Page 118 - Urological Health

Hypospadias

Dr. Darcie Kiddoo
Pediatric Urologist
University of Alberta, Division of Urology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Dr. Nafisa Dharamsi
Pediatric Urologist
University of Manitoba, Faculty of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

What is hypospadias?

Hypospadias is a common penile condition which occurs
in 1 in 250 male infants.
Anatomic features which may be seen: Glanuar

1. Pee hole on the underside of the shaft of the penis Coronal
Mid-Shaft
2. Incompletely developed foreskin
UNDER REVIEW
3. Curvature of the penis (chordee) Penoscrotal

What causes hypospadias? Scrotal
Hypospadias occurs randomly. There is nothing that can
be done to prevent this during pregnancy. There is a small Perineal
familial component; however, having one child with Figure 1. Hypospadias
hypospadias doesn’t mean that the next sibling will
have hypospadias.

Associated problems

The two primary functions of the penis are to allow a male to stand to urinate and to expel semen
adequately to impregnate a partner during intercourse.

With mild hypospadias, these functions can still be performed and the decision to surgically correct
hypospadias relates to altering the appearance. With more severe hypospadias, surgery may still be
needed to make sure everything functions normally. No matter what degree of hypospadias, the penile
sensation is normal.

Hypospadias often occurs on its own and doesn’t mean there are any other medical problems. When
hypospadias is identified as the only medical problem, no further investigations are required.

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