How is Hypospadias Diagnosed?

How is Hypospadias Diagnosed?

In hypospadias, the tube through which urine travels from the bladder to outside the body does not develop normally. In boys born with this condition, the urethral opening or meatus is not located at the tip of the penis. But it may be found anywhere between the undersurface of the penis to the scrotum. Hypospodias is a common congenital defect found in one in every 200 boys.

Based on the meatus position, the types of hypospadias are as given below:

  • Distal or Granular
  • Midshaft
  • Penoscrotal
  • Perineal

Diagnosis of Hypospadias

Hypospadias diagnosis can only be done after the baby is born. It can rarely be identified during the fetal ultrasound. Doctors typically diagnose this condition during the initial newborn physical examination. He then classifies the hypospadias based on the position of the urethral meatus.

Physically Examination

The doctor will physically examine the baby and also check if his penis curves downwards or if the foreskin is developed properly. In such babies, there can be seen a partially developed foreskin which leaves the tip of the penis exposed and it results in a "dorsal hood". In some other cases, a completely developed foreskin may hide an abnormal meatus as well. So a close examination is taken to identify such birth defects.

Karyotype or Genetic Screening

In some rare cases, the infant with hypospadias may also be seen to have undescended testicles. In such cases, a karyotype or genetic screening may be done to determine the gender of the baby. Babies born with hypospadias are rarely found to be having other birth defects.

When the baby is between the ages of 6 to 12 months, with a surgery this condition can be easily and successfully corrected in most cases. A pediatric urological surgeon performs the surgery based on individual cases. The goal of surgery is the same in all cases.