external genital abnormalities and inguinal hernia among males of children nurseries, north west of iran

background abnormalities of external genitalia in male children nurseries and inguinal hernia are the most common congenital disorders in children. we aimed to determine prevalence rate of inguinal hernia and other genital among children nurseries, in shahrood-iran. materials and methods in this descriptive cross-sectional study, we examined 920 children nurseries boys. physical examination of children was performed in presence of a parent in a warm room in supine and upright position with and without valsalva maneuver. a written consent was obtained from parents before examination. past medical history and history of surgery on inguinal and genital area was taken. examination was performed 2 interns who were trained about genital system examination.   results a total of 920 children nurseries boys aged 3 to 6 years were examined which were detected in 88 children and prevalence rate of these abnormalities were 9.6%. the prevalence of abnormalities in the children under study were as follows: inguinal hernia (5.1%), cryptorchidism (2.1%), hydrocele (1.5%), hypospadias (0.4%), varicocele (0.1%), micropenis (0.4%). conclusion regarding to relatively high prevalence rate of these abnormalities and low level of people knowledge, seem screening systems for diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these abnormalities to be necessary.