • At least one additional year of fellowship training in pediatric urology

A pediatric urologist must devote a minimum of 50 percent of his or her practice to the urologic problems of infants, children and adolescents.

What types of treatments do pediatric urologists provide?

Pediatric urologists are surgeons who can diagnose, treat and manage a child's urinary and genital problems. Pediatric urologists generally provide the following services:

  • Evaluation and management of voiding disorders, vesicoureteral reflux and urinary tract infections that require surgery
  • Surgical reconstruction of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureter and bladder) including genital abnormalities, hypospadias and intersex conditions
  • Surgery for groin conditions in childhood and adolescence (undescended testes, hydrocele/hernia, varicocele)

Pediatric urologists—the best care for children

Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions and are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a medical examination. Pediatric urologists know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. In addition, pediatric urologists often use equipment specially designed for children. Most pediatric urologists’ offices are arranged and decorated with children in mind. This includes the examination rooms and waiting rooms, which may have toys, videos and reading materials for children. This helps create a comfortable and non-threatening environment for your child.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric urologist, you can be assured that he or she has the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and in treating children's urinary tract disorders. (Source: AAP)