Newborn Care – Genitals

Genitourinary

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around one or both testicles in the scrotum. They are not usually painful and spontaneously resolve over time.

Signs & Symptoms
  • Abnormally large scrotum
  • Cannot be physically reduced
  • No pain normally associated
Treatment

There is normally no treatment needed for a hydrocele but your doctor will want to assess your newborn to determine if it is a hydrocele and if any intervention is needed.

Hernia (Inguinal)

A hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges out of the abdomen, usually through muscle, into an area it is not meant to be. One area this can occur at is the Inguinal Canal, which is where the testicles move through to descend into the scrotum. Normally, this area closes up over time, but sometimes intestine can also find its way into the canal and into the scrotum. Girls also have inguinal canals, so while rare, they can also develop an inguinal hernia.

Signs & Symptoms
  • Bulge in the groin or scrotum.
    • May not always be present
    • May be more visible when baby crying or straining
    • May not be visible when baby is laying down (relaxing or sleeping)
  • Can be confused with a hydrocele.
  • Complications can occur that will cause pain, tenderness, redness, and vomiting. If your baby has these symptoms with a known or suspected inguinal hernia, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Treatment

Inguinal hernias need to be surgically repaired, as complications such as an incarcerated hernia or strangulated hernia. Both of these conditions are very serious and require immediate medical attention.

While surgery on your newborn may be scary, the procedure is somewhat routine and is usually completed as a “same day” surgery, meaning no stay in the hospital is needed.

Smegma

Smegma is naturally-occuring white lumps or pearls found underneath the foreskin of the penis. This forms over time as the foreskin naturally separates from the head of the penis over time. The cells that attached the foreskin to the head form into pockets that eventually work their way up to the tip of the foreskin and can then be safely wiped away. Do not force the foreskin back to clean if it is difficult. This may tear the skin if it is not fully separated yet.

Signs & Symptoms
  • White lumps at tip of foreskin
    • May look like tiny pearls or cottage cheese
  • No redness or pain associated
Treatment

Smegma is a naturally-occuring substance. Proper hygiene by cleaning the foreskin and penis will remove the pearls as they move to the tip of the foreskin. No further intervention is needed.