A cousin of mine was born with Hypospadia but lucky this is a common congenital defect that can easily be repaired. Hypospadia is a condition were the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of at the tip. A few of the systems that are associated with Hypospadia are a downward curve of the penis, a hooded appearance of the penis because only the top half of the penis is covered by foreskin and abnormal straying during urination. This is a condition that is usually diagnosed when infants are still in the hospital, however it is possible that less severe cases may over overlooked.
Hypospadia is sometimes inherited, but not always. As the penis develops in a male fetus, certain hormones stimulate the formation of the urethra and foreskin. Hypospadia occurs in the action of these hormones, causing the urethra to develop abnormally.
There are three different degrees of Hypospadia. The first one is the most common and occurs in about 50-75% of all cases. It is when the urethral meatus opens on the glands penis. Second degree is when the urethra opens on the shaft and third would be when the urethra opens on the perineum.
During a physical examination of a newborn with Hypospadia it is helpful to have a retrograde urogram done to provide pictures of the urinary tract. It is used to check for other abnormalities of the kidneys or the tubes that carry the urine.
Hypospadia is easily treated with surgery to reposition the urethral opening and if necessary straighten the penis. During the surgery a urologist uses tissue grafts from the foreskin or form the inside of the mouth to reconstruct the urinary channel in the proper position. If this is not fixed while the person is young it can lead to blood in the urine, known as hematuria or infection, narrowing of the urethra and curvature of the penis.