Hypospadias refers to a condition that results in an abnormality of the penis. The condition is often noticed at birth, but the defects may be hidden and hence go unnoticed in some cases. When an individual has this condition, the urethra’s end does not form properly, and the urine often comes out in the wrong place. There are different signs to look out for to know whether a child or a man has hypospadias:
- The foreskin is underdeveloped. It could all be at the top of the penis, and there may be none on the under the surface.
- An abnormal curvature of the penis can occur. When the penis has a bend on it, this condition is referred to as chordee.
- The opening of the urethra is not at the end of the penis but somewhere along the penis.
- There isn’t a straight stream of urine.
Luckily, all these deformities may be fixed even later in life, thanks to adult hypospadias repair.
What are the different types of hypospadias?
The classifications of hypospadias depend on the location of the opening of the urethra. The three main types of hypospadias are:
- Subcoronal
The opening of the urethra is located somewhere near the head of the penis.
- Midshaft
The opening of the urethra is located along the shaft of the penis
- Penescrotal
The opening of the urethra is located at the point where the penis and the scrotum meet.
Treatment – adult hypospadias repair
The treatment option depends on how severe the hypospadias is. This means that the urinary tract has to be investigated to ensure that there isn’t any other problem.
Corrective adult hypospadias repair includes surgery that fixes the condition in the following ways:
- Correcting the bend to make the penis straight
- Moving the urethra opening to the tip of the penis and close the previously existing hole. This makes it possible for boys to pee while standing up and to have one straight stream of urine.
Age of correction
The right age for the correction of hypospadias is anywhere between 6 to 18 months. The doctor analyzes the situation and recommends the best age and the number of surgeries that’ll be needed.
Hypospadias does not correct itself over time. If the surgery isn’t performed in childhood, that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. An experienced urologist can still perform adult hypospadias repair. He will make every effort to ensure that the penis looks normal and functions appropriately. Even though the outcome may be different, intercourse in men is not affected.
Conclusion
Hypospadias is easily detected at birth, but in some cases, it might not be picked up until several years after. If a parent is unsure whether the child’s penis is okay or not, it’s best to see a doctor. If adult hypospadias repair isn’t performed, individuals tend to suffer from self-esteem issues and diminished sexual function. Unless they’re very mild, all forms of hypospadias usually require surgery.
