Hypospadias is a birth defect among boys in which the opening of the urethra is located somewhere along the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This defect occurs when the urethra does not complete its development during the pregnancy.
How often does hypospadias occur?
CDC's research and other studies estimate that each year about 3 to 5 of every 10,000 boys born in the United States are born with hypospadias.
What problems do children with hypospadias have?
The problems that babies with hypospadias will face will depend on the location and severity of the hypospadias. For example, often babies with hypospadias will have a curved penis and bands of tissue connecting the penis to the groin area. And some babies might have a problem with the direction of their urine stream. More severe cases might need surgery to correct the shape of the penis and prevent more several other problems. If left untreated, hypospadias can lead to problems later in life, such as an inability to perform sexual intercourse, an inability to urinate while standing, and infertility.
Initial symptoms of hypospadias include:
- Abnormal spraying of urine, usually downwards
- Downward curvature of the penis
- Having to sit down to urinate
- A malformed foreskin that makes the penis look "hooded"
For parents, finding out that their baby has hypospadias can be stressful. However, they should know that, in most cases, it will not be difficult to care for their baby. If surgery is needed, it is usually performed when the child is between 6 and 18 months of age. With successful treatment, most males will see improvements in the appearance of their penis and can expect to have normal sexual function as adults.
What causes hypospadias?
The exact cause of hypospadias is unknown, but many scientists believe that genetics, certain environmental exposures, and the body's hormones might be involved. Studies have found hypospadias to be more common among twins, which suggests a genetic cause. In addition, scientists believe that the amount of hormones that make male characteristics (for example, testosterone) might affect the development of the urethra, resulting in hypospadias.
Can hypospadias be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent this type of defect, but some of the problems that can occur later in life can be prevented or lessened if the defect is found early.
Even so, mothers can take steps before and during pregnancy to have a healthy pregnancy. Steps include taking a daily multivitamin with folic acid (400 micrograms), not smoking, and not drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Mothers who are exposed to hormones such as progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy might have an increased risk for having a baby with hypospadias. Some women are exposed to these hormones during fertility treatments.
CDC works with many researchers to study risk factors that can increase the chance of having a baby with hypospadias, as well as outcomes of babies with the defect. Following are examples of what this research has found:
No strong link exists between the use of some medications for depression and hypospadias.
Mothers who take certain hormones (such as progestins) during pregnancy have an increased risk for having a baby with hypospadias.
Mothers who are older than 35 years of age, use fertility treatments, or are considered obese have higher risks for hypospladias. This study also showed a decreased risk for hypospadias among Hispanic women, although more research is needed.
