Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Discomfort
My 4.5-year-old son says he feels discomfort in his private parts. No pain or burning sensation, but he says it becomes hard sometimes while breathing and sometimes feels like it goes into his lower stomach. He crying for that, frequently touched,Is this normal or a concern?
Answers (9)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Consult apaediatrician
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+151
Hi
Thanks for reaching out. Talk to a paediatrician and explain about your son’s symptoms. If your son is feeling stressed or anxious you can take your son for therapy. Based on what you have mentioned it seems to be a medical issue. Take your son to a pediatrician and get him checked.
Right now the important thing to do is consult a pediatrician.
Next Steps
Consult a pediatrician
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Consult psychotherapist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Your concern is completely valid. At 4.5 years old, any recurring discomfort in the private area, especially if it causes crying, touching, or refers pain to the lower stomach and it should not be ignored.
While it might be something minor like irritation, constipation pressure, or normal curiosity, it could also suggest a medical issue like:
• Hernia
• Mild urinary discomfort
• Testicular torsion (though this is usually very painful)
• Referred sensations due to abdominal strain
It’s important to consult a pediatrician or pediatric urologist as soon as possible for a physical check-up. They may also help rule out any behavioral or psychological causes if needed. Post that, if it is psychological or behavioural, a psychologist can help coping with these actions, for your own wellbeing given you are concerned as a parent and for himself as well.
Prompt attention will help both him and you feel more at ease. Take care
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Thanks for reaching out.
Some degree of self-touching or exploration is normal for children in developmental ages, however, if your son is reporting discomfort, or any unusual sensations, or frequent erections, first step must include ruling out any physical issues for which, a consultation with pediatrician or a urologist might be beneficial. In case of no physical problems, a thorough psychological evaluation might be helpful to rule out any emotional issues or thought component.
Next Steps
Physical examination- pediatrician/ pediatric urologist
Health Tips
Try to be supportive of the child and encourage him to express openly about his symptoms. Try to note any possible triggers- times when these complaints increase in frequency or intensity.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Farheen Moulana
Psychologist
4 yrs exp
Bangalore
Kindly connect to a paediatrician
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Kindly connect with pediatrician.
Next Steps
consult
Health Tips
connect
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Pooja Gupta
Counselling Psychologist
8 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi,
It is understandable to be concerned about your 4.5-year-old son's complaints of discomfort in his private parts, especially since he experiences feelings of hardness while breathing and sensations that seem to move into his lower stomach. While some children may have minor issues or sensations that are normal for their age, the symptoms you describeâespecially the sensation of hardness and discomfort that causes him to cry and frequently touch the areaâshould not be ignored. It is important to seek prompt medical attention from a paediatrician to evaluate his condition thoroughly. A healthcare professional can assess for any underlying issues, such as infections, hernias, or other concerns, and provide appropriate treatment or guidance to ensure his health and comfort.
Next Steps
consult
Health Tips
seek help
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Avleen Kaur
Clinical Psychologist
3 yrs exp
Delhi
Thank you for sharing your concern. It’s completely understandable to feel worried when your child expresses discomfort in such a sensitive area.
From a psychological perspective, children around the age of 4–5 often begin to explore their bodies and may experience normal curiosity and bodily sensations, including occasional erections or sensations that feel new or confusing to them. However, when the discomfort is intense enough to cause crying, frequent touching, or references to pain/discomfort reaching the lower abdomen, it may need further evaluation.
Next Steps
-It’s advisable to consult a pediatrician or pediatric urologist to rule out any physical/medical causes first.
- If the physical exam is clear and the behavior persists or is accompanied by emotional changes (withdrawal, fearfulness, changes in sleep), consider consulting a child psychologist for a behavioral and emotional assessment.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.