Hypospadias

Occurring in almost one out of every 125 males, Hypospadias is a developmental penis disorder that is a result of a birth defect that affects the urethra. In this developmental penis disorder, the urinary meatus, or the opening of the penis, does not open at the tip of the penis, but rather on the underside of the penis.

For the most part, it is parents who are most affected by this disorder because it causes unnecessary stress about dealing with the surgery or the care of the infant's penis. However, this stress is unnecessary because Hypospadias is treated with surgery quickly, and most infants with this developmental penis disorder go on to have a normal penis development.

Severity of Hypospadias

There are three degrees of Hypospadias indicating where the urinary meatus occurs. In more than half of the cases of this developmental penis disorder, the opening of the penis occurs on the tip of the penis. The second degree is named for the urethra opening on the shaft of the penis, and the third degree is named for the urethra opening on the perineum.

Symptoms of Hypospadias

There are a few symptoms for this developmental penis disorder, one of which being the visible sign of the urinary meatus occurring in an abnormal location. However, a downward curve or a hooded appearance can also be indications of Hypospadias, as well as an abnormal spraying during urination. Most of the time, it is hospital staff who detects this developmental penis disorder immediately following birth and begins the treatment process.

Causes of Hypospadias

As for why this developmental penis disorder occurs, most researchers believe that it has to do with a birth defect. 10% of males with Hypospadias also have one testicle that did not descend. Additionally, some males with Hypospadias also have an anomaly in their genitourinary tract.

While some believe that this developmental penis disorder is genetic, others have noted that it can occur sporadically, with no other male in the family having the disorder. In the case of a lack of genetic inheritance, the cause is thought to be some type of environmental issue, such as an interaction with chemicals like hairspray. This chemical interaction, of course, must occur in high doses. Other causes have been some medicinal drugs used by pregnant women.

Treatment of Hypospadias

Hypospadias is treated most normally with surgery depending on the degree of the developmental penis disorder. In most cases, this developmental penis disorder merely causes problems with urination. However, an untreated second or third degree hypospadias can make urinating while standing impossible, as well as affect fertility and erections.

With most cases, if surgery is deemed necessary to treat this developmental penis disorder, it will occur within a short amount of time after birth. The surgery in first and second degrees is mostly successful. However, scarring and curvature can occur in even successful surgeries.

In more severe cases of hypospadias, multiple processes may need to occur to make the surgery a successful one. For instance, in some surgical cases, mucosal grafting must occur.