My Baby Has Hypospadias
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect has hypospadias, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Hypospadias is a condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It occurs in about 1 in 200 boys and ranges from mild to more complex. Most cases are repaired surgically between 6-18 months of age with excellent outcomes. If your baby has hypospadias, do not circumcise - the foreskin may be needed for surgical repair.
Key takeaways
- Hypospadias is a condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It occurs in about 1 in 200 boys and ranges from mild to more complex. Most cases are repaired surgically between 6-18 months of age with excellent outcomes. If your baby has hypospadias, do not circumcise - the foreskin may be needed for surgical repair.
- Usually normal when: Your baby was diagnosed with hypospadias and is being followed by a pediatric urologist
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP guidelines, hypospadias is a condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It occurs in about 1 in 200 boys and ranges from mild to more complex. Most cases are repaired surgically between 6-18 months of age with excellent outcomes. If your baby has hypospadias, do not circumcise - the foreskin may be needed for surgical repair. At 0-3 months, hypospadias is usually diagnosed at birth during the newborn exam. Your pediatrician will note the location of the urethral opening and refer you to a pediatric urologist. It's very important NOT to circumcise your baby if hypospadias is present - the foreskin tissue is often used during surgical repair. Your urologist will examine your baby and discuss the timing of surgery. It is generally considered normal when your baby was diagnosed with hypospadias and is being followed by a pediatric urologist. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating.
Normal vs. Concerning
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating
- After hypospadias repair, you notice significant bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
- The catheter becomes dislodged before it's scheduled to be removed
- Your baby has a fever after hypospadias surgery
- You notice new openings, persistent leaking, or worsening of the repair site
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Hypospadias is usually diagnosed at birth during the newborn exam. Your pediatrician will note the location of the urethral opening and refer you to a pediatric urologist. It's very important NOT to circumcise your baby if hypospadias is present - the foreskin tissue is often used during surgical repair. Your urologist will examine your baby and discuss the timing of surgery.
3-6 months
During this period, you'll likely see a pediatric urologist for evaluation and surgical planning. Mild hypospadias may not require surgery if the opening is close to the tip and your baby can urinate in a straight stream. More significant hypospadias will be repaired surgically, typically scheduled for 6-18 months of age.
6-18 months
This is the most common age for hypospadias repair. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Your surgeon will move the urethral opening to the tip of the penis and straighten any curvature. After surgery, your baby may have a catheter for a few days and will need careful wound care. Most boys heal well within a few weeks.
18 months - 3 years
If surgery was done earlier, your child will have follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and function. Occasionally, a second surgery is needed to address complications like fistula (small opening) or stricture (narrowing). If surgery hasn't been done yet, it can still be performed successfully at this age.
3 years+
Most children who have had hypospadias repair have excellent long-term outcomes. Your child should be able to urinate normally and will have normal sexual function as they grow. Follow-up with urology may continue periodically through childhood to monitor development. Any concerns about urination or healing should be discussed with your urologist.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed has hypospadias and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you've noticed the urethral opening seems to be in an unusual location.
- Mention if your baby has difficulty urinating or the stream is unusual.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby was diagnosed with hypospadias and is being followed by a pediatric urologist
- Your baby can urinate without difficulty and is gaining weight normally
- Surgery has been scheduled and you understand the pre- and post-operative care
- Your baby has recovered well from hypospadias repair and is urinating normally
- You're following up with urology as recommended
- You've noticed the urethral opening seems to be in an unusual location
- Your baby has difficulty urinating or the stream is unusual
- You have questions about surgery timing or what to expect
- Your baby had hypospadias repair and you have concerns about healing
- Your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating
- After hypospadias repair, you notice significant bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
- The catheter becomes dislodged before it's scheduled to be removed
- Your baby has a fever after hypospadias surgery
- You notice new openings, persistent leaking, or worsening of the repair site
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice has hypospadias — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby was diagnosed with hypospadias and is being followed by a pediatric urologist — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is has hypospadias normal?
When should I call the doctor about has hypospadias?
When is has hypospadias normal?
What causes has hypospadias?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has hypospadias?
Is has hypospadias normal at 0-3 months?
Is has hypospadias normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for has hypospadias?
Does has hypospadias go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has Hypospadias.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed has hypospadias and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you've noticed the urethral opening seems to be in an unusual location.
- Mention if your baby has difficulty urinating or the stream is unusual.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You've noticed the urethral opening seems to be in an unusual location
- Your baby has difficulty urinating or the stream is unusual
- You have questions about surgery timing or what to expect
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating
- After hypospadias repair, you notice significant bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
- The catheter becomes dislodged before it's scheduled to be removed
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of has hypospadias are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is having difficulty urinating or seems in pain when urinating.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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