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Urology Clinic

The Pediatric Urology Clinic's experts are trained and experienced in using the most advanced methods to diagnose and care for babies and children with urological or genital problems. These conditions range widely from relatively minor issues, such as bed-wetting, to structural conditions, such as hernias and undescended testicles, to serious birth defects affecting organ formation or function.

Seemingly simple urinary problems, such as incontinence (wetting or “accidents”), can have a variety of causes, so a thorough evaluation is the first step in our care for every child. Our patients benefit from easy access to any needed test services, ranging from laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, to imaging studies, such as X-rays. Our doctors and support staff are also sensitive to the emotional and psychological needs of children with these conditions and their families.

For kids whose conditions require surgery, we are often able to use minimally invasive techniques that require only tiny incisions and allow patients to go home the same day and recover quickly. UCSF experts pioneered many of the endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic techniques that make it possible for formerly complex surgeries to be done this way. We routinely treat hypospadias, undescended testicles, hernias, and hydroceles as outpatient procedures, meaning your child won’t have to stay overnight.

Our surgical team can correct even severe penile deformities on an outpatient basis, reducing stress on families and young people getting care. The team is experienced in caring for kids who’ve had unsuccessful surgeries in the past.

Our pediatric urologists are also experts in particularly complex conditions, such as exstrophy (a birth defect in which the bladder develops outside the fetus), differences in sex development (conditions causing atypical genitals) and Wilms tumor (a childhood cancer of the kidney). Because babies and children with such problems require many types of care, our urologists work with a team that includes fetal medicine experts, nephrologists (kidney doctors), endocrinologists (hormone specialists), oncologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.

Our locations (6)

    Awards & recognition

    • Best in Northern California for urology

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related Clinics (3)

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    Continence Clinic

    Continence Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / Modesto / San Mateo / Walnut Creek

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    Differences in Sex Development (DSD) Clinic

    Differences in Sex Development (DSD) Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor, 5B
    San Francisco, CA 94158

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    Vesicoureteral Reflux Center

    Vesicoureteral Reflux Center

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / Modesto / San Mateo / Walnut Creek

    Our research initiatives

    • UCSF Baskin Lab

      The Baskin Laboratory investigates the causes of pediatric urological diseases present at birth or acquired later. The lab's research has a special focus on curing and preventing hypospadias, in which the urethra's opening is on the underside of the penis.

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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