Hypospadias

Understanding the normal penis and urethra

The urethra is the tube that urine flows through out of the bladder. It passes through the penis. The opening of the urethra (meatus or 'pee-hole') is normally at the end of the penis, partly covered by the foreskin.

What is the penis like in hypospadias?

• A hooded appearance of the foreskin. This is because the foreskin does not develop on the underside of the penis.
• Tightening of the tissues on the underside of the penis (called 'chordee'). This pulls the penis down and it cannot fully straighten. The further back the urethral opening is, the more severe the chordee tends to be. Mild hypospadias may not have any chordee.

What problems can hypospadias cause?

Problems are likely to occur if hypospadias is left untreated. The further back the opening of the urethra is, the more severe the problems are likely to be.

• Passing urine is different to normal. A baby in nappies will have no problem. However, when older, the urine stream may not be able to be directed forward into a urinal. When going to the toilet the urine is likely to 'spray' backwards. Sitting on a toilet may be needed to pass urine without mess.
• Chordee which causes bending of the penis. This is more noticeable when the penis is erect. Sexual intercourse may be difficult or impossible in severe cases.
• Psychological problems about being 'different' to normal are common.

How common is hypospadias and what causes it?

About 1 in 300 boys is born with some degree of hypospadias. It seems to be getting more common. The reason why the penis does not develop properly is still not clear. The development of the penis whilst the baby is growing in the womb is partly dependent on the male sex hormones such as testosterone. The effects of testosterone on the growing penis may be blocked in some way. Although it is not a genetic condition, hypospadias can run in some families.

Are any tests needed?

The diagnosis is usually obvious from examining the penis. No other tests are routine. However, a small number of people with severe hypospadias (when the urethral opening is at the base of the scrotum) may have other abnormalities of the genitals. The appearance of severe hypospadias may be part of a rare 'intersex' syndrome. Therefore, tests of the chromosomes and scans of the genitals may be made to determine if it is part of a wider syndrome. Note: these syndromes are rare and most boys with hypospadias are truly 'male' and have no other abnormalities.

What is the treatment for hypospadias?

If the hypospadias is mild, with the opening of the urethra just a little down from normal and with no bending of the penis, then no treatment may be needed. However, in most cases an operation is required to correct the hypospadias. This can usually be done in one operation. However, if the hypospadias is more complicated, then two operations may be necessary. The operation is usually done when the child is around 18-24 months old.

A full discussion with a surgeon is needed to decide what can be done. The goal of treatment is for urine to be passed in a forward way, for the penis to be straight when erect and for the penis to look as normal as possible. The position of the opening of the urethra is altered. Also, if chordee are present then these are cut to allow the penis to straighten. The foreskin is usually used during the operation to make the new urethra so it is important that a circumcision is not done before the corrective surgery is performed.

The success of the operation and the 'normality' that can be achieved may depend on the severity of the hypospadias.

Further help and information

Hypospadias Support Group

Web: www.hypospadias.co.uk
Online support for parents of children with hypospadias.