User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a birth defect in which the urethra does not open at the tip of the penis. Instead it opens near the head of the penis, along the shaft of the penis, or near the scrotum. There may also be a greater amount of foreskin at the back than front of the penis. Other problems may include a curved penis or undescended testicles. Complications may include decreased fertility.

The cause is generally unknown. Risk factors include a family history, mothers greater than 35 years old when pregnant, fertility treatments, and certain hormones. It may also occur as a part of a number of syndromes. Diagnosis is generally by examination at birth. It is divided into three types distal (subcoronal), middle (midshaft), and posterior (penoscrotal).

Many cases of hypospadias are treated by surgery. This is generally done when the child is 3 to 18 months old. Those affected should not be circumcised. It affects about 1 in 200 males at birth in the United States and Europe, though may be less common in other parts of the world. It is the second-most common birth abnormality of the male reproductive system after undescended testicles.