Congenital or acquired abnormalities of male genitalia in children are not uncommon and can vary from mild cosmetic concerns to medically significant conditions affecting fertility, urination, and overall development. Prompt evaluation by a pediatric urologist ensures early correction, reduces future complications, and supports emotional and physical well-being.
In Nagpur, Dr. Sadashiv Bhole, a leading Senior Urologist, Andrologist & Robotic Surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and surgical care for a wide range of male genital anomalies in children.
Common Male Genital Abnormalities in Children
Hypospadias
- Urethral opening is on the underside of the penis instead of the tip
- May be associated with chordee (penile curvature)
- Causes abnormal urination and may affect future sexual function
- Treated with hypospadias repair surgery, ideally between 6 to 18 months of age
Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)
- One or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum
- Increases risk of infertility and testicular cancer if untreated
- Requires surgical correction (orchiopexy) before 18 months
Hydrocele
- Fluid collection around the testicle
- Appears as painless scrotal swelling
- Most resolve by 1 year; persistent cases may need pediatric urology surgery
Inguinal Hernia
- Intestinal loop bulges into the groin or scrotum
- Can become painful and strangulated if not treated
- Requires surgical repair
Micropenis
- Abnormally small penis for age, though structurally normal
- May need hormonal therapy or endocrinology referral
Phimosis & Paraphimosis
- Phimosis: Foreskin cannot be retracted
- Paraphimosis: Retracted foreskin gets stuck, causing swelling
- May require circumcision or preputioplasty in severe cases
Epispadias
- Rare condition where the urethral opening is on the top side of the penis
- Often associated with bladder exstrophy and requires complex reconstruction
Varicocele
- Dilated veins in the scrotum
- Seen in adolescents and may affect fertility
- May require surgical ligation if symptomatic
Testicular Torsion
- Emergency condition where the testicle twists on the spermatic cord
- Causes sudden, severe pain and swelling
- Requires immediate surgery to save the testis
Penile Torsion / Webbed Penis / Buried Penis
- Cosmetic and functional anomalies of the penile shaft or attachment
- May cause difficulty with hygiene or urination
- Corrected with simple pediatric procedures
When to Consult a Pediatric Urologist
- Abnormal appearance of penis or scrotum at birth
- Absent or small-sized testicles
- Painful scrotal swelling or sudden testicular pain
- Urinary issues like spraying urine, dribbling, or incontinence
- Family history of urogenital anomalies
- Concerns about genital size or symmetry
Diagnostic Tools
- Clinical examination
- Ultrasound of scrotum & abdomen
- Hormonal profile (in certain cases like micropenis or ambiguous genitalia)
- Karyotyping if genital ambiguity is suspected
- MCUG or urodynamic studies for functional evaluation
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the condition and age:
- Corrective surgeries – hypospadias repair, orchiopexy, hernia/hydrocele surgery
- Circumcision – for phimosis or recurrent infections
- Hormonal therapy – in select endocrine-related genital abnormalities
- Minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgeries – offered by experts like Dr. Bhole for precision and quick recovery
- Multidisciplinary care – involving endocrinologists, pediatricians, and psychologists when needed
Male genital abnormalities in children should never be ignored or delayed. Early diagnosis and timely pediatric urology intervention ensure better cosmetic, functional, and psychological outcomes.
If your child has any genital or urinary concern, consult Dr. Sadashiv Bhole, one of the best pediatric urologists in Nagpur, for expert evaluation, guidance, and safe corrective treatment.