What is hypospadias?

Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis but instead is found along the undersurface of the penis. This abnormal placement can vary in severity, with some boys having the opening near the base of the penis or even in the scrotum.

This condition is important in the field of midwifery and pediatrics because it can impact urinary function and sexual health. Timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention, which often requires surgical correction, are essential for optimal outcomes. Understanding hypospadias is vital as it falls under congenital anomalies that midwives may encounter and need to address in newborn assessments.

In contrast, other options describe conditions unrelated to hypospadias: abnormal curvature of the spine refers to scoliosis or kyphosis; a normal skin condition in newborns could refer to conditions like newborn acne or erythema toxicum; and excessive curvature of the upper back specifically references kyphosis. These do not pertain to the urinary system or the anatomy of the male reproductive system, highlighting the distinct nature of hypospadias as a specific urogenital condition.