Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis or scrotum. The correct spelling of this condition is hypospadia with one "s." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is [haɪpoʊspeɪdiə]. The "hy-" prefix indicates "under," while "-spadias" comes from the Greek word "spadias," meaning "sword." The spelling with one "s" is important to accurately communicate the condition and avoid confusion with a similarly named anatomical feature, the scapula (shoulder blade).
Hypospadias is a congenital condition that affects male infants, characterized by an abnormality in the positioning of the opening of the urethra, which is the tube through which urine is eliminated from the body. In hypospadias, the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis, instead of being at the tip. This condition can range in severity, with the opening being closer to the tip of the penis in milder cases, and further down the shaft, close to the scrotum, in more severe cases.
Hypospadias occurs during fetal development when the urethral tube fails to close properly. The exact cause of this condition is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is often detected at birth as the abnormality is visually apparent.
The treatment for hypospadias usually involves surgical correction, which aims to reposition the urethral opening to the tip of the penis. This procedure is typically performed at a later stage, once the child has reached a certain age, usually between 6 months and 3 years, to allow for further development and growth of the genital tissues. The surgery may also involve straightening the penis and reconstructing the foreskin, if necessary.
If left untreated, hypospadias can lead to potential problems with urination, sexual function, and aesthetics. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing this condition and ensuring the normal development of the male genitalia.
Hypospadias.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hypospadias" comes from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under" or "beneath", and "spadias" meaning "a tear" or "a split". Therefore, the term hypospadias directly translates to "a split beneath". The term is used in medicine to refer to a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of being at the tip.