Hypospadias
Related concepts:
Coronal hypospadias, Glanular hypospadias, Megameatal hypospadias, Midpenile hypospadias, Penoscrotal hypospadias, Perianal hypospadias Scrotal hypospadias, Subcoronal hypospadias.
Introduction:
Usually the opening of the penis is located right at the tip.
What is it?
Hypospadias is the name of the condition in which the opening of the penis (the meatus) is located some place other than the tip.
Who gets it?
Hypospadias occurs in about 1 in 250 boys, though it seems to be becoming more common. Those exposed to estrogens or to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as PCBs are at higher risk.
These same boys sometimes have undescended testicles, inguinal hernias, or hydroceles.
What are the symptoms?
Often hypospadias cannot be prevented. Avoiding exposure to estrogens and to endocrine disruptors such as dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and some other pesticides can prevent some cases. Many chemicals, particularly pesticides and plasticizers, are suspected endocrine disruptors based on limited animal studies.