Epispadias is a medical condition that affects the urinary tract. The word is spelled with the prefix "epi-" meaning "above" or "upon," and the root "spadias" meaning "slit." The "i" in "epi-" changes to "e" because of the following "s" in "spadias." The phonetic transcription of epispadias is /ˌɛpɪˈspeɪdiəs/. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a long "a" sound. Understanding the phonetic transcription helps to correctly spell and pronounce the word epispadias.
Epispadias is a medical condition characterized by a congenital malformation in males and females where the urethra is abnormally located on the upper side of the penis or in females, on the upper side of the genital area. It is a rare condition that occurs during fetal development.
In males, epispadias occurs when the urethra does not close properly during embryonic development, resulting in the opening being located near the head of the penis rather than at the tip. This condition can vary in severity, with some individuals having a slight opening and others having a complete separation of the penis from the bladder. It may also be accompanied by other abnormalities such as an abnormal curvature of the penis or undescended testicles.
In females, epispadias is characterized by an opening in the upper side of the genital area, above the clitoris. This can result in urinary incontinence as the urine may not flow in a normal direction.
Treatment for epispadias typically involves surgical correction to reposition the urethral opening to its normal location. The exact procedure depends on the severity and individual needs of the patient. In some cases, multiple surgeries may be required to fully correct the condition and improve urinary control.
While epispadias can have a significant impact on urinary and sexual function, early intervention and appropriate medical care can help individuals lead normal and healthy lives. Regular follow-up with healthcare professionals specializing in urology and ongoing management are often necessary to address any potential complications or long-term effects associated with this condition.
A malformation of the penis in which the urethra opens on the dorsum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "epispadias" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "epi" meaning "upon" or "above", and "spadon" meaning "a rent", "a tear", or "a gap". In medical terminology, "epispadias" refers to a congenital malformation where the urethral opening is located on the upper surface of the penis (in males) or in the area between the clitoris and the labia minora (in females).