Related concepts:

Coronal hypospadius, Glanular hypospadius, Megameatal hypospadius, Midpenile hypospadius, Penoscrotal hypospadius, Perianal hypospadius Scrotal hypospadius, Subcoronal hypospadius.

Introduction to hypospadius:

Usually the opening of the penis is located right at the tip.

What is hypospadius?

Hypospadius is the name of the condition in which the opening of the penis (the meatus) is located some place other than the tip.

Who gets hypospadius?

Hypospadius occurs in about 1 in 250 boys, though it seems to be becoming more common. Those exposed to estrogens or to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as PCBs are at higher risk.

These same boys sometimes have undescended testicles, inguinal hernias, or hydroceles.

What are the symptoms of hypospadius?

The type of hypospadius depends on the location of the opening. There are several variants: glanular (on the head of the penis), coronal (on the ridge), subcoronal (below the ridge), midpenile (on the shaft), penoscrotal (between the penis and the scrotum), scrotal, and perianal hypospadius (near the anus). There is also a variant with a large, fish-mouth shaped opening called megameatal hypospadius.

Hypospadius can cause urinary problems. Also, it is often associated with abnormal penis angulation called chordee.

Is hypospadius contagious?

No

How long does hypospadius last?

It lasts until corrected.

How is hypospadius diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually made on the physical exam.

How is hypospadius treated?

The treatment of hypospadius involves surgical correction. This is usually done between about 6 and 18 months of age, usually on an outpatient basis. In some boys the hypospadius is so mild that it does not need to be treated.

Newborn circumcision should be avoided in boys with obvious hypospadius. Sometimes hypospadias can occur with a full foreskin (usually a glanular or coronal hypospadius) and is only recognized at the time of circumcision. In those cases, the hypospadius repair generally is not complicated by having done a circumcision (Journal of Urology, 2006, 176(1), 296-298).

How can hypospadius be prevented?

Often hypospadius cannot be prevented. Avoiding exposure to estrogens and to endocrine disruptors such as dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and some other pesticides can prevent some cases.