Hypospadias

Definition
Hypospadias is a congenital defect, primarily of males, in which the urethra opens on the underside (ventrum) of the penis. It is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in the United States, occurring in about one of every 125 live male births. The corresponding defect in females is an opening of the urethra into the vagina and is rare.

Epispadias (also called bladder exstrophy) is a congenital defect of males in which the urethra opens on the upper surface (dorsum) of the penis. The corresponding defect in females is a fissure in the upper wall of the urethra and is quite rare.

Male Symptoms

The bladder fissure extends into the urethra and simply becomes an opening somewhere along the upper surface of the penis

Female Symptoms

  • The front wall of the bladder does not fuse or close
  • Bladder fissure may extend to the external abdominal wall

Definitions