If your doctor tells you that your child has a urinary tract problem or condition, they may refer you to a pediatric urologist. It's normal to feel a little scared. But, once you know who they are and what they do, you'll feel a lot of relief. Let's talk about this simply.
Who is a pediatric urologist?
Simply put, a pediatric urologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the urinary system and reproductive organs of your babies, toddlers, and young children. This is sometimes called the genitourinary tract. These are the organs that these specialists focus on the most:
- Kidneys (these are the organs that filter waste products from our bodies and make urine)
- Ureters (These are the tubes that carry urine, produced in the kidneys, to the bladder)
- Bladder (the sac-like part where urine collects)
- Urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body)
- Testicles (in boys)
- Male gender
- The female vagina and related parts
Your child's pediatrician can treat some minor urinary tract problems. Not every minor problem requires a visit to a specialist. However, if your child's symptoms or condition are beyond his or her expertise, he or she will likely refer you to a specialist.
How is a Pediatric Urologist different from a general Urologist?
This is also a problem for many people. There are doctors (urologists) who treat urinary system diseases for adults. So, why is there a separate one for children?
The reason is this. A pediatric urologist is someone who has received the same training as a urologist who treats adults, plus additional training that is specific to young children.
Think about it, as we age, our urinary system changes. For example, the amount of urine the bladder can hold and the ability to control urination change with age. Pediatric urologists have a lot of expertise in congenital conditions. Because they often see and diagnose such diseases in young children.
Another important thing is that talking to a young child about urination and their genitals can be a very sensitive topic. Children can feel embarrassed and scared. Pediatric urologists know how to talk about these things in a way that children understand and feel comfortable with. The mind and emotions of an adult are very different from those of a young child. So, these doctors have a special ability to get down to the level of those children and talk.
When should your child see a pediatric urologist?
These specialists treat any condition that affects the urinary system of a baby, toddler, or young child. This can include problems with their reproductive organs. Some urinary system problems are present at birth, while others may develop later as the child grows.
Here are some of the conditions a pediatric urologist often sees and treats:
- Congenital anomalies or malformations of the urinary system: Examples of these are vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of urine into the kidneys), hydronephrosis (kidney swelling, which means the kidneys become enlarged due to urine), or varicocele (varicose veins in the testicles) in boys.
- Kidney stones, bladder stones or ureteral stones: These can happen to kids too. In fact, they are the same as adults, but the causes and treatments may be a little different.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) or urinary tract obstructions: This is more common in girls, especially. This can be due to hygiene issues as well as other structural factors.
- Undescended testicles or swelling around a testicle: These can be detected at birth and sometimes need to be corrected with minor surgery.
- Inguinal hernias: Internal parts of the body, such as the intestines, push through the skin in the groin area. This can also be treated with surgery.
- Vaginal irregularities: There may be some changes that are present from birth.
- Cancer of urologic organs: These are very rare, but they do exist. Early detection is key.
- Blood in the urine (Hematuria): This is also a symptom that you should definitely be concerned about. It is important to find the cause.
- Bedwetting or Incontinence: This is the inability to control urination. There are many different causes for these, and there are treatments available for them.
- Urinary problems caused by nervous system diseases or injuries to the spine, such as ``(spina bifida)`` (a birth defect of the spine).
Your child's pediatric urologist will perform various tests to determine the exact cause of the condition and then recommend the most appropriate treatment, possibly even surgery.
Remember: The most important thing is not to panic when you find out that your child has a problem like this, but to get the tests and treatment your doctor recommends. There is a solution to almost every problem.
What can you expect when you visit a pediatric urologist?
Okay, now let's say you go to see this specialist with your child. What happens there?
First, the doctor will ask you about your child's symptoms, his or her health history, any previous surgeries, and any previous test results. So tell the doctor everything you know, even the smallest details. Sometimes, even things that seem insignificant to you can be important in diagnosing the disease.
Then, the doctor will do a physical exam of the child. This includes palpating the child's abdomen and, if necessary, examining the genital area. Since the child may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed at this time, it is very important for you to sit there and be supportive of the child and simply explain what the doctor is doing.
After these initial tests, the doctor will decide whether further tests are needed to accurately diagnose the disease. These tests include:
- Other radiological tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans and ultrasound scans: These can produce clear images of organs inside the body. These tests are not painful.
- Urine tests: A urine sample can be taken to check for infections, blood, sugar, and many other things. Taking a urine sample from young children can be a bit challenging, but there are ways to do it.
- Urodynamic testing: This is a special test. It measures how much urine the bladder can hold, how fast urine flows out, and how well the child controls urination. This involves inserting a small tube into the urethra, but the doctor will make sure that it is as painless as possible for the child.
After all these tests are done and the cause of your child's symptoms is determined, the doctor will give you a treatment plan. Urinary tract infections can be treated with medication, surgery, or a combination of both. Pediatric urologists are trained to perform these surgeries. So, if surgery is needed, they will explain it to you, including the pros, cons, and risks.
How does one become a Pediatric Urologist?
This is also good to know. Becoming a pediatric urologist is not an easy journey. It takes a lot of dedication and time.
First, you need to pass the Advanced Level Science section with flying colors and get a medical degree from a university. Usually, after studying in medical school for about four or five years, they undergo a residency program. This is specialized training in urology. This can last for five years or even more. After this internship, you have to undergo another specialized training in pediatric urology, called a Fellowship. This Fellowship can last for one, two, or even more years.
Pediatric urologists first obtain certification as a general urologist from an internationally recognized organization such as the American Board of Urology. Then, after passing various written and practical exams, they obtain a second certification as a pediatric urologist. So, you can understand how much dedication, hard work, and long-term study this is, a specialized knowledge that requires.
Finally, an important message for parents
It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when your child is referred to see a pediatrician, a pediatric urologist. It's also difficult to see your child in pain and discomfort. Those feelings are very reasonable.
But, you can be assured that a pediatric urologist is someone who has received a high level of skill, knowledge, and training to understand and treat conditions that affect your child's urinary system and reproductive organs.
They will work with you, listen to your questions, and do their best to bring comfort to you and your child. So, trust the doctor, listen carefully to what he says, and get the necessary tests and treatment for your child. Your child will recover quickly! Don't worry, you are not going through this alone; the doctors, nurses, and the entire medical team are here to help you.
` Pediatric Urology, Pediatric Urologist, Urinary System, Children's Health, Kidney Diseases, Urinary Tract Infections
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