Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a congenital disability where the urethra opening is on the underside of the penis instead of the tip. The urethra is the tube which drains urine from the bladder and leaves the body.

The condition is common and doesn't cause difficulty caring for your infant. Surgery usually restores the typical appearance of your child's penis. With successful hypospadias treatment, most males can have normal urination and reproduction.

Hypospadias Symptoms

In hypospadias, the urethra opening is located on the underside of the penis instead of at its tip. Most times, the urethra opening is still within the head of the penis, but sometimes, the opening is at the middle of the base of the penis. Rarely is the opening in or beneath the scrotum.

Symptoms of hypospadias:

• The urethra opening is at a location other than the tip of the penis
• The downward curve of the penis
• The hooded appearance of the penis because only the top half of the penis is covered by foreskin
• Abnormal spraying during urination

Infants with hypospadias are usually diagnosed soon after birth while still in the hospital. Sometimes, a slight displacement of the urethral opening may be subtle and difficult to identify. Talk to Dr Mkhize if you have concerns about the appearance of your child's penis or if there are problems with urination.