what is Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a condition that affects the development of the male urethra. It occurs when the opening for urine is not at the tip of the penis but somewhere along the underside. This may be closer to the head, middle, or even near the base of the penis or scrotum, depending on how the condition presents.

Though it may sound alarming, hypospadias is a treatable condition, and with proper medical care, most children go on to live normal, healthy lives.

How Common is Hypospadias?

Hypospadias is one of the more frequently seen congenital anomalies in males. It’s estimated to affect approximately 1 in every 200 to 300 male births worldwide. In many cases, the condition diagnosed just after birth during a physical examination.

What Causes Hypospadias?

The exact cause of hypospadias is not always clear, but certain factors are believed to increase the likelihood of its occurrence. These may include:

Genetic predisposition (family history)
Hormonal imbalances during fetal development
Use of certain medications or exposure to environmental chemicals during pregnancy
Older maternal age
Premature birth

While these factors may contribute, many cases arise without any identifiable reason.

Types of Hypospadias

Doctors categorize hypospadias based on the location of the urethral opening:

Distal Hypospadias: The opening is located near the head of the penis.
Midshaft Hypospadias: The opening is located along the middle of the penile shaft.
Proximal Hypospadias: The opening is located near the base of the penis or within the scrotum.

The severity of symptoms often depends on the type and position of the opening.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the common signs include:

Abnormal location of the urethral opening
Downward curvature of the penis (chordee)
Incomplete foreskin that may appear as a “hood”
Difficulty with urination in a straight stream
In severe cases, problems with sexual function later in life

These symptoms are typically identified during a newborn check-up, but in rare cases, they may go unnoticed until later.

Does Hypospadias Require Surgery?

Most cases of hypospadias do require surgical correction. The goal of surgery is to:

Position the urethral opening at the tip of the penis.
Straighten any curvature
Improve both urinary and future sexual function
Restore a natural appearance

Surgery is typically done between 6 months to 18 months of age, under general anesthesia. It’s usually a single-stage procedure, though in more complex cases, multiple surgeries may be required. And if surgery is to be done that it must be done from a reputed clinic. So you must get aware that when to contact a doctor or a clinic that is best and treat hypospadias surgery.

What Happens If Hypospadias is Left Untreated?

Milder forms may not cause major problems in childhood, but untreated moderate to severe hypospadias can lead to:

Urinary issues
Fertility challenges
Psychological and self-esteem concerns
Difficulty during sexual intercourse in adulthood

That’s why early diagnosis and discussion with a pediatric urologist or surgeon is essential.

What About Circumcision?

If hypospadias is suspected or diagnosed, circumcision should be postponed. The foreskin is often used as part of the reconstructive surgery, so removing it beforehand could limit surgical options.

Living a Normal Life After Treatment

The vast majority of children who undergo timely and proper surgery grow up with normal urinary and sexual function. Long-term outcomes are typically excellent, and complications are relatively rare when managed by experienced surgeons.

A Word of Awareness

Hypospadias is not caused by anything a parent did or didn’t do. It is a manageable condition with a clear treatment plan. The most important step is awareness — recognizing the signs, seeking early consultation, and getting reliable information.

By talking more openly about conditions like hypospadias, we help reduce the stigma and make sure children get the right care at the right time.

What is Hypospadias? A Simple Awareness Guide for Everyone