Hypospadias

Hypospadias is usually easy to diagnose because the meatus isn’t at the tip of the penis. Often, the foreskin doesn’t fully form or cover the underside of the penis as it normally should. Sometimes, the abnormal foreskin looks like a “hood” on the back of the penis. The penis may have a downward curve or bend. In more severe forms, the penis may be very small or short, and the scrotum may look like it’s separated into two halves.

Healthcare providers usually diagnose hypospadias shortly after birth. Checking for hypospadias is part of the routine newborn physical examination that a pediatrician performs. Sometimes, providers don’t catch hypospadias until they circumcise the baby. If your healthcare provider diagnoses hypospadias, they won’t continue the circumcision.

What type of doctor treats hypospadias?

If a pediatrician detects hypospadias, they’ll refer you to a pediatric urologist. A pediatric urologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the urinary and reproductive systems in children.