6 Common Genital Problems in Newborn Babies

Some babies are born with genital conditions which can make life a little too hard. Some of these conditions are temporary and can be cured on their own. But, some need proper treatment and attention from the parents. Genital hygiene is as important as the overall health of the child. 

You Need to Know Genital Problems in Babies

Most of the time parents do not pay much attention to genital hygiene. Make sure you always clean your baby’s penis and vagina to avoid these infections & problems. Know some common baby genital problems. Read on...

Undescended Testicles

Testicles are originally developed in the abdomen and descend into the scrotum in the few weeks before birth or after. Sometimes one or both of the testicles do not get in the correct position or move back to the abdomen after birth. In most cases, no treatment is required because within six months the testicles get into the correct position on its own. If not, you should see a urologist or a surgeon.

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is the most common hernia. It occurs in the abdomen near the groin area. It can occur at any age, but it’s more likely to happen during infancy and early childhood to 2%-3% of male babies and less than 1% of baby girls. About 1 in 4 males will have one at some time in their life. Its an occurrence in boys is related to the development and descent of the testes. The testes develop within the abdomen and around the seventh month of pregnancy, they descend into the scrotum. On their way through the abdominal wall, they pass through the inguinal canal. After they reach the scrotum, the opening behind should close. Failure to close adequately results in a hernia with an opening remaining in the abdominal wall at this point. [Read More - Inguinal Hernia Symptoms, Occurrence & Treatment]

Your baby will need surgery for inguinal hernia. The surgery will happen soon after the hernia is diagnosed. It’s important to get the surgery sooner because the intestine can be stuck in the inguinal canal which would cut the blood supply to the intestine and damage it.  During surgery, your child will be given anesthesia to make him/her fall asleep. The surgeon makes a small cut where the hernia is present and puts the loop of intestine back in the abdominal area. And then fixes a muscle by stitching the muscles together. [Read This: Neonatal Jaundice Symptoms, Causes & Remedies in Newborn]

Hydrocele

It is a condition which means the accumulation of fluid in the testicle sac. It is common in newborn baby boys.

Treatment Advice: Treatment is not necessary as it will be cured on its own by the time your baby is one year old. If not, surgery is generally advised.

​Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTI is caused due to bacterial infection. Bacterial UTI is more common in girls. Your baby girl could get a UTI due to an overgrowth of bacteria in the urinary tract. The UTI is higher if she is not cleaned properly after pooping.

Treatment Advice: Generally a course of antibiotics is given. It is better you consult a doctor for a proper treatment course. [Read More: Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms, Causes in Babies]

​Balanitis Infection

It is a type of infection. It occurs at the place where the skin of the penis ends and overlaps with the opening of the urinary tract of the urethra. It is not a severe infection but if not detected on time it can cause a serious problem.

Hygiene & Treatment Advice: anti-fungal creams, rinsing with warm water, and anti-biotic. Always consult your doctor for fast and safe treatment.

Hymenal Skin Tags

Hymenal skin tag occurs in about 10% of newborn girls. The hymen of your baby girl can be swollen due to estrogen n from the baby’s mother. Sometimes small pink tissue can protrude. It is normal and harmless.

Hygiene & Treatment Tips: no treatment is required as it will be cured on its own.

Genital hygiene is as important as the overall health of the child. Parentune Suggest, we make sure you always care baby’s private parts to avoid the above problems & infections.