15 Jan Pediatric Urology 101: When Your Child Should See a Specialist
Worried about your child’s urinary symptoms can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Pediatric urologic issues are common, often treatable, and usually improve with the right guidance.
At Palmetto Adult and Children’s Urology, P.A., our goal is to help you understand what is normal, what needs a clinic visit, and what to expect when you come in. This guide explains common conditions we see, red flags, how appointments work, and how to prepare your child for a calm, productive visit.
Common Pediatric Urology Symptoms to Watch
Children can present in many ways. Call your pediatrician or a pediatric urologist if you notice:
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Pain or burning with urination
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Urinary accidents after daytime potty training
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New urgency
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Foul-smelling urine
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Blood in the urine
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Fever
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Belly or back pain
These symptoms can suggest a urinary tract infection.
Other reasons to call include:
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Daytime frequency (pollakiuria) where a toilet-trained child suddenly needs to urinate every few minutes but passes small amounts and is otherwise well
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Bedwetting after age 5 to 6, especially if frequent or distressing
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Swelling in the scrotum, an empty or high-riding testicle, or uneven appearance
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Weak urine stream, straining, dribbling, or spraying
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Prenatal or newborn findings such as hydronephrosis
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Genital skin irritation, foreskin concerns, or painful erections
If you are unsure whether a symptom is concerning, call (843) 797-6600 for guidance.
What Is Pollakiuria in a Child?
Pollakiuria is a benign, temporary increase in daytime urination in otherwise healthy, potty-trained children. A child may urinate every 10 to 30 minutes, pass very small amounts, and have no pain, fever, or nighttime symptoms.
It often follows a stressor, growth phase, or minor illness. The bladder and kidneys are usually normal, and the condition resolves over weeks to months with:
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Reassurance
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Good hydration
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Constipation management
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Timed bathroom breaks
Your clinician will still check a urinalysis to rule out infection and review any red flags.
The Most Common Pediatric Urology Cases We See
While we manage a full range of pediatric concerns, the most common include:
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Urinary tract infections in toddlers and school-age children
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Daytime frequency and urgency, including pollakiuria and overactive bladder
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Bedwetting in early school years
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Prenatal hydronephrosis follow-up in infants
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Undescended testis evaluation
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Foreskin and circumcision-related questions
When Your Child Should See a Urologist
Schedule a pediatric urology visit if your child has:
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Two or more UTIs
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A febrile UTI at any age
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Any UTI in a boy
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Persistent daytime frequency beyond a few weeks
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Accidents after being dry
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A weak stream
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Bedwetting after age 6 that is frequent or not improving
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An undescended testis after 6 months of age
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Prenatal hydronephrosis or abnormal newborn ultrasound
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Blood in the urine
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Unexplained weight loss
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Back pain with fever
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
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Severe side or back pain with fever
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A swollen and painful scrotum
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Inability to urinate
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Visible blood clots in urine
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High fever in an infant
What Happens at a Pediatric Urology Appointment
We aim to make every visit clear and comfortable.
Check-in and forms
Arrive early and bring your child’s insurance card, photo ID, and current medication list. New patient forms can be completed through the patient portal or in the office.
History and exam
Your clinician will review symptoms, bathroom habits, fluid intake, constipation, sleep, and family history. A gentle physical exam of the belly, back, and genitourinary area is performed with clear explanations.
Common tests
These may include:
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In-office urinalysis
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Bladder scan
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Kidney and bladder ultrasound
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Urine culture
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Specialized studies scheduled later if needed
Discussion and plan
Findings are reviewed in plain language. Next steps may include behavior changes, medications, imaging, or surgical planning.
We see infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens. Teens may speak privately with the clinician when appropriate.
Referrals, Insurance, and Scheduling
Referrals:
Most visits do not require a referral, but some insurance plans do.
Insurance:
We accept most major carriers and will file claims. Co-pays, deductibles, and new patient payments are collected per plan rules.
Scheduling:
Call (843) 797-6600, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm EST.
Virtual Visits and Follow-Ups
Some visits qualify for telemedicine, including:
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Education visits
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Medication check-ins
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Post-op follow-ups
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Urinary symptom reviews
Call (843) 797-6600 to see if your child’s visit qualifies.
How to Ease Your Child’s Anxiety Before the Visit
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Explain what will happen in simple terms
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Practice breathing or counting
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Bring a favorite toy or book
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Use headphones or calming music
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Plan a small reward afterward
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Avoid large drinks unless a full bladder is needed
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Dress in easy on/off clothing
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Tell us about sensory sensitivities or fears
Our Locations and How to Find Us
We serve families in North Charleston, Summerville, Nexton, and Walterboro.
If you are searching for a pediatric urinary tract doctor in North Charleston, call (843) 797-6600 so we can place you at the best location.
You can also explore:
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Urology Summerville SC
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Palmetto Urology North Charleston
Quick Answers to Common Parent Questions
What are pediatric urology symptoms?
Pain with urination, frequent voids, accidents, blood in urine, fever with back pain, weak stream, genital swelling, or abnormal prenatal imaging.
When should a child see a urologist?
After recurrent UTIs, persistent symptoms, bedwetting beyond age 6, undescended testis, hydronephrosis, or red-flag symptoms.
Do I need a referral?
Usually no, but your insurance may require one.
What happens at the visit?
History, gentle exam, urine testing, imaging if needed, and a clear plan.
What is pollakiuria?
A temporary, harmless increase in daytime urination in potty-trained children.
Summary and Next Steps
Most pediatric urology concerns are manageable with timely care. If your child has urinary symptoms, we are here to help you determine what is urgent, what needs a visit, and what can be monitored.
📞 Call (843) 797-6600 to schedule, ask about virtual options, and choose the best location for your family. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, medication list, and any prior test results. We will guide you through every step and support your child’s health and confidence.