Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER)

The Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER) at Boston Children’s Hospital provides nonsurgical care for common pediatric urology conditions. Our physicians offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment of issues such as:

CHEER treats urinary issues that are not related to toilet training. If you are concerned about your child’s toilet training, contact Boston Children’s Toileting Program.

Our approach to treating bladder and urinary dysfunction in children

Urinary problems can be stressful for kids and parents — but you’re not alone. In fact, urinary dysfunction is one of the most common conditions pediatric urologists treat. According to some estimates, nearly a fifth of children over 5 experience bladder or urinary tract dysfunction. Fortunately, many urologic conditions in early childhood can be treated with conservative, nonsurgical approaches.

CHEER is the only program in the country in which pediatricians work alongside urologists to address urological conditions. Our support team includes nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists, and other experts from various disciplines who work together to provide holistic care.

Watch: Do some kids have urinary challenges beyond toilet training?

In this episode of Parentcast, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold speaks with Dr. Margaret Werner, pediatrician at Boston Children’s Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER), about common urinary issues in kids and teens and how parents can support healthy bladder habits and care.

What to expect when you visit CHEER

Urinary testing

During your first visit, our team will evaluate your child to make sure that a more serious underlying medical or surgical issue isn’t responsible for their urinary problems.

We rely primarily on noninvasive tests, so your family can get answers about your child’s urinary concerns without unnecessary discomfort. Your child’s tests may include:

Urine studies
UroFlow with and without patch
Renal ultrasound
Bladder scans

Nonsurgical treatment options

Once we have your child’s test results, we’ll work with your family to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your child’s individual needs.

At CHEER, we care for children whose urologic conditions don’t require surgery. Your child’s treatment may include a combination of educational, medical, behavioral, and rehabilitative approaches to help resolve their urinary problems. These may include:

Urotherapy (education, instruction, lifestyle advice, and counseling)
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Medications, as deemed necessary

Helping your child prepare for a urology visit

Easy access to urology care throughout Massachusetts

With four convenient locations around Greater Boston, your family won’t have to travel far for an appointment with one of our CHEER physicians. And after your first visit, virtual visits are an option for many follow-up appointments — so you and your child can meet with your care team from the comfort of your own home.