Definition:
Hypospadias is a condition among males that is characterized by an abnormally placed urinary opening. It is a birth defect where instead of being situated at the tip of the of the penis, the urinary opening is found along the underside of the penile shaft to the part where the penis meets the scrotum. Hypospadias are among the most common birth defect of the male genitalia.
Diagnosis:
A case of hypospadias may be suspected even in an uncircumcised boy from an abnormally formed foreskin and downward tilt of the glans.
Treatment:
In instances where the effects of hypospadias are merely cosmetic, it can generally be corrected by surgery. In worse cases though such as when the condition is associated with birth defects, a karyotype of endocrine evaluation is usually recommended to detect hormone deficiencies. Testosterone may be injected if the penis is small.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of hypospadias include having a penis with a downward curve, abnormal urine spray, inability to urinate while standing up, a malformed hood like skin over the penis and having the opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis.
Causes:
Though it is rarely inherited, hypospadias can still stem from genetics. In most cases though, the cause cannot be identified. Some experts though believe that hypospadias is caused by inadequate androgen as a result of exposure to various environmental agents such as chemicals.
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