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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
In hypospadias, the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. The severity of the condition varies. In most cases, the opening of the urethra is near the head of the penis. Less often, the opening is at midshaft or at the base of the penis. Rarely, the opening is in or beneath the scrotum.
Signs and symptoms of hypospadias may include:
- Opening of the urethra at a location other than the tip of the penis
- Downward curve of the penis (chordee)
- Hooded appearance of the penis because only the top half of the penis is covered by foreskin
- Abnormal spraying during urination
When to see a doctor
Most infants with hypospadias are diagnosed soon after birth while still in the hospital.
However, it's possible that less severe hypospadias may be overlooked. Call your doctor if you notice your son's urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis, his foreskin is not fully developed or his penis curves downward.
- Kraft KH, et al. Hypospadias. Urologic Clinics of North America 2010;37:167.
- Hypospadias. American Urology Association. www.urologyhealth.org/print/index.cfm?topic=96. Accessed Dec. 3, 2010.
- Yiee JH. Environmental factors in genitourinary development. Journal of Urology. 2010;174:34.
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