Hypospadias is a congenital condition that affects male infants, where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of the tip. It is one of the most common genital abnormalities found in newborn boys, occurring in about 1 in 250 live male births. While hypospadias does not typically cause immediate health risks, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure proper urinary function and avoid potential psychological and social challenges later in life. The hypospadias adults can also read the entire blog to get useful information about this disease.
Common Symptoms of Hypospadias
The severity of hypospadias can vary, and the condition may present different symptoms depending on the specific location of the urethral opening. Common symptoms include:
Abnormal Urethral Opening: The most apparent symptom is the abnormal positioning of the urethral opening. In mild cases, it may be located near the tip of the penis, while in more severe instances, it can be found along the shaft or even closer to the scrotum.
Curvature of the Penis: In some cases, the penis may have a downward curvature due to the uneven distribution of tissue around the urethral opening.
Abnormal Stream of Urine: As the urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis, the urine stream may be directed downward or sideways, making it challenging to urinate while standing.
Foreskin Abnormalities: In some cases, the foreskin may appear incomplete or hooded due to the malformation of the urethral opening.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Hypospadias
Hypospadias is typically diagnosed shortly after birth during a routine physical examination. If the pediatrician suspects hypospadias or any other genital abnormality, they may refer the child to a pediatric urologist or a specialist in pediatric genitourinary disorders for further evaluation.
During the evaluation, the doctor will assess the severity and location of the urethral opening and determine whether any associated abnormalities are present. Additional tests, such as an ultrasound or x-ray, may be conducted to assess the structure of the urinary tract and identify any potential complications.
The treatment of hypospadias involves surgical intervention, which is usually performed when the child is between 6 months to 18 months of age. The timing of the surgery depends on the specific case and the child’s overall health. However, hypospadias adults can also seek medical help to treat such symptoms. There are different surgical techniques to correct hypospadias, and the chosen approach depends on the severity and location of the urethral opening.
Conclusion
Hypospadias is a relatively common congenital condition affecting male infants, where the urethral opening is abnormally located on the underside of the penis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for ensuring proper urinary function and addressing potential social and psychological challenges that may arise later in life. With advances in pediatric urology, surgical techniques for correcting hypospadias have become highly successful, offering affected children and hypospadias adults the chance to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.