Pediatric and Adolescent Andrology

Book excerpt: This book addresses and summarizes the main andrological disorders (genital, reproductive or sexual diseases) that may originate in childhood or adolescence. Since many of the andrological diseases that occur in adulthood originate before the age of 18 and sometimes even during gestation, andrological evaluation is essential during childhood to highlight anomalies in the genital organs. During puberty, evaluation can help to monitor growth and secondary sex characteristics, and to assess e.g. the possible presence of an eunucoid habitus, gynecomastia, testicular hypotrophy or varicocele, a very common pathology in young people. During adolescence, the assessment of risk factors, such as those related to certain lifestyles, is of fundamental importance for primary prevention. Moreover, in late adolescence the focus shifts to preventing sexually transmitted infections, or to dealing with possible discomforts related to the sexual sphere. Finally, ensuring young people’s genital and sexual health also means protecting their fertility. Written by respected experts in the field, this book constitutes an innovative resource, combining updated, reliable and comprehensive information with agile consultation in order to provide a streamlined approach to the care of children and adolescents with such disorders.