What is hypospadias, and is it severe?
Written in association with:In one of our latest articles here below, accomplished and distinguished consultant paediatric urologist, Mr Pankaj Mishra, provides us with a comprehensive guide on hypospadias, including whether or not it requires emergency medical attention.
What exactly is hypospadias?
Hypospadias is a condition that affects newborn boys’ penis. Instead of the urine pipe ending at the tip of the penis, it can go anywhere. Along with the problem with the opening, the foreskin is also partly deficient, which gives an unusual appearance to the penis.
Is it considered to be severe?
It comes in wide ranges of severity and can be categorised as a skin abnormality to opening at the bottom of the penis, which can be very severe.
What are the known causes of hypospadias?
Unfortunately, we don’t know what causes hypospadias.
When should parents be concerned? Is treatment always necessary?
There are two aspects to this: how the penis looks, and how the penis functions (relating to whether or not the boy is able to easily pass urine). The function of the penis, especially in minor hypospadias, is not affected too much, and boys are able to pee normally. In severe hypospadias, the shape of the penis can be quite bent, which makes peeing difficult, which requires treatment.
Does hypospadias ever require emergency medical attention? If so, how?
It’s very unusual that hypospadias causes a medical emergency. If the opening becomes too small, boys will not be able to pass urine. This is a medical emergency. Sometimes, a more complex emergency related to the boy’s hormones can become a medical emergency. However, all in all, hypospadias can be managed very effectively in most cases.
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