If your baby boy has been diagnosed with hypospadias, please know that this is a common and treatable condition! Hypospadias occurs in about 1 in 250-300 baby boys. It means the urethral opening (where urine comes out) is not at the tip of the penis but somewhere along the shaft. Surgery can successfully correct this, and most boys go on to have completely normal urinary and sexual function.
Watch: Best Safe Developmental Toys for Babies 0–12 Months | What Every Parent Must Know! #BabyDevelopment
What is Hypospadias?
Types Based on Location:
| Type | Location | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Distal/Glanular | Near tip of penis | Mild (most common - 70%) |
| Midshaft | Along middle of penis | Moderate |
| Proximal/Penoscrotal | Near base of penis/scrotum | More severe |
Causes (Usually Unknown):
Risk Factors:
Important: In most cases, no specific cause is found. Don't blame yourself!
Signs of Hypospadias:
Usually Noticed:
Contact your pediatrician/urologist if:
Important Notes:
Surgery is the Standard Treatment:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| **Age for Surgery** | Usually 6-18 months (ideal: 6-12 months) |
| **Type** | Usually single surgery, sometimes staged |
| **Duration** | 1-3 hours depending on severity |
| **Hospital Stay** | Often same-day or overnight |
| **Recovery** | 2-4 weeks, full healing in 6 months |
Goals of Surgery:
Before Surgery:
Immediately After:
Wound Care:
What to Expect:
Concerning Signs (Call Doctor):
Before Surgery:
Emotionally:
Practical:
Good News:
Possible Complications (Uncommon):
A: Yes, hypospadias surgery is very safe when done by an experienced pediatric urologist. It's one of the most common pediatric urological surgeries. The techniques have improved significantly over decades. Complications are uncommon, and most boys have excellent outcomes with normal function.
A: In hypospadias, the foreskin is often incomplete (looks "hooded"). More importantly, the foreskin tissue is valuable for surgical repair - surgeons use it to reconstruct the urethra. Circumcising would remove tissue needed for surgery. Always consult the urologist before any decision about circumcision.
A: Yes, in the vast majority of cases! When surgery is done properly, boys grow up to have normal sexual function and fertility. The goal of surgery is to ensure normal appearance and function. Most men with repaired hypospadias have normal intimate lives and can father children.
A: Most pediatric urologists recommend surgery between 6-18 months of age. This timing is ideal because: healing is faster in young babies, child won't remember the surgery, and psychological impact is minimized. Earlier surgery also completes treatment before potty training age. Your surgeon will recommend best timing for your child.
A: There is a slightly higher risk if one child has hypospadias. If one son is affected, the risk for the next male child is about 10-15% (compared to 0.3% in general population). If the father had hypospadias, risk is about 8%. However, most subsequent male babies will NOT have it. Talk to a genetic counselor if you're planning another pregnancy.
---
This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
---
Need personalized guidance? Book a consultation with our pediatricians or explore our Care Plans for 24/7 expert support!
Access 50+ pediatricians on WhatsApp anytime. Get instant answers for all your baby health concerns.
Explore Care Plans
All About Pediatric Sickle Cell Quick Answer Yes, children with sickle cell disease (SCD) can live healthy, active liv...
Managing Hypoglycemia in Diabetic Children: Tips for Parents Quick Answer Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is hypoglycemia (...
When Is A Child Old Enough To Sit In A High Chair? Last updated: January 2026 Quick Answer Most babies are ready for ...
Alternative Activities to Tummy Time Quick Answer: Is This Normal? YES, many babies hate traditional tummy time - and ...
Childhood Apraxia Of Speech (CAS) Quick Answer If your child understands everything but struggles to speak clearly (sa...
