Hypospadias, a congenital condition affecting male infants, is a common birth defect that can be successfully corrected with surgery, medical experts have said.

The condition, in which the urinary opening (urethra) is located below the tip of the penis, was recently diagnosed in a newborn boy in Gurugram. The child’s parents were alerted by doctors shortly after birth and referred to a pediatric surgeon, who confirmed the diagnosis following a thorough physical examination.

According to the Hypospadias Foundation, around 1 lakh boys are born with this condition in India annually. The estimate is based on the male birth rate recorded in the 2011 Census and the globally accepted incidence rate of 1 in 150 male births.

Medical specialists emphasize that hypospadias is treatable through surgical intervention, usually performed between six to eighteen months of age. The surgery helps in reconstructing the urethra and restoring normal urinary function. Experts advise early diagnosis and timely treatment to avoid complications in adulthood.

While the exact cause of hypospadias is still being studied, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Awareness about the condition and early medical consultation can ensure affected children receive appropriate care and lead a normal life.