Hypospadias is a condition where the urethra opening is located under the penis, causing difficulty with urination and sexual activity. It is often treated with surgery in infancy, and can cause complications if left untreated.
Hypospadias is a condition that occurs when a boy is born with the opening to the urethra located under the penis. The urethra is a tube that directs urine from the bladder and out of the body and is normally found at the tip of the penis in males. Males who have hypospadias typically have it surgically treated while they are still infants to prevent permanent difficulties with urination and sexual activity.
The most common symptom of the condition is a penis where urine expels from any location other than the tip of the penis. Urine most often exits under the head of the penis, but in severe cases it can be expelled from the base of the penis or even from the scrotum. A male with the condition may also have a penis that appears strongly curved in and down towards the body. A misplaced urethra can cause a lack of control when urinating, which can end up spraying urine in various directions.
Hypospadias often has no clear cause. It can be a condition a child is born with, although it may be more likely to occur if other male relatives have also had the condition. Women at the end of their childbearing years or who use fertility drugs to get pregnant may be more likely to have children with the condition, which could be due to fluctuations in hormone levels.
Surgery can be done to treat hypospadias. A surgeon can remove pieces of tissue from the end of the penis or inside the mouth and use them to redirect the urethra into its correct position. The surgery is usually done on infant boys, but can be done on adult males if the condition was never discovered at a young age. In rare cases, surgery can make holes near the urethral reconstruction site that can cause urine to leak out the sides of the urethra; however, this can be resolved with a second surgery.
Hypospadias can cause complications if not corrected immediately. If left untreated, it can make urination difficult for a boy, especially for young boys who are just learning to use the toilet on their own. Depending on the improper position of the urethra, directing a stream of urine into a toilet can be challenging or even physically impossible. The condition can also make intercourse physically difficult due to the curved appearance of the penis it causes.
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