Introduction

Hypospadias is a condition where the penis develops differently.

The shaft of the penis holds the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries urine out of the bladder and semen out of the testicles. It usually opens at the tip of the penis.

In hypospadias, the urethra opens on the underside of the penis instead.

Children with hypospadias usually do not have any other health issues. It is common and happens in about 1 in every 300 babies with a penis.

The cause is unknown, but it can run in families. If you have one child with hypospadias, there is a 14% chance of having another with the condition.

In hypospadias, the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. The opening can be anywhere along the penis shaft, from underneath the tip, to back towards the anus.

Children with hypospadias may also have:

• chordee – a curve or bend in the penis, more noticeable when the penis is hard
• a foreskin that is partly missing underneath.

Mild cases may not be noticeable until your child is older.

Hypospadias is usually diagnosed at birth by looking at the penis. In some cases, it may be found later.

If the condition is more severe, your child may need tests like an ultrasound or a blood test to check for other issues.

Mild hypospadias may not need treatment if your child can do a wee normally and the penis is mostly straight.

More severe cases can be treated with surgery, called a hypospadias repair. This surgery is usually done before two years old. 

Aim of treatment

The procedure to repair hypospadias:

• moves the urethra opening to the tip of the penis
• straightens the penis to make sexual function possible when your child reaches adulthood
• improves the general appearance of the penis.

Circumcision

Do not circumcise your child before the repair surgery. The foreskin may be needed to help rebuild the penis.

Recovery

If your child recovers well after the procedure, they should be able to go home the same day.

You will be given information about pain management and will need to make a follow-up appointment about a week after the procedure.

Future surgery

Some children may need another surgery later to complete the repair.

Talk to your child’s doctor if you have questions about hypospadias or the surgery.