Search Results

Condition

Genital Warts

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) commonly causes genital warts. In females, these warts can occur around the vagina, on the cervix or around the rectum. Some strains of HPV can cause different types of cancer, however, most do not.

Condition

Straddle Injury/Genital Trauma

A straddle injury (genital trauma) occurs when a female hits the vulva or perineum (external female genitalia) on an object and the force generated by the weight of her body causes an injury. This can occur during a fall or accident.

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Genital Exam - Male (Pre- or Early Puberty)

An exam of your child's genitals is done to check for possible disease, injury or abnormality.

Genital Warts (HPV Infection)

Genital warts are skin-colored, cauliflower-like, painless growths. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genital warts are usually spread by sexual contact. During pregnancy or delivery, the HPV virus can be passed on to the baby from an infected mother.

Condition

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting HPV.

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The Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine: Safe and Effective!

The HPV vaccine protects against the viruses that cause cervical cancers and genital warts, as well as some types of anal, mouth and throat cancers. With the HPV vaccine, this generation can substantially reduce their risk of these cancers, some of which are deadly.

Condition

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections can be spread when a person is exposed to blood, skin, semen, vaginal fluids, or other bodily fluids that have a virus, bacteria, or parasite during sexual contact. 

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Prepubertal Vulvovaginitis: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Prepubertal is the time frame before puberty when hormones activate in the body and cause changes throughout the body. Puberty especially affects the genital area, causing changes to the mucosa (the type of skin lining the vagina) and changes and growth of the labia (lips around the vagina/skin folds of the vulva) in addition to pubic hair growth. 

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It’s Important to Use the Correct Names for Parts of the Body. Here’s Why.

In the realm of parenting, education and healthcare, communication is key. One of the most critical aspects of this communication involves the language we use to describe the human body, particularly when it comes to children’s genitals. Using correct anatomical terms, rather than substitutions like “privates” or other indirect expressions, is essential. 

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Ouch! Straddle Injuries: Diagnosis and Care

Warm weather means more time at the playground, family bike rides, and trips to the pool. These activities are super fun but accidents can happen, and falls might result in injuries to the genitals.

Condition

Gonadal Dysgenesis

Gonadal dysgenesis, also known as 46XY gonadal dysgenesis and Swyer syndrome, is a condition in which the ovaries or testes (gonads) did not form the right way during pregnancy. Treatment may include surgery or hormone therapy.

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Vaginal Inflammation and Irritation: Treating Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis, or inflammation and irritation of the genital area, may occur in females of any age – including newborns, toddlers, and children, but it most commonly occurs in girls who have not yet started puberty.

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Sexual Behaviors in Young Children

“My child touches himself every chance he gets! At daycare, the mall, church — anywhere!” There is no single parental anxiety I hear voiced more often than a variation on the above statement — concern that a child is exhibiting sexual behaviors.

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Cervical Cancer Screening: Why It's Important

Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus. This virus enters cells and causes changes that can lead to cancer. HPV is transmitted from person to person through sexual activity and genital contact.

Condition

Prepubertal Vaginal Bleeding

There are several different reasons why a pediatric patient may experience vaginal bleeding. It is important to notify your health care provider if you notice your child is having vaginal bleeding.

Condition

Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is inflammation and irritation of the genital area. This may occur in females of any age, but it most often occurs in girls who have not started puberty.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

HSP results from inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin and other organs in the body.

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Bladder Exstrophy: 4 Things to Know

Bladder exstrophy is a rare condition that happens when a baby's bladder sticks out through the wall of the stomach. Bladder exstrophy affects the organs in the urinary and reproductive systems. It can cause problems with the abdominal wall, bladder, genitals, pelvic bones, rectum and anus.

Condition

Vulva Abnormalities

To diagnose vulvar disorders and diseases, a doctor will take a complete medical history to find out about symptoms and how long they have been happening.

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Types of Anal Malformations

Doctors will typically classify malformations based on where the rectum (the lower part of the intestine) ends within the abdomen, and if there is a fistula – an abnormal channel that develops between organs that can cause stool to pass through or into parts of the abdomen.

Condition

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the germ Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Anyone that is sexually active is at risk of getting gonorrhea. Those who have had more than one sexual partner are at higher risk of getting infected.

Condition

Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very contagious virus that causes infections. There are two types of HSV. One type (HSV-1) usually causes sores around the lips or inside the mouth that are sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores. The other type (HSV-2) usually causes sores on the genitals.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections: What You Need to Know

Sexually transmitted infections are infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or other skin to skin contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

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Condoms

Condoms should be used while having sex. They help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Urology Clinical Research

Learn more about clinical research relating to urology.

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When Your Daughter Wants Plastic Surgery: What Parents Need to Know About Labial Hypertrophy

As more teens are seeking elective labial surgery, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology through the Committee on Adolescent Health Care has developed guidelines to educate gynecologists about the limited role of surgical interventions for this group of patients. 

Resources for Providers

View our practice tools and additional information for providers.

