Genital abnormalities require expert care from experienced pediatric urologists. At CHKD, our surgeons correct birth defects and other conditions that affect the genitals with advanced treatments and compassionate care.

Hypospadias is a congenital defect where the opening of the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body (the urethra) is on the bottom of the penis instead of the tip. This can make it difficult for boys to learn to urinate properly. Pediatric urology surgeons can perform surgery to treat hypospadias by constructing a longer urethra and moving its opening to the tip of the penis. The surgery helps correct any complications before they happen.

Before boys are born, their testes pass down out of their bodies into the scrotum. About 3 to 5 percent of boys have undescended testes (cryptorchidism) when one or both testes stay up in the groin. This can put boys at a higher risk of infertility, testicular cancer, hernia or testicular torsion. In most cases, the testes will descend on their own within a few months. However, if they don’t descend, boys may need surgery for undescended testes to bring the testicle down into the scrotum.

Hydrocele is another common condition that affects that scrotum that often clears up on its own. A hydrocele is sac of fluid that may surround a testicle and cause swelling. If the hydrocele doesn’t go away on its own, our pediatric urologists can surgically remove the hydrocele (called hydrocelectomy). Your child will likely be able to go home the same day they have a hydrocelectomy.

Varicocele aren’t birth defects, but can happen when boys are older. As boys mature, their testicles can grow rapidly which requires a lot of blood. If blood begins to pool or remain in the testicles, it can cause varicocele, or bulging veins in the testicles. Sometimes varicocele requires no treatment, but because it can lead to infertility, some boys may need minimally invasive surgery to remove varicoceles.

At CHKD, we provide expert urological surgery for children of all ages. From common conditions to complex genital abnormalities, our pediatric urologists offer the care your child needs for healthy development.

Learn more about pediatric urology services at CHKD online or by calling (757) 668-7878.