Hypospadias

Hypospadias represents a congenital abnormality where the placement of the urethra's opening, also known as the meatus, does not adhere to the norm. This urethral orifice, a critical channel for urine expulsion, typically finds itself located at the tip of the penis in males and in front of the vaginal opening in females. However, in instances of hypospadias, this opening is anomalously positioned on the ventral aspect of the penis in males, or within the vagina in females.

Hypospadias penis aged 55

Hypospadias predominantly affects males, with the severity varying from slight displacement of the urethral opening to more severe cases where the meatus resides closer to the scrotum or between the scrotum and the anus.

Etiology and Risk Factors

While the precise causes of hypospadias are still shrouded in mystery, a blend of genetic and environmental factors are suspected. Some research alludes to increased risk following exposure to certain hormones like progesterone during gestation. Moreover, there's noted correlation between children diagnosed with hypospadias and a heightened risk for developing Wilms tumor, a renal cancer variant.

Treatment

The principal mode of treating hypospadias is surgical intervention, typically administered during infancy or early childhood. The objective of this procedure is to relocate the urethral orifice to its conventional position, thereby improving both the functional and aesthetic implications of the condition. Despite the intricacies involved in these surgeries, they boast high success rates, allowing the majority of patients to lead normal lives post-recovery.

Hypospadias Resources
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