Hypospadias Overview

Related concepts:

Coronal hypospadias, Glanular hypospadias, Megameatal hypospadias, Midpenile hypospadias, Penoscrotal hypospadias, Perianal hypospadias Scrotal hypospadias, Subcoronal hypospadias.

Introduction:

Usually, the opening of the penis is located right at the tip.

What is it?

Hypospadias is the name of the condition in which the opening of the penis (the meatus) is located someplace other than the tip.

Who gets it?

Hypospadias occurs in about 1 in 250 boys, though it seems to be becoming more common. Those exposed to estrogens or to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as PCBs are at higher risk.

These identical boys sometimes have undescended testicles, inguinal hernias, or hydroceles.

What are the symptoms?

Hypospadias cannot often be prevented. However, some cases can be prevented by avoiding exposure to estrogens and endocrine disruptors such as dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and other pesticides. Based on limited animal studies, many chemicals, particularly pesticides, and plasticizers, are suspected endocrine disruptors.