Hypospadias is a congenital condition that affects the development of the penis in male fetuses. It occurs when the opening of the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body) is not at the tip of the penis, but somewhere along the underside. This can cause problems with urination, sexual function and fertility. In this blog post, we will answer some common questions about hypospadias and its treatment options.
What causes hypospadias?
The exact cause of hypospadias is not known, but it is likely to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some possible risk factors include maternal age, exposure to certain hormones or chemicals during pregnancy, and family history of hypospadias or other genital anomalies.
How common is hypospadias?
Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects of the male genitalia, affecting about 1 in 200 boys. The severity and location of the urethral opening can vary widely, from mild cases where the opening is near the tip of the penis, to severe cases where the opening is near the base of the penis or in the scrotuma.
How is hypospadias diagnosed?
Hypospadias is usually diagnosed at birth or shortly after, when a doctor examines the baby's penis. Sometimes, hypospadias may not be detected until later in life, when the boy notices problems with urination or sexual function. In some cases, hypospadias may be associated with other conditions, such as undescended testicles, inguinal hernia, or chordee (a downward curvature of the penis).
How is hypospadias treated?
The main treatment for hypospadias is surgery, which aims to correct the position of the urethral opening and restore the normal appearance and function of the penis. Surgery is usually performed between 6 and 18 months of age, but it can be done later if necessary. The type and complexity of surgery depends on the severity and location of hypospadias, as well as the surgeon's preference and experience. Surgery may involve one or more stages, and may require skin grafts or tissue flaps from other parts of the body. The success rate of surgery is high, but there may be some complications or risks, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, narrowing of the urethra, or recurrence of hypospadias.
What are the long-term outcomes of hypospadias surgery?
Most boys who have surgery for hypospadias can have normal urination and sexual function in adulthood. However, some untreated patients or the ones who experienced surgical complications may experience psychological or emotional issues related to their condition, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. It is important to provide support and counseling to boys with hypospadias and their families, and to address any concerns they may have about their appearance or sexuality.
