Men’s Health
Men’s Structural and Developmental Issues
Some people are born with abnormalities in their urinary system and genitals. We offer advanced medical and surgical care for these structural and developmental urologic disorders.
Medically reviewed by Marc Dall'Era, M.D. on Aug. 23, 2023.
Specialized Care for Urological Anomalies
The UC Davis Health Urology Department treats a wide range of health conditions that affect your urinary tract and reproductive organs. Our team includes specialists and surgeons trained in all areas of urology.
We offer reconstructive and minimally invasive procedures for congenital (from birth) urologic disorders, including robotic-assisted surgery.
On this page
Our Difference
Advanced Treatment Options
Our surgeons use the latest techniques and technology to perform complex and delicate urologic surgical procedures.
Dedicated Research Team
Our research experts drive new advances in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic disorders with both clinical and laboratory research.
Team-Based Care
Our urology specialists collaborate with oncologists and radiation therapists to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
What Are Urologic Structural and Developmental Issues?
Abnormalities (birth defects) in the structure of your urinary tract or reproductive organs can cause some urologic conditions. These abnormalities are congenital. They occur during fetal development in about 1 in 500 babies. Providers can diagnose them in the womb during an ultrasound or after a baby is born.
Common Congenital Urologic Anomalies:
Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT)
CAKUT refers to a category of birth defects that affect your kidneys or urinary tract. You may have one or more of these abnormalities.
Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD)
DSD is a group of conditions that includes ambiguous genitalia. Ambiguous genitalia are external sex organs that do not appear specifically male or female.
Complications of Congenital Urologic Disorders
Congenital urologic abnormalities can cause a range of complications. Some begin at birth and others develop later in life.
Common complications include:
Bladder Problems
An abnormal bladder may interfere with the flow of urine or may not empty fully.
Infertility
Some disorders of sexual development, like persistent Müllerian duct syndrome, can cause infertility in men.
Kidney Damage or Failure
A urologic abnormality can cause a blockage that prevents urine from flowing out of the kidneys. This can lead to an infection, kidney damage or failure.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A UTI results from bacteria that grow in the urinary tract. A UTI can develop as a result of blocked or poorly flowing urine.
"Prevalence, types, and malformations in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract in newborns: a retrospective hospital-based study", NIH National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6472003/
Request an Appointment
As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.
Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, you can submit an electronic referral form or call.
Patients
For questions and appointment information
Consumer Resource Center
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best children’s hospital in diabetes & endocrinology, nephrology, and orthopedics*. (*Together with Shriners Children’s)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, ovarian cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, uterine cancer surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and orthopedics.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
“Most Wired” for acute care
UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
“Most Wired” for ambulatory care
UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 11th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality.”
Latest News
