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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Hypospadias is present at birth (congenital). The exact reason this defect occurs is unknown. Sometimes hypospadias is inherited.

As the penis develops in a male fetus, certain hormones stimulate the formation of the urethra and foreskin. Hypospadias results when a malfunction occurs in the action of these hormones, causing the urethra to develop abnormally.

Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Kraft KH, et al. Hypospadias. Urologic Clinics of North America 2010;37:167.
  2. Hypospadias. American Urology Association. www.urologyhealth.org/print/index.cfm?topic=96. Accessed Dec. 3, 2010.
  3. Yiee JH. Environmental factors in genitourinary development. Journal of Urology. 2010;174:34.
DS00884 Jan. 22, 2011

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