Hypospadias is a birth defect among boys in which the opening of
the urethra is located somewhere along the underside of the penis
instead of at the tip. The urethra is the tube that carries urine
from the bladder to the outside of the body. This defect occurs when
the urethra does not complete its development during the pregnancy.
To learn more about hypospadias click on one of the following links
or scroll down the page.
What We Know About Hypospadias
- How often does hypospadias occur?
- What problems do children with hypospadias have?
What We Still Do Not Know About
Hypospadias
- What causes hypospadias?
- Can hypospadias be prevented?
Resources for Families and Individuals
Affected by Hypospadias
| What
We Know About Hypospadias |
How often does hypospadias occur?
CDC’s research and
other studies estimate that each year about 3 to 5 of every 10,000
boys born in the United States are born with hypospadias (1).
What problems do children with hypospadias have?
The
problems that babies with hypospadias will face will depend on the
location and severity of the hypospadias. For example, often babies
with hypospadias will have a curved penis and bands of tissue
connecting the penis to the groin area. And some babies might have a
problem with the direction of their urine stream. More severe cases
might need surgery to correct the shape of the penis and prevent
more several other problems. If left untreated, hypospadias can lead
to problems later in life, such as an inability to perform sexual
intercourse, an inability to urinate while standing, and
infertility.
Initial symptoms of hypospadias include:
- Abnormal spraying of urine, usually downwards
- Downward curvature of the penis
- Having to sit down to urinate
- A malformed foreskin that makes the penis look "hooded"
For parents, finding out that their baby has hypospadias can be
stressful. However, they should know that, in most cases, it will
not be difficult to care for their baby. If surgery is needed, it is
usually performed when the child is 6 through 18 months of age. With
successful treatment, most males will see improvements in the
appearance of their penis and can expect to have normal sexual
function as adults.
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| What
We Still Do Not Know About Hypospadias |
What causes hypospadias?
The exact cause of hypospadias is unknown, but many scientists
believe that genetics, certain environmental exposures, and the
body’s hormones might be involved. Studies have found hypospadias to
be more common among twins, which suggests a genetic cause. In
addition, scientists believe that the amount of hormones that make
male characteristics (for example, testosterone) might affect the
development of the urethra, resulting in hypospadias.
Mothers who are exposed to hormones such as progesterone and
estrogen during pregnancy might have an increased risk for having a
baby with hypospadias. Some women are exposed to these hormones
during fertility treatments.
- CDC works with many researchers to study risk factors that
can increase the chance of having a baby with hypospadias, as
well as outcomes of babies with the defect. Following are
examples of what this research has found:
- No strong link exists between the use of some medications
for depression and hypospadias (2).
- Mothers who take certain hormones (such as progestins)
during pregnancy have an increased risk for having a baby with
hypospadias (3).
- Mothers who are older than 35 years of age, use fertility
treatments, or are considered obese have higher risks for
hypospladias (4). This study also showed a decreased risk for
hypospadias among Hispanic women, although more research is
needed (4).
Can hypospadias be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent this type of defect, but some of
the problems that can occur later in life can be prevented or
lessened if the defect is found early.
Even so, mothers can take steps before and during pregnancy to have
a healthy pregnancy. Steps include taking a daily multivitamin with
folic acid (400 micrograms), not smoking, and not drinking alcohol
during pregnancy.
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|
Resources for Families and Individuals Affected by
Hypospadias |
The Hypospadias and Epispadias Association
Urology channel
Mayo Clinic
Medline
References
- Paulozzi LJ, Erickson JD, Jackson RJ. Hypospadias trends in
two US surveillance systems. Pediatrics. 1997;100(5): 831-834.
- Alwan S, Reefhuis J, Rasmussen SA, Olney RS, Friedman JM,
National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Use of selective
serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy and the risk of birth
defects. N Engl J M. 2007;356(26):2684–92.
- Carmichael SL, Shaw GM, Laurent C, Croughan MS, Olney RS,
Lammer EJ. Maternal progestin intake and risk of hypospadias.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159: 957-962.
- Carmichael SL, Shaw GM, Laurent C, Olney RS, Lammer EJ, and
the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Maternal
reproductive and demographic characteristics as risk factors for
hypospadias. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2007; 21: 210-218.
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Date:
March 11, 2009
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
