When Size Matters: A Clinical Review of Pathological Micropenis

• Published in: Journal of pediatric health care Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 231 - 240
• Main Author: Tsang, Shirley, MS, RN, CPNP
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.07.2010
• Subjects: 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase - metabolism; 5-alpha reductase deficiency; Advanced Practice Nursing; androgen insensitivity; Androgens - physiology; Female; Genital Diseases, Male - diagnosis; Genital Diseases, Male - drug therapy; Genital Diseases, Male - nursing; Genital Diseases, Male - pathology; Humans; hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; Male; Micropenis; Nurse's Role; Nursing; Pediatrics; Penis - anatomy & histology; Penis - pathology; Testosterone - blood; testosterone treatment; Transsexualism; Micropenis; hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; androgen insensitivity; 5-alpha reductase deficiency; testosterone treatment
• ISSN: 0891-5245; 1532-656X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2009.05.001

Abstract Micropenis is a significantly small penis with normal internal male genitalia. Micropenis is usually diagnosed shortly after birth, and the cause should be established; in addition, it should be differentiated from other associated syndromes. The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner is to diagnose the micropenis, guide the parents through the options of management, and support all involved through the selected treatment, whether hormonal or surgical. Patients affected with micropenis will need long-term management from their pediatric nurse practitioners, as well as follow-up by endocrinologists, urologists, pediatric surgeons (if surgery is chosen as the treatment), psychologists, and social workers. The need of more long-term research on patients with micropenis also is discussed.