Boys and men suffering from hypospadias have the opening of their urethra outside the penis’ underside instead of being located at the tip. This condition often presents at birth but is easily corrected by a hypospadias surgeon. Usually, mild conditions do not interfere with the boys’ urinary or men’s reproductive function. Most individuals with hypospadias will require surgery, and the outlook for infants who undergo this operation is exceptionally significant. In most cases, they will make a full recovery fast and have a normal-looking and fully-functional penis within about six months.
Types of hypospadias
The location of the urethral opening determines the severity of the condition.
- Anterior or distal hypospadias. In this case, the urethral opening is located near the tip of the penis. This is the mildest form of hypospadias.
- Middle hypospadias. In this case, the urethral opening is located midway up the penis.
- Posterior or proximal hypospadias. In this case, the urethral opening develops at the scrotum or perineum. This is the most severe form of hypospadias.
Apart from the positioning of the urethral opening, there are other signs of hypospadias, which include:
- Downward urinary spray
- A penis that curves downwards
- An abnormal appearance of the tip of the penis
- The hooded appearance of the penis which is caused by extra foreskin along the top side
Questions to ask a hypospadias surgeon
Most types of hypospadias can be corrected in a single surgery done by a hypospadias surgeon on an outpatient basis. Some kinds of hypospadias will require more than one procedure to correct the defect.
Understandably, most parents will have some doubts about the procedure and have a couple of questions regarding the success rate. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions:
- What are the expected results of the surgery?
In most cases, surgery is highly successful. In many boys and grown men who have had the surgery performed, they’re able to urinate normally and enjoy normal reproduction.
In some cases, unfortunately, a hole may develop along the underside and results in urine leakage. This kind of complication would require additional repair from an experienced hypospadias surgeon.
- What is follow-up care needed?
One is required to visit the hypospadias surgeon several times after the surgery.
In young boys, there’s a need for regular follow-up with the child’s pediatric urologist. After potty training and at puberty, there’s still a need to go for check up to catch any possible complications.
- What needs to be done before the appointment with a hypospadias surgeon?
Parents are advised to get as much information as possible about the condition before the appointment.
If a parent needs support, it’s okay to ask someone to accompany him/her to the hospital for help. He should also ask the hypospadias surgeon as many questions as possible.
Conclusion
Hypospadias is a congenital condition, which means that it occurs while the baby is still developing in the womb. In most cases, boys who have hypospadias are also likely to have undescended testicles, inguinal hernias, or both. Hypospadias does not cause any physical pain or block urination, but if not corrected by a hypospadias surgeon, more severe forms can interfere with sexual intercourse in adulthood.
