Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a condition in which the opening of the urethra-the tube that carries urine to the outside of the body-in a male develops irregularly. A male with hypospadias is born with the opening of the urethra located on the underside of the penis, below the tip.

The exact cause of hypospadias is not fully understood, but most cases are thought to be related to abnormal hormonal stimulation of the fetus. Hypospadias develops between the 8th and 12th week of fetal development.

Hypospadias is treated with surgery to correct the placement of the opening of the urethra.

Sometimes genetic testing is needed to confirm the sex of a child born with this condition.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Peter Anderson, MD, FRCSC - Pediatric Urology

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