Hypospadias is a congenital condition in which the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis but on the underside, anywhere along the penile shaft, scrotum, or perineum. This condition affects 1 in 200 to 1 in 300 male newborns and varies in severity, depending on the location of the urethral opening. Hypospadias can be associated with other abnormalities, such as chordee (a downward curvature of the penis), incomplete foreskin, and penile torsion. The exact cause of hypospadias is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors during fetal development.
Treatment for hypospadias typically involves surgical correction, usually performed between 6 and 18 months of age. The goal of surgery is to reposition the urethral opening to the tip of the penis, correct any penile curvature, and ensure normal urinary and sexual function. Surgery may require one or multiple stages depending on the severity of the condition. With advances in surgical techniques, the success rate for hypospadias repair is high, and most patients achieve satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.
