What Is Hypospadias?

Hypospadias occurs in 1 out of every 200 boys. It can run in families but is usually doesn't. There is not a simple genetic cause. It is almost never the result of something a parent did or didn't do during pregnancy. 

Hypospadias occurs when the urinary opening is in an abnormal position, lower than it should be. This often results in difficulties directing the urine stream in teens and adults. In addition, there can be bending to the penis, called chordee, that impacts sexual function. Many also report body image issues related to the appearance. 

Hypospadias can be successfully repaired so that the penis looks and functions normally. Surgery straightens the penis, makes the skin symmetric around the penis, and moves the opening a normal position at the tip.