Urethral Prolapse

What is urethral prolapse?

Urethral prolapse occurs when the lining of the urethra extends outside of the body. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder outside the body. It's a condition that occurs most often in young girls.

What are the signs and symptoms of urethral prolapse?

Some children may have no symptoms at all. In some cases, the condition may be discovered during a routine exam.

If your child does have symptoms, they may include:

• A small, donut-shaped swelling at the end of the urethra
• Bleeding or blood spots in underwear
• Tenderness in the area

What causes urethral prolapse?

Experts don't know what causes urethral prolapse. It may occur when tissue around the urethra is weak. The condition is most common in girls before they have reached puberty, when their levels of estrogen are low.

How is urethral prolapse treated?

Your child's treatment will depend on the symptoms that they may have. Some children will not need any treatment. The Division of Urology at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating urethral prolapse and will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan for your child.

Possible treatment options may include:

• Estrogen creams or steroid creams to the area
• Surgery to remove the excess tissue, in severe cases