Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024.
World J Clin Pediatr. Jun 9, 2024; 13(2): 89224
Published online Jun 9, 2024. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.89224
Table 6 Follow-up care for various life stages of patients with micropenis
Life stages
Follow-up protocols
Infants (0-2 yr)Regular Pediatric Check-ups: Schedule routine pediatric visits to monitor growth and development. Hormone Assessment: If micropenis is identified in infancy, consult a pediatric endocrinologist to evaluate hormone levels and rule out any underlying medical conditions. Parental Education: Inform parents about micropenis and any potential treatment options
Children (3-12 yr)Annual Check-ups: Continue with regular pediatric check-ups, focusing on growth and development. Psychological Support: Provide psychological counseling for both child and parents and encourage open communication to address self-esteem or body image issues. Education and Awareness: Ensure the child has accurate information about their condition and promote a positive body image. Bullying Awareness: Discuss bullying prevention strategies and provide resources if needed
Adolescents (13-18 yr)Annual Check-ups: Transition to annual check-ups focusing on overall health. Psychological Support: Continue to offer psychological support, especially given the increased self-awareness and potential body image concerns during adolescence. Sex Education: Provide age-appropriate sex education, discussing relationships, consent, and safe sexual practices. Peer and Social Support: Encourage the adolescent to seek out supportive friends and support groups. Consultation with Specialists: It is recommended to consult with a pediatric endocrinologist or urologist to evaluate the need for potential treatments like hormone therapy or surgery. The adolescent should be fully informed and involved in decision-making
Long-term follow-up (throughout adolescence and beyond)Mental Health Support: It's important to provide mental health support to individuals who may be struggling with body image or self-esteem issues. Regular Health Check-ups: It's also important to encourage regular health check-ups to monitor overall health and well-being. Reassessment of Treatment Options: Periodically reassessing the need for medical interventions in consultation with healthcare specialists is also recommended. Supportive Family Environment: Maintaining a supportive and open family environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking help if needed is crucial