Concern Regarding My Son's Urological Health
I have some concerns regarding my one-year-old son’s urological health. He currently weighs 20 pounds and stands at 72 cm tall, and he does not take any medications. As a non-smoker, he has no known health issues. I haven't included any images, but I'm willing to provide them if necessary. What we have observed is that the seam on the underside of his penis appears jagged, resembling a lightning bolt rather than being smooth. Additionally, the base seems unusually tight, giving the impression that a band of skin may be constricting it, similar to a hair tourniquet, although that isn't exactly the case. While it’s somewhat difficult to ascertain, I suspect that during erections, his penis may curve down slightly. I am anxious about possible conditions such as chordee or hypospadias. The foreskin also appears somewhat irregular, as if there is extra skin present, yet it isn’t fully fused to the glans. I don’t believe his urethra is misplaced, but I must admit I don't have extensive experience with infant anatomy. Although his pediatrician hasn’t expressed any concern, I often feel dismissed by her. She hasn't been our preferred choice and has overlooked issues in the past. Living in Canada limits our options for healthcare providers, and it’s challenging to secure in-person appointments. Based on these observations, I am contemplating whether it would be prudent to seek a consultation with a pediatric urologist. Additionally, I wonder if this situation is related to the inconclusive result for Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies in his NIPT test. Should I be investigating the possibility of a genetic condition?
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 4:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your son's urological health given your observations and the challenges in securing healthcare. The changes you describe regarding the appearance of his penis—particularly the jagged seam and tight base—can be a source of anxiety as a parent.
Explanation
The description you provided could be related to a few potential conditions. One possibility is phimosis, where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans, especially if there’s an irregular appearance. Chordee, which leads to abnormal curvature of the penis, and hypospadias, a condition where the urethra opens on the underside rather than at the top, are also things to monitor, though your observation that the urethra appears in the correct position is reassuring.
As for the connection with the inconclusive NIPT test for sex chromosome aneuploidies, it's important to note that many infants with typical genital development can have normal genetic profiles and familial patterns. However, if there are concerns regarding potential genetic conditions, this could merit further investigation.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized actions to consider:
-
Document Symptoms and Changes: Keep a detailed diary of his genital appearance and any changes you notice over time. This can be valuable for any healthcare provider you consult.
-
Seek a Pediatric Urologist Consultation: Given your concerns, obtaining a second opinion from a pediatric urologist may be very beneficial. You can express your observations and anxieties clearly during this consultation. If in-person appointments are limited, consider telehealth options if available.
-
Discuss Genetic Testing if Concerned: If you still have concerns related to genetic conditions or if his physical examination reveals abnormalities, discussing with the pediatric urologist about further genetic evaluation might be warranted.
-
Observe and Monitor: In the meantime, watch for any changes in behavior, discomfort, or indications of pain during urination or erections. If you notice any significant changes, this may alter how immediate you need to seek help.
If you’re feeling that your concerns are not being taken seriously, it may be worthwhile to seek a healthcare provider who specializes in pediatric care and urology, even if it requires a longer wait or travel. Your child's health is the priority, and advocating for a consultation that makes you feel heard is entirely reasonable.
Feel free to reach out if you have more specific questions or need further clarification on any of these points.
Related Questions
Changes in a Puncture Hematoma: From Injury to New Concerns
Summary: An injury caused by a tack remover resulted in a large internal bruise that has since left a hard lump in my leg. Recently, after bumping it, the lump shifted position and became smaller. Last year, while trying to clear out screw holes on my metal roof in a rushed manner, I improperly wielded a tack remover. The tool slipped, resulting in a painful stab just below my knee. I quickly removed it and descended from the roof, reassured to find the bleeding ceased almost instantly. After carefully cleaning and bandaging the wound, I went about my day. However, after about two hours of activity, I noticed that the bandage was feeling unusually tight. Upon inspection, I discovered that the wound had been bleeding internally, causing a sizeable hematoma which began to grow significantly. I sought help from an EMT, concerned it might lead to compartment syndrome, and was advised to head to the emergency room. An X-ray confirmed extensive internal bleeding, with the hematoma nearly reaching the size of my knee. Fortunately, the wound eventually healed, albeit leaving a hard, immobile lump that felt like bone. Some months later, I accidentally fell on that area. To my surprise, the lump appeared to be smaller than before. A couple of weeks later, two identical lumps emerged overnight on every distal joint of my fingers. Just two weeks after that, the same phenomenon occurred on all ten toes. X-rays of my hands showed no abnormalities, leading me to consider the possibility of reactive arthritis, for which I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in September. Each time I discuss my knee lump with different doctors, they examine it briefly before expressing mild concern. This morning, I accidentally hit my leg against a drawer. An hour later, I squatted down and experienced familiar pain, noticing that the lump had shifted again—it was now smaller and seemed to have moved closer to my kneecap, rather than being located an inch below as it used to be. I am filled with questions regarding this unusual development. What exactly is this lump? Could it consist of metal fragments my body has surrounded? Is there a possibility of having it surgically removed? Moreover, could this lump be linked to the recent appearances of similar lumps on my fingers and toes? How can I seek further assistance if my primary care physicians dismiss these concerns?
