Hypospadias is a congenital condition that can occur in young boys, causing the opening to his urethra, the tube that carries urine out of his body, to be located on the underside of the penis, near the scrotum, instead of at the head of the penis.
Overview
Hypospadias is a condition present at birth that affects how the penis develops. The opening of the urethra may be located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. The penis may also curve downward, and the foreskin may not fully cover the head of the penis. Hypospadias is typically diagnosed shortly after birth during a newborn exam.
Our approach
Treatment for hypospadias depends on how mild or severe the condition is. Mild cases often do not require treatment and may not cause long‑term problems.
For moderate to severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the position of the urethral opening and, if needed, straighten the penis. If hypospadias is present, your child may not be circumcised at birth so the foreskin can be used for surgical repair later. When surgery is needed, it is usually performed when a child is between 6 and 18 months old.
Surgery is effective in most cases and can help support normal urination and development as your child grows. Your care team will work closely with you to determine the best plan based on your child’s specific needs and to answer any questions along the way.