Hypospadias is a common urological condition affecting male children. Some children are born with the disease, while others develop complications at a tender age.
Although the condition is prevalent among boys, male adults can develop hypospadias in adulthood.
So what causes hypospadias in adulthood? And what treatment options exist? Read on for answers to these and more questions about adult hypospadias.
Understanding Hypospadias
Adult Hypospadias is a male condition in which the urethral opening doesn’t form at the tip of the penis.
Instead, the urethral opening can form in abnormal positions such as;
- Under the penis.
- The base of the penis.
- Middle of the shaft.
- Within the scrotum.
Adult Hypospadias: Common Causes
Adult hypospadias is often a result of surgical complications. If you had the condition during childhood and underwent surgery, complications could arise from improper corrective surgical procedures.
Similarly, if you had the condition but never had surgery, you may develop the condition in your adulthood.
Other risk factors for a hypospadias adult include;
- Family history of the condition.
Adult Hypospadias: Common Symptoms
Symptoms of the condition usually begin in childhood and cause long-lasting effects into adulthood.
If you suspect you’re a hypospadias adult, watch out for the following symptoms:
- The urethral opening is situated far from the tip of the penis.
- Downward curving penis.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Irregular spraying of urine during urination.
- Deformed penis.
- Difficulty urinating.
Diagnosis for Hypospadias
Diagnosis for the condition usually happens at birth, with the apparent sign of the position of the urethral opening. However, in adults, a physical examination by a qualified healthcare provider will help diagnose hypospadias.
Treatment of Hypospadias
Surgery is the only known treatment option for adult hypospadias. Your doctor will determine the best procedure depending on the severity of your condition. Regardless of the surgical technique, it always aims to straighten the penis and re-channel the urethral opening to its rightful place.
Before surgery, you will receive a general anesthetic to reduce pain.
The surgical procedure is a one-day event ranging from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Surgery may take place in four main stages as follows;
- Straightening the penis shaft.
- Creating or channeling the urethral opening.
- Repositioning the urethral opening.
- Adjusting the foreskin.
Hypospadias surgery done by a qualified surgeon will result in a properly functioning and well-formed penis.
Before then, you will use a small tube (catheter) to drain urine in a special bag during recovery. The tube prevents urine from draining on the fresh wound.
After about two weeks, the surgeon will review your condition and possibly remove the tube.
Adult Hypospadias: Care After Surgery
The surgical procedure to correct hypospadias is a minimally invasive technique. As such, you may not need frequent after-surgery visits to the doctor’s office.
However, the doctor will give you special instructions on dressing the wound and bathing following the surgery.
Adult Hypospadias: Healing After Surgery
Your path to healing will begin immediately after surgery, but you may wait for more months to recover fully. Initially, you may notice light bruises or swelling around the penis, but it will get better within weeks.