Is This Epilepsy?
**Age Group:** 20s **Concerned Area:** Brain **Duration of Issues:** Over the past few years During the last four years, I’ve experienced multiple concerning incidents related to my head. It all began after an unfortunate encounter on a train where a homeless individual coughed directly on me. Subsequently, I developed pneumonia, and eventually, meningitis. I owe my recovery to the use of a steroid inhaler and antibiotics; without them, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have survived. One morning, I woke up with a painfully stiff neck, icy hands, sensitivity to light, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. At first, I assumed I must have slept awkwardly, so I decided to use my cold hands to ease the discomfort in my neck. In a surprising turn, my body tensed up suddenly, and I lost consciousness, falling off the bed—an event that I suspect was a seizure. The aftermath left me feeling quite disoriented. On another occasion, I was randomly assaulted when someone struck me in the back of my head. Following that, I found myself under significant stress during which my right eye experienced a strange malfunction, leading to a stroke-like episode that doctors later identified as a hemiplegic migraine. Shortly after visiting the emergency room, I caught COVID-19 while waiting, and post-recovery, I noticed that every cough caused my head to spin to an alarming degree, almost causing me to lose my balance. Coupled with this, I had clear fluid incessantly leaking from my nose, which was identified as cerebrospinal fluid. I've undergone an MRI and various other medical tests. Lately, I've been plagued by feelings of confusion and occasional déjà vu. It often feels like I’m disconnected from my own body. Just today, I felt particularly out of touch. In moments of high stress, I often feel dazed and unable to grasp what’s happening around me. Despite consulting several doctors, their responses have left me feeling frustrated and without clarity on the situation.
Is It Possible to Retain a Mark from an IV?
A 38-year-old woman, standing 5 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, who is menopausal due to a hysterectomy and is on estrogen therapy, shares her experience. On May 6th, I visited the emergency room (ER) where an IV was inserted into my forearm. The process was quite painful. I ended up in a side waiting area, separate from the larger main area. Previously, I had worked in this ER and knew that this particular zone was designated for overflow or those needing IVs but without a room available. IVs can often be a source of discomfort, and I usually take the chance to rest when I can, laying in bed to nap. However, on this occasion, I opted for a standard chair, and any slight shift in position caused significant pain. After some time, the nurse came over and promptly removed the IV, and I felt a sharp pang as she did. She instructed me to press a gauze pad against the site. On my journey home, I noticed more bleeding than usual—while it wasn't excessive, it was still above my norm. The following day, I discovered that the area was significantly bruised, a deep purple hue extending about 2-3 inches in diameter. Over the next few weeks, it gradually healed, but as of today, I am left with a faint brownish mark. It's subtle enough that others might not notice it, yet it's visible to me when I extend my arm. Is this a common occurrence? Might the abrupt removal of the IV be the cause of this lingering mark? Thank you in advance for your insights!
Seeking Guidance
I understand that this may not belong to the appropriate category, however, I am unable to locate one that addresses symptoms of illness. My mother, who is in her 60s, has been experiencing significant memory issues, slurred speech, and excessive sleep—often up to 15 hours a day—for the last year. Medical examinations have ruled out both dementia and stroke, as she has undergone numerous brain scans and assessments. Last night was particularly concerning; she asked me how to send an email, stating she couldn’t manage it. This is a woman who has run her own business since she was 20, making this incident alarming for both of us. Approximately 15 years ago, she received radiotherapy for a non-cancerous brain tumor, which was inoperable due to her history of multiple heart attacks at that time. Despite our concerns, doctors have consistently reassured her that there is nothing physically wrong or have suggested it is merely anxiety. The situation has been deteriorating, and it feels as though no one is taking us seriously. We are in desperate need of assistance and guidance.
Severe Discomfort in a Previously Fractured Leg
In August 2019, I suffered a break in my leg, specifically a tibia and fibula spiral fracture, along with a straight fracture in my ankle. Following this incident, I underwent surgery during which a rod was inserted to aid in healing. Occasionally, I experience discomfort reminiscent of a toothache, which I know can be a common occurrence. This typically happens after extensive walking or spending time working in my flower garden. I find that applying products like Bengay or Aspercreme tends to alleviate the pain. However, over the past two or three days, the discomfort has intensified significantly. The pain is localized to the area where the fracture occurred, and I found it so severe last night that I was unable to sleep. Is this something I should expect? By the way, I am a 61-year-old woman. I appreciate any insights or advice you might offer.