What is Hypospadias?

Hypospadias is a birth defect in boys in which the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis. In boys with hypospadias, the urethra forms abnormally during weeks 8–14 of pregnancy. The abnormal opening can form anywhere from just below the end of the penis to the scrotum. There are different degrees of hypospadias; some can be minor and some more severe.

Content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information and references about hypospadias, please visit Facts about Hypospadias | CDC ​.

Rates of Hypospadias**