THE RATIO OF EXTERNAL GENITAL ANOMALIES IN MALE CHILDREN ATTENDING PRIMARY SCHOOL IN DÜZCE

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to identify the rates of external genital anomalies in male children

who are attending primary school in Düzce.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1534 children out of 13420 male students attending to 25 primary

schools in Düzce were included into the study. The age range was between 7 and 16. The same physician

examined all students, and external genital anomalies were identified and noted.

Results: In this study, a total of 110 (7.2%) anomalies were identified in 104 students. The most common

anomalies were varicocele (3.22%), phimosis (1.49%) and undescended testis (1.10%).

Conclusion: The rate of external genital anomalies was found to be remarkably high. Actually, almost all

of these anomalies had had to be diagnosed and managed before the school ages. Consequently, the results of

the current study suggest that there is an insufficient examination and follow up during the neonatal period

extending up to school ages. In addition to this, parents do not have any information about these pathologies.

Such undiagnosed pathologies will cause significant psychological and urological problems in these children.

They may also progress to tumor or infertility. Therefore, this observation should be regarded as an important

public health issue.