Condition

Cloacal Exstrophy

Cloacal exstrophy, also known as OEIS syndrome, is a rare congenital birth defect that occurs when the lower abdominal organs do not form properly during fetal development. Babies with this condition are born with organs outside the body, such as the bladder, small and large intestine.

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How to Talk with Your Kids About Puberty

When kids are toddlers or preschoolers, they start asking questions about their bodies – and even yours. If you start early and talk to them often, then talking about puberty when they get older will be a lot easier.

Bartholin's Cyst

A Bartholin’s cyst is a pocket of fluid that forms in the tissue surrounding the vaginal opening. Bartholin glands create fluid that lubricates the vagina.

Condition

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis or BV is an infection of the vagina. BV is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is an overgrowth of specific anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow) in the vagina. Women with BV report a fishy-smelling discharge (fluid) that is white to gray in color.

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Prune Belly Syndrome: 5 Things to Know

Prune belly syndrome is a rare birth defect. It affects the urinary tract, genitals and abdominal wall. Babies are born with it.

Condition

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes pinpoint lesions on the skin. Molluscum contagiosum is part of the pox virus family. This virus is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.

Condition

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Anyone who is sexually active has a chance of getting trichomonas.

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How Adults Can Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. However, this is not the case for many children. Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility, and the need is urgent.

Condition

Vaginal Anomalies

Vaginal anomalies are disorders that involve abnormally formed or absent vaginas. These include: vaginal agenesis, imperforate hymen, septate hymen, transverse vaginal septum and transverse vaginal septum. These occur in about 5% of females with an anorectal malformation/imperforate anus.

Trichomonas: Expedited Partner Therapy

If partner was diagnosed with trichomonas, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may also be infected and should be treated. This infection is serious but can be cured with antibiotics.

Condition

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the germ Chlamydia trachomatis. Anyone that is sexually active is at risk of getting chlamydia.

Condition

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. Females of any age can have it and you do not have to be sexually active to get bacterial vaginosis.

Condition

Bladder Exstrophy

Children born with bladder exstrophy need lifelong management. The urology team at Nationwide Children's is here to help your family with a care plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Review questions we frequently receive from patients and their families. 

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Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgery done to remove excess labial tissue. Too much of this tissue can cause pain or discomfort to a female because of rubbing or chafing.

Specialty

The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center

The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center is a collaborative, integrated process designed to combine patient care, advocacy, research, and training to develop the next generation of nephrology and urology treatment for children.

Condition

Vaginal Stenosis

Vaginal stenosis is a condition where the vagina becomes narrower and shorter. It can make it hurt to have sex or use tampons.

Condition

Vaginal Discharge

It is normal for women to have some vaginal discharge. The presence of vaginal discharge alone does not mean there is an infection. Signs of an infection include vaginal itching, burning or irritation, and unpleasant odor.

Condition

Vaginal Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when you have an overgrowth of candida or yeast in the vagina. The fungus candida albicans is the most common organism that causes vaginal yeast infections.

Article

Wart Treatment

Over-the-counter salicylic acid is a commonly used medication to treat your warts. The salicylic acid is slowly and painlessly absorbed into the skin causing peeling of the skin cells that contain the wart virus.

News

Dr. Mark Klebanoff Appointed Director of Ohio Perinatal Research Network at Nationwide Childrens Hospital

Mark A. Klebanoff, MD, MPH, joined Nationwide Children’s Hospital in September as director of the Ohio Perinatal Research Network (OPRN) and principal investigator in the Center for Perinatal Research in The Research Institute.

Blog

Dance Injuries: From Rehab to Rehearsal

When a medical professional is actively involved and there is appropriate communication, young dancers are less likely to miss dance time, and there is a reduced injury rate. Learn what to do if you’re a dancer with an injury.

Article

Dry Skin Care

How to care for you child's dry skin.

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Neck Guards: An In-Demand Addition to Hockey Safety Gear

In fast tempo games like hockey, it can be easy to get caught up in a play. It is in these moments when players will put their body on the line to win the game. In doing so, it can lead to some amazing highlight reels while revealing dangerous vulnerabilities.

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Horse Safety: Start with Basic Horsemanship and the Right Gear

What do you need to know when considering riding lessons for your child, signing them up for camp, or just safely living next to the horses in a neighbor’s backyard?

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HPV Vaccine for Boys: Cancer Protection for the Future

Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses that can cause warts on different parts of the body. The common types of HPV can cause cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.

Specialty

Bladder Exstrophy Program

The Bladder Exstrophy Program provides treatment for bladder exstrophy. From bladder closure through the Kelly procedure to revision or repair surgery, our team offers the support and surgical expertise to help children with bladder exstrophy through adulthood.

Condition

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)

RRP is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a highly prevalent virus.

Condition

Phimosis

Phimosis is a condition of the male foreskin where the skin is tight and unable to retract back behind the head of the penis. This condition is completely normal and physiologic in most baby boys whose penis is otherwise without abnormalities.

Article

Hymenectomy

A hymenectomy is a procedure that is done to remove extra tissue from the hymen that partly or totally covers a female’s vaginal opening.

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Lacrosse Safety Tips

From helmets to mouthguards, lacrosse requires specific gear to keep players safe. But did you know the equipment differs for boys’ and girls’ lacrosse? Whether you're just starting or already on the field, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about staying safe and protected while enjoying the fast-paced action of the game

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Monkeypox: What Parents Need to Know

While we are still dealing with COVID-19, spread of another virus has been detected in the United States. Although monkeypox is uncommon, we need to be informed to protect against infection.

Condition

Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are typically caused by a bacterial infection in the urethra and bladder. Left untreated, a UTI can spread beyond the bladder and travel into the ureters and kidneys, where it becomes an acute kidney infection (pyelonephritis).

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Cystogram: Nuclear Medicine

Learn more about nuclear medicine cystogram, the test that shows the size of your child's bladder and how it is working. 

Condition

Uterine Didelphys

Uterine didelphys is a disorder present before birth in which a female develops two uteruses instead of one. Treatment could be needed if symptoms occur such as unusual pressure or cramping pain before or during a menstrual period or an abnormally high amount of bleeding during a menstrual period.

Article

Cystogram: Radiology

Learn more about a radiology cystogram, the test that shows the size of your child's bladder and how it is working. 

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Bladder Exstrophy: Care by Age and Stage

Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers a two-stage care approach to bladder exstrophy that gives families time to bond with their child, time to adjust and time to develop a plan with our experts.

Condition

Prune Belly Syndrome

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare condition that affects about 1 in every 50,000 children. Children are born with it. The condition affects belly (abdominal) muscles, bladder and urinary tract, as well as testicles in males. PBS is often found during pregnancy.

Article

Personal Hygiene

The body performs better when it is clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene should include clean skin and care of the mouth, teeth, hair, hands, feet and nails.

Vaginal Discharge

This Helping Hand™ addresses vaginal discharge, a common and normal occurrence for women. Typically, normal vaginal discharge is thin, mucus-like, and can be clear, white, or slightly yellow. It usually has no unpleasant odor and does not cause itching or irritation.

Condition

Bilateral Renal Agenesis

Bilateral renal agenesis (BRA) is a rare and life-limiting condition in which the baby’s kidneys never develop. BRA is usually diagnosed during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there currently is not a cure for bilateral renal agenesis. These babies usually only live for a few hours after birth.

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Check-ups for Teens in Out-of-Home Placement

Teens in foster or kinship care have unique needs. They are learning life skills like how to make decisions on their own. Teens also have many concerns about their health, relationships with friends, and privacy.

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7 Ways for Parents to Support Their Child In Their First Relationship

How can parents of teens have a conversation and an open line of communication upon his or her first relationship without it seeming like an after-school special? Here are some of our expert's favorite tips to address questions and concerns. 

Condition

Rhabdomyosarcoma

This Helping Hand™ explains Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) which is a soft-tissue cancer that can start in muscle cells from many different areas of the body.

Condition

Anorectal Malformations or Imperforate Anus

Babies born with imperforate anus or anorectal malformation have a condition where the anal opening (where solid waste leaves the body) and rectum do not develop properly.

Condition

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any act that results in physical injury to a child or adolescent, even if the injury was unintentional.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by a mite.

Article

Transmission-Based Precautions (Isolation): Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms

Some bacteria can develop resistance when antibiotics are used too often or not used correctly. Resistance can make infections very hard to treat.

Blog

The Poison Plants of Summer: Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

Summer is in full swing. You know the signs. Dad fires up the grill, mom finds her green thumb, your kids fetch their ball in the weeds…and the whole family comes down with an itchy rash. That’s right, the poison plants are back.

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TikTok Challenges: Crossing Consent and Relationship Boundaries

It’s hard to ignore TikTok’s impact on teen culture. But despite its popularity, many adults have questions about TikTok, including its safety, security and influence on teen identity and relationships.

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Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Talking with Your Children About Getting Pregnant

You should not wait for your child to ask questions about sex. Children are curious, but most are not bold enough to openly speak with their parents about sex and pregnancy. It’s important to remember that sex is a natural part of life and they shouldn’t feel ashamed by their feelings.

Gonorrhea: Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

Your partner was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called gonorrhea. You may also be infected. This infection is serious but can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Article

Neurogenic Bowel: Bowel Training

Bowel training is achieved when your child has a bowel movement in the potty at the same time every day and therefore has few bowel accidents.

Article

IV: Implanted Port

The implanted port is a device that is placed under the skin. It lessens the need to start an IV for every treatment.

Specialty

Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors

Malignant bone and soft tissue sarcomas can grow and spread. Our team is dedicated to removing these tumors and restoring mobility and function in our patients to ensure the highest quality of life.

Condition

Cloacal Malformation

Cloacal malformation, sometimes called persistent cloaca, is found in female children where the rectum, vagina and urethra are fused together, creating a single common channel. In developing fetuses, these openings are joined in a sac known as the cloaca. At birth, these openings are normally separate.

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Common Terms

You are going to hear a lot of medical jargon in the NICU. You can always ask question but this list of common terms will be a great guide to reference during your stay.