Ambiguous genitalia in newborns means the external genitals don't clearly appear male or female. This rare condition often stems from genetic or hormonal differences during development. A specialized medical team will carefully evaluate to determine the underlying cause and help families navigate the best path forward for their child's health and well-being.

Pediatrics: Ambiguous Genitalia

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Podcast: Disorders of sexual development

Overview (Mayo Clinic)

How sexual development works

Information and support

Handbook for parents

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This common condition can be caused by physical factors like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, or lifestyle choices. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise, can often help improve ED.

Erectile Dysfunction

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, means blood is present, either visible (pink/red/brown) or microscopic. While often caused by treatable conditions like infections or kidney stones, it's crucial to see a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the best approach. Staying well-hydrated can sometimes help prevent certain contributing factors.

Blood in the urine

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, often causing severe back or side pain and sometimes blood in the urine. They can be linked to dehydration or diet. While painful, many pass with increased fluids, or medical procedures may be needed for larger stones. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention.

Kidney stones

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or waking up at night to urinate. It's often managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures to help you feel more comfortable.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

Female urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, often triggered by activities like coughing or sneezing, or a sudden, strong urge to go. It's a common condition, often related to childbirth, menopause, or age. While common, it's manageable; lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and other treatments can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Incontinence, female

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition causing a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips day and night, and sometimes accidental leakage. This occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily. Lifestyle adjustments like managing fluid intake and diet, along with bladder training and various medications, can effectively help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Overactive bladder

Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of male birth control. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. This procedure does not affect sex drive, hormone levels, or ejaculation volume, offering couples peace of mind about family planning.

Vasectomy

Male incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, often due to weakened bladder muscles, prostate issues, or nerve damage. It's a common and treatable condition, manageable through lifestyle changes, exercises, medication, or other medical interventions. Discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider can help find effective solutions to improve quality of life.

Incontinence, male

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic organs like the bladder or uterus slip from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth, aging, or strain. Symptoms may include a feeling of pressure or a bulge. Management options involve lifestyle changes (like weight management), pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, or surgery.

Pelvic organ prolapse

Recurrent UTIs mean experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. Common symptoms include burning with urination, urgency, and frequent urges to go. While often caused by bacteria, managing them typically involves working with a doctor for treatment and discussing preventive steps like good hydration and hygiene to help reduce future occurrences.

Recurrent UTIs

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. While higher PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, they can also be due to other prostate problems. It's vital to discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you, considering your age, health, and family history, to understand potential benefits and risks.

PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting your bladder, bowels, and uterus become weak, tight, or uncoordinated. This can cause symptoms like urinary leakage, constipation, or pelvic pain. Treatment often involves specialized physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments to improve muscle function and reduce discomfort.

Pelvic floor dysfunction

Nocturia is the medical term for waking up one or more times during the night specifically to urinate. This can be caused by various factors, including fluid intake patterns, medications, and underlying health conditions like bladder issues or diabetes. Managing nocturia often involves lifestyle adjustments, such as timing fluid intake, and addressing any contributing medical conditions with your healthcare provider.

Nocturia

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate Cancer

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be fully pulled back over the glans (head of the penis). It's often normal in infants and young boys and usually resolves naturally. If it persists or causes issues like pain, difficulty urinating, or infections, treatment options may include topical creams, gentle stretching exercises, or in some cases, a surgical procedure like circumcision. Maintaining good hygiene is important.

Phimosis

Peyronie's disease involves the development of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) inside the penis, leading to a noticeable bend, indentation, or shortening, often causing painful erections. It may arise from injury or genetics. Treatment options vary from watchful waiting to medications or surgery, aiming to reduce pain and improve sexual function and quality of life.

Peyronies' disease

Ambiguous genitalia means a baby's external sex organs don't clearly appear male or female at birth. This can be due to differences in sex development, often involving genetic or hormonal factors. A specialized medical team works closely with families to determine the cause and plan the best path for the child's health and well-being, providing comprehensive support.

Ambiguous Genitalia

Varicocele is a common condition where veins within the scrotum become enlarged, similar to varicose veins in the leg. It often causes no symptoms, but can sometimes lead to a dull ache, a feeling of heaviness, or contribute to male infertility. Treatment, if necessary, may involve observation, pain management, or minor procedures, typically to address discomfort or fertility concerns.

Varicocele

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This can cause symptoms like a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder, or pain. It often results from injury, inflammation, or infection. Thankfully, it's a treatable condition to restore normal urine flow.

Urethral stricture

UPJ Obstruction is a blockage where your kidney connects to the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. This can cause urine to back up, leading to symptoms like side pain, nausea, or infection. It can be present from birth or develop later, and treatments are available to ensure proper kidney drainage and health.

UPJ obstruction

Low testosterone (low T) occurs when your body doesn't produce enough of this key male hormone. Symptoms often include fatigue, reduced sex drive, mood changes, and decreased muscle/bone mass. Causes range from aging and health conditions to lifestyle factors; management may involve lifestyle adjustments (like diet and exercise) and, if appropriate, hormone therapy, all discussed with your doctor.

Low testosterone

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is cancer that develops in the lining of the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Key symptoms often include blood in the urine. While smoking and certain chemical exposures are common risk factors, treatment typically involves surgery, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking are crucial.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

Testicular pain is discomfort or soreness in one or both testicles. It can range from dull to sharp and may stem from various causes like injury, infection, or inflammation. Due to potential serious underlying issues, it's crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Gentle support and rest may offer temporary relief.

Testicular pain

Testicular cancer is a treatable cancer that begins in the testicles, often appearing as a painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum. While its exact causes are unclear (an undescended testicle is a known risk factor), it's highly curable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes with chemotherapy or radiation, making self-awareness and regular self-exams important for timely detection.

Testicular cancer

Stoma care is the essential daily management of a surgically created opening (stoma) on the abdomen, typically for waste elimination. It involves meticulous cleaning, proper pouching, and skin protection to prevent irritation and infection. With education and routine, people with stomas can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Stoma Care

Scrotal conditions involve various issues affecting the scrotum, the protective sac containing the testicles, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, or lumps. These can stem from infections, injuries, or fluid accumulation. While some may resolve with observation or medication, others might require surgery; prompt medical evaluation is always recommended for proper care.

Scrotal conditions

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, a small organ in men. Symptoms often include pelvic pain, discomfort with urination, and urinary urgency. It can result from bacterial infections or other non-infectious causes. Treatment may involve medication, and lifestyle adjustments like adequate hydration and avoiding irritants can help manage symptoms. It's a common and often treatable condition.

Prostatitis

Penile cancer is a rare cancer affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. Symptoms can include skin changes, lumps, unhealing sores, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include HPV and certain lifestyle factors; maintaining good hygiene can help. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation, and early detection is key for better outcomes.

Penile cancer

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) occurs when urine flows backward from the bladder towards the kidneys, often due to a natural valve weakness. This condition, commonly seen in children, can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Many children outgrow VUR, while some may benefit from monitoring, medication, or in rare cases, a minor procedure to protect kidney health.

Pediatrics: Vesicoureteral Reflux

Pediatric UPJ obstruction is a blockage at the junction where a child's kidney connects to the ureter (the tube carrying urine to the bladder). This can cause urine to back up, potentially affecting kidney function. Often detected before birth or due to symptoms like pain or UTIs, it may require monitoring or surgery to relieve the obstruction and protect kidney health.

Pediatrics: UPJ Obstruction

Hypospadias is a common birth condition where a boy's urethra (the tube carrying urine) opens on the underside of the penis, not at the tip. It occurs due to incomplete development during pregnancy. This condition is usually corrected with surgery to ensure normal function, and families should discuss care with a pediatric urologist.

Pediatrics: Hypospadias

Testicular torsion is an urgent condition where a testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply. It causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, and often nausea. Immediate medical attention and emergency surgery are crucial to restore blood flow and save the testicle. If you suspect this, seek care right away.

Pediatrics: Testicular Torsion

Kidney cysts in children are fluid-filled sacs on the kidneys. Often harmless and found incidentally, they usually cause no symptoms but can sometimes lead to pain or high blood pressure if large. Causes can be genetic or unknown. Most require only monitoring; rarely, intervention is needed. Staying well-hydrated supports kidney health.

Pediatrics: Kidney Cysts

Undescended testis means a baby boy's testicle hasn't moved into its proper place in the scrotum. This is often noticed at birth and, while some descend naturally, treatment like surgery is common if needed to help prevent future health issues.

Pediatrics: Undescended Testis

Neonatal hydronephrosis means a baby's kidney(s) are swollen because urine isn't draining properly, often due to a blockage or reflux. It's usually found on prenatal ultrasounds and often causes no symptoms. Many cases improve on their own, while others require monitoring or simple treatments to protect kidney health. Regular follow-up appointments are important for your baby's care.

Pediatrics: Neonatal Hydronephrosis

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) refers to involuntary urination during sleep in children past the age when they're typically dry. This common issue often relates to bladder development, deep sleep, or genetics. Most children outgrow it; lifestyle adjustments like managing fluids before bed and regular bathroom habits, along with patience and support, are often beneficial.

Pediatrics: Bedwetting

Exstrophy and epispadias are rare birth defects. Exstrophy means the bladder is open and outside the body, often with epispadias, where the urethra is also open. Surgical reconstruction is needed, and with ongoing specialized care, children can lead healthy, active lives.

Pediatrics: Exstrophy & Epispadias

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO) is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition, most often affecting genital or anal areas, but can occur elsewhere. It causes itching, pain, and white, thinned patches of skin. While its exact cause is unknown, it's thought to be autoimmune. Management typically involves topical medications to control symptoms and requires regular monitoring. Gentle hygiene is important.

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO)

Advanced kidney cancer means the disease has spread from its original site in the kidney to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include fatigue, pain, or unexpected weight loss. Management focuses on slowing disease progression with treatments like targeted therapy or immunotherapy, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

Kidney cancer, advanced

Kidney cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the kidneys. Many are harmless, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. Others may need monitoring or intervention if they grow large, cause pain, or affect kidney function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle generally supports kidney health.

Kidney cysts

Localized kidney cancer means abnormal cells are found only within the kidney. Often found early, symptoms might include blood in urine or back pain, with causes linked to smoking or obesity. Treatment frequently involves surgery, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.

Kidney cancer, localized

Infertility is when a couple has difficulty conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if the woman is over 35). It can affect men, women, or both, often due to various underlying health conditions, age, or lifestyle factors like diet and stress. While challenging, many effective treatments and support options are available to help individuals and couples achieve pregnancy.

Infertility

Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome, is a chronic condition causing uncomfortable bladder pressure, pain, and a persistent, urgent need to urinate frequently. While its exact cause is unknown, managing symptoms through lifestyle changes (like diet), medications, and various therapies can significantly improve comfort and quality of life.

Interstitial Cystitis

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common condition in post-menopausal women, stemming from lower estrogen, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary changes. Effective treatments, including lubricants, moisturizers, and specific therapies, can significantly improve comfort and quality of life, with staying well-hydrated also being helpful.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Genitalia conditions involve various issues affecting the reproductive and urinary areas, such as itching, pain, discharge, or lumps. Causes range from infections and inflammation to structural concerns. Treatments often include medications or minor procedures. Practicing good hygiene and openly discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional are key for managing these common conditions.

Genitalia conditions

Learning about a medical condition helps you understand its common signs, potential causes, and general management approaches. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can often support overall well-being and treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

General information

Chronic pelvic pain is ongoing discomfort in your lower abdomen or pelvis, lasting six months or more. It can arise from various sources like gynecological conditions, bladder issues, or muscle problems, often impacting daily life. Management typically involves a combination of therapies and lifestyle adjustments, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare providers to find relief.

Chronic pelvic pain

Cancer is a disease where the body's cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location, but common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While causes are complex, healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise can influence risk and overall health.

Cancer basics

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in your bladder's lining. The most common symptom is blood in urine, sometimes with frequent or painful urination. Smoking is a key cause, along with certain chemical exposures. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer stage. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially quitting smoking, is important for prevention and management.

Bladder cancer

An adrenal mass is a growth found on one of your small adrenal glands, located above your kidney. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and found by chance, causing no symptoms. However, some may produce excess hormones or, less commonly, be cancerous. A doctor will evaluate it to determine its nature and guide appropriate care, which might include monitoring or removal.

Adrenal Mass

Sarabeth Martin

Logan Health Urology

Logan Health Lead Urologist

Surgery (Urology)

American Board of Urology Diplomate

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Problems with glands on your kidneys that make hormones for stress, energy, and blood pressure.

Adrenal conditions

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Everyday health, wellness tips, and understanding how to manage your care.

General Health & Patient Education

Kidney Cancer

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Conditions that cause pain, aches, soreness, or general unease.

Pain and discomfort

Problems with bladder, bowel, pain, or pelvic organ support.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Infections affecting your urinary tract, bladder, and private areas.

Urinary & Intimate Infections

Health issues impacting women's bodies and well-being, including reproductive health.

Women's Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

Conditions about getting pregnant, preventing it, and reproductive health.

Fertility and Family Planning

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Conditions from hard, stone-like deposits in kidneys and urinary tract.

Kidney Stones

Urinary and genital issues in babies, children, and teenagers.

Pediatric Urology Conditions

Health conditions affecting sex organs, fertility, & sexual well-being.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Bladder problems preventing normal urine flow, requiring a new way for urine to exit the body.

Urinary Diversion

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Sarabeth Martin, MD

Pediatrics: Ambiguous Genitalia

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