Specialist warns of the importance of urological care from childhood onwards
Few people know this, but just like many other important tests for a baby's health - such as the baby's foot, ear and eye tests - urological examinations for male children should be carried out at an early stage. As well as preventing diseases, early diagnosis always facilitates treatment. "Ideally, the first evaluation should take place within the first two years of the baby's life," advises pediatric urologist Ubirajara Barroso.
At the first appointment, in addition to a clinical examination to check the functioning of the child's sexual organ, the specialist advises parents on genital hygiene and the need for forced maneuvers in the case of phimosis. "Phimosis is still surrounded by myths for many people. Today, the use of local ointments can prevent surgery, but only from the second year of the child's life can we make a better assessment."
In adolescence, when pubic hair appears, a visit to the urologist, as well as assessing the development of the genitals during puberty, helps to reduce doubts and concerns about sexuality. "It's natural for teenagers to be interested in sex and parents don't always feel prepared to talk about it. In the consultation, we take a professional approach that respects the child's language and maturity," explains the specialist, pointing out that certain pathologies can and should be diagnosed in childhood to avoid future complications. "Varicocele, popularly known as varicose veins in the testicle, is the biggest cause of male infertility and can be diagnosed and treated in adolescence."
The most common urological pathologies in the development phase are: urinary incontinence, problems with the formation of the urethra, an increase in the volume of the testicles and genital ambiguity. The vacation period also requires care, warns the specialist. High temperatures and spending more time in wet clothes favor the proliferation of fungi. The disease causes reddish spots, swelling and itching on the penis.
About Ubirajara Barroso:
Head of the Urology Discipline at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Adjunct Professor at the Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, he is a full member of the Bahia Academy of Medicine and coordinator of the Center for Childhood Urinary Disorders (Cedimi). An international lecturer, he has published articles on innovations in the treatment of pathologies in the field of pediatric urology in the world's leading scientific journals.
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