Hypospadias Guide: A Comprehensive Overview For Parents And Caregivers
Learn about hypospadias, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and care tips in this comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
If your child has been diagnosed with hypospadias, it’s natural to have many questions and concerns. As a parent or caregiver, understanding this condition and knowing how to best support your child through treatment can feel overwhelming. This guide provides clear, accessible information about hypospadias—covering everything from the symptoms and causes to treatment options and recovery. It also includes practical tips on how to support your child emotionally and physically as they navigate their treatment journey.
What is Hypospadias?
Hypospadias is a congenital condition in which the opening of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) is not at the tip of the penis but is located somewhere along the underside. This condition affects 1 in every 200 to 300 male infants, and it varies in severity, with the opening sometimes being near the scrotum in more severe cases.
Hypospadias is typically diagnosed shortly after birth, either during a routine checkup or when a parent notices something unusual about their baby’s genitals. Fortunately, hypospadias is treatable, and with the right care, children with the condition can lead healthy, normal lives.
Recognising the Symptoms of Hypospadias
The most obvious sign of hypospadias is the abnormal location of the urethral opening. But there are other symptoms that may help identify the condition:
- Urethral Opening Location: Instead of being at the tip of the penis, the urethral opening may be found along the underside, anywhere from the shaft to near the scrotum.
- Penile Curvature (Chordee): Many boys with hypospadias also have a bent or curved penis, particularly when it is erect. This curvature may be mild or more pronounced.
- Urination Issues: The abnormal positioning of the urethra may cause difficulty with urinating, such as a disrupted or angled urine stream.
- Incomplete Foreskin: Boys with hypospadias may also have a partially formed foreskin that may look like a hood over the penis.
Causes of Hypospadias
Hypospadias occurs during fetal development when the urethra doesn't form correctly. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, certain factors increase the likelihood of the condition:
- Genetic Factors: If a close relative (father or brother) has had hypospadias, the risk of a baby being born with it is higher.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones, particularly androgens, play a key role in the development of male genitalia. Disruptions in hormone production or response during pregnancy can lead to hypospadias.
- Maternal Factors: Certain maternal health conditions, like diabetes or obesity, and age can affect the likelihood of a child developing hypospadias. Additionally, some medications taken during pregnancy, such as those used to treat infertility, may increase the risk.
- Environmental Exposures: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors (found in some plastics or pesticides), may also raise the risk of hypospadias.
Diagnosing Hypospadias
Hypospadias is typically diagnosed right after birth during a physical exam. Your doctor will assess the position of the urethral opening, look for any curvature of the penis, and determine if any other conditions are present. If necessary, further tests such as ultrasounds or genetic testing may be performed to evaluate the condition and assess for related abnormalities.
Treatment Options for Hypospadias
The main treatment for hypospadias is surgery. The goal is to reposition the urethral opening to the tip of the penis and, if needed, to straighten the penis if there is curvature. Most surgeries are done between 6 months and 1 year of age, but the timing depends on the severity of the condition and the child’s overall health.
Surgical Procedure
Surgical correction of hypospadias is generally performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will move the urethral opening to a more normal location, usually at the tip of the penis, and may also address any curvature if present. In more severe cases, tissue grafts may be needed to form a new urethra or to correct the shape of the penis. The procedure usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, and children can often go home the same day or the next day.
Consult Top Doctors For Treatment Options
Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, careful attention is needed to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. Here are a few key points to keep in mind during your child’s recovery:
- Pain Management: It’s normal for your child to experience some pain after surgery. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications to help manage this.
- Follow-Up Appointments: You will need to bring your child back to the doctor for check-ups to monitor healing and assess the surgical outcome.
- Catheter Care: A catheter may be placed temporarily to help drain urine during recovery. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for the catheter.
- Activity Restrictions: For a period of time after surgery, your child will need to avoid strenuous activities or anything that could strain the healing area (such as rough play, swimming, or sports).
- Hygiene: Proper care and hygiene are critical to prevent infection. Gently clean the surgical site as advised by your doctor, but avoid scrubbing or using harsh products.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Beyond the physical recovery, it’s important to be attentive to your child’s emotional well-being. Surgery may affect their self-esteem, especially as they get older. Open, supportive conversations are key to helping them feel comfortable and confident in their body.
Long-Term Considerations and Future Care
In many cases, hypospadias surgery is highly successful, and children can lead healthy, active lives without long-term complications. However, some children may require additional surgeries in the future to address issues like:
- Residual Curvature: Some boys may experience a mild or moderate curvature of the penis that wasn’t fully corrected in the first surgery.
- Urethral Fistula: A small hole may develop in the repaired urethra, which could cause urine to leak from an abnormal site.
- Strictures: In rare cases, a scar may form in the urethra, causing narrowing and obstruction.
Regular follow-up with a pediatric urologist ensures that these potential issues are caught early and managed appropriately.
Supporting Your Child Through the Process
As a parent, supporting your child through their hypospadias treatment journey involves providing both physical care and emotional comfort. Here are a few ways to help:
- Stay Informed: Learn as much as you can about hypospadias, the surgery, and post-care to feel confident in making decisions and understanding the medical process.
- Encourage Communication: Make sure your child knows it’s okay to talk about any feelings, fears, or questions they may have regarding their condition or treatment.
- Promote Body Positivity: As your child grows, they may become more self-conscious about their appearance. Foster a positive body image and encourage healthy conversations about the importance of self-acceptance.
- Celebrate Recovery: Acknowledge milestones in the healing process—whether it’s getting through the surgery, returning to normal activities, or the first post-surgery check-up. Positive reinforcement can go a long way.
Conclusion
Hypospadias is a treatable condition, and with proper care and timely surgery, most children go on to live normal, healthy lives. While the diagnosis may seem daunting at first, knowing what to expect and seeking expert care can make all the difference. By educating yourself about hypospadias, supporting your child throughout the treatment process, and staying proactive in follow-up care, you’ll help them through this journey with confidence and peace of mind. If you suspect your child may have hypospadias, speak to a pediatric urologist who specialises in this condition to ensure the best outcome for your child’s health and well-being.
Consult Top Urologists
Consult Top Doctors For Treatment Options
Dr Ram Prasad Ch
Urologist
6 Years • MBBS MS(Gen Surgery) DrNB(Urology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Dhruv B. Patel
Urologist
12 Years • MBBS, MS, DrNB (Urology - IKDRC, Ahmedabad)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr. Rohit Bhattar
Uro Oncologist
14 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology), Fellowship in Uro-oncology and Robotic Urology (United Kingdom)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(75+ Patients)
Dr Anupam Sharma
Urologist
18 Years • MBBS, MS(Gen Surgery), DNB (Urology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Qutubuddin Ali
Urologist
11 Years • MS, M.Ch.
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
(25+ Patients)
Consult Top Urologists
Dr Ram Prasad Ch
Urologist
6 Years • MBBS MS(Gen Surgery) DrNB(Urology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Dhruv B. Patel
Urologist
12 Years • MBBS, MS, DrNB (Urology - IKDRC, Ahmedabad)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr. Rohit Bhattar
Uro Oncologist
14 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology), Fellowship in Uro-oncology and Robotic Urology (United Kingdom)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(75+ Patients)
Dr Anupam Sharma
Urologist
18 Years • MBBS, MS(Gen Surgery), DNB (Urology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Qutubuddin Ali
Urologist
11 Years • MS, M.Ch.
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
(25+ Patients)
