Symptoms of Bladder Exstrophy
Doctors often identify BE during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. In other cases, the defect is not seen until after a baby is born. The main symptom of BE is leaking urine from the open bladder. A child with BE will have bladder control problems and will struggle with controlling the muscles of the abdomen and digestive tract.

Other symptoms will vary from child to child, but may include:

The urethra not forming completely: In boys, the urethra may be open on top of the penis rather than the tip. In girls, the opening is positioned higher than it normally would be.

Wider than normal pubic bones: The pubic bones usually join to protect the bladder, urethra, and abdominal muscles. In children with BE, these bones are not joined, leaving the hips outward.

Abnormal genitalia development: Boys with BE may have a penis that is shorter and curved, while testicles are not where they usually are. Some boys with this condition may have hernias. Hernias are bulges seen in the groin that may cause pain and discomfort, especially with coughing and lifting. In girls, the clitoris and labia minora may be separated and the vagina and urethra may be shorter. The uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are generally unaffected.

Belly button displacement or umbilical hernia: Umbilical hernias usually don’t cause pain, but they appear as a bulge near the belly button.

They are generally present at birth and can be seen when the child is straining for a bowel movement or coughing.

Vesicoureteral reflux or VUR: VUR causes urine to travel back up the kidneys. This condition may develop after surgery to repair and close the bladder.