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Hypospadias Explained
Hypospadias is a birth defect of the penis which is increasing in frequency. The condition involves the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis. In hypospadias, a problem occurs during the development of the penis which results in the urethra opening on the under surface of the penis rather than at the tip.
Untreated, this condition can cause significant penile problems for the growing boy.In the case of major hypospadias, he cannot urinate normally, often having to sit in order to get the urine into the toilet. Comparing with peers can lead to psychological problems.
Types of Hypospadias
- Subcoronal: The urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis below the glans.
- Midshaft: The urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis about the middle of shaft.
- Penoscrotal: The urethral opening is located at the bottom of the penis shaft, near the testes.
A condition called epispadias is similar to hypospadias, except that the opening of the urethra is on the top surface of the penis. Hypospadias is more common that epispadias.
Epispadias is a rare condition, whereas hypospadias is the most common birth defect 1:250 male infants.
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