User:Mr. Ibrahem/Epispadias

Epispadias is a malformation in which the top of the urethra fails to close properly. In males the opening of the urethra may occur on the upper aspect of the penis; which may be short and upward curved. In females there may be a split clitoris and poorly formed mons pubis. It often occurs in association with Bladder exstrophy. Complications may include urinary incontinence.

The cause is unclear. The more severe forms of disease occur more commonly when there is a lack of folate before pregnancy. Diagnosis is based on examination. An X-ray is recommended to find associated pubic diastasis.

Treatment may involved surgery. Rates of incontinence range from 50 to 90%. Epispadias may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people; though cases without bladder exstrophy are less than 1 in 100,000 males and 1 in 160,000 female births.