Hypospadias in Boys: Understanding the Condition and Its Treatment
Because hypospadias is a physical issue, the only remedy is a surgical one. Surgery is done to make a normal urinary channel so that urine comes out the end of the penis. The surgeon forms or relocates the penile tube and straightens any bends.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-06-10 12:11 GMT
What Is Hypospadias
In boys, urine typically flows through the penis and exits from an opening at its tip. However, in some boys, this opening is located on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. This condition is known as hypospadias and is present from birth.
In this condition known as hypospadias, the urinary opening (meatus) is found on the underside of the penis, not the top. It is present at birth, and the degree of its severity depends on how displaced the opening is from its normal position.
Types of Hypospadias
Hypospadias can be classified into three basic types according to the position of the abnormal opening:
● Distal Penile Hypospadias– The urethral opening is at the distal area of the penis.
● Midpenile Hypospadias – The urethral opening is at the middle of the penis.
● Proximal or Penoscrotal Hypospadias – the opening is located at the tip near the penile base or scrotum.
Hypospadias may be accompanied by a curving of the penis called chordee. This can be more apparent during an erection and potentially influence future sexual function if one were to ignore it.
When to Seek Medical Help
Hypospadias is typically detected at birth by parents or physicians during physical examination of the newborn. If any deviation is observed in the position of the urinary meatus, then an early consultation with a urologist is essential.
Treatment of Hypospadias
Because hypospadias is a physical issue, the only remedy is a surgical one. Surgery is done to make a normal urinary channel so that urine comes out the end of the penis. The surgeon forms or relocates the penile tube and straightens any bends.
When less severe, it may take only one surgery. But in more severe types, the surgery may have to be performed in two stages, separated by a minimum of six months.
The Importance of Early Operation
Untreated hypospadias can cause a variety of complications:
● Urine is difficult to pass while standing
● Problems with sex as you get older
● Infertility in men as a result of impaired sperm transport
The optimal time to perform the surgery is early in childhood, typically between 6 to 18 months. Early repair benefits not only urinary, but also future sexual function, and provides for a better cosmetic result.
If the condition is diagnosed early and surgery is performed by a trained urologist, the child will be able to lead a normal, healthy life.
- Dr. G Ravi Shankar, Consultant - Urology Renal Transplant Surgery & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada