What it is
A pediatric urology consultation takes place with a parent present. Questions cover development, habits and any symptoms noticed at home; the examination is gentle and, when needed, completed with an ultrasound scan, which is painless.
During adolescence, an andrology check-up can pick up conditions such as varicocele early, as they often cause no symptoms.
Draft diagram: to be validated by Dr. Greco before launch.
How the testis descends
- Abdomen · where the testis forms
- Inguinal canal · the passage towards the scrotum
- Scrotum · its final position
An undescended testis stops somewhere along this path.
Simplified diagram, not to scale.
What we look at
- Phimosis and foreskin problems
- Undescended or retractile testicle
- Hydrocele and scrotal swelling
- Varicocele in teenagers
- Urinary tract infections
- Bedwetting beyond the expected age and voiding problems
How it is diagnosed
The tools are simple and non-invasive:
- a conversation with the parent and, for older children, with the young person too
- a gentle clinical examination
- kidney, bladder or testicular ultrasound, when useful
- a urine test, if there are urinary symptoms
Treatment options
Every condition has its right timing:
When not to wait
Go to the emergency department straight away if:
- a child or teenager has sudden, severe pain in a testicle, possibly with nausea or vomiting: it could be testicular torsion, which must be treated within a few hours;
- a young child has a high fever together with urinary symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Phimosis and circumcision: when is treatment needed?
In young boys the foreskin often does not retract: this is normal and tends to resolve with growth. Treatment is considered if phimosis persists or causes infections, pain or difficulty passing urine. Topical treatment is often tried first; circumcision is performed only when medically indicated.
At what age should a child see a urologist?
There is no set age: a consultation is useful when there are doubts or symptoms, such as a testicle that cannot be felt in the scrotum, swelling, pain, urinary infections or bedwetting beyond the age of 5 or 6. An andrology check-up during adolescence is useful in any case.
Will an undescended testicle come down on its own?
It sometimes descends naturally in the first months of life. If it does not, a specialist should assess it: surgery is usually carried out by around 18 months of age, to protect the function of the testicle.
This page provides general information and does not replace a consultation: every situation needs to be assessed by a specialist.