Pediatric urologists are medical doctors who have had

• At least 4 years of medical school
• One year of surgical internship
• At least 3 additional years of residency training in general urology
• At least 1 additional year of fellowship training in pediatric urology

A pediatric urologist must devote a minimum of 50% 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 children’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, ureters, and bladder)
• Surgical reconstruction of genital abnormalities, hypospadias, and intersex conditions
• Surgery for groin conditions in childhood and adolescence (undescended testes, hydrocele/hernia, varicocele).

Where Can I Find A Pediatric Urologist?

Today, pediatric urologists can be found in almost every state and in virtually all of the major cities in the United States.

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 nonthreatening 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 genital and urinary tract disorders.

Source: Healthychildren.org, a service of the American Academy of Pediatrics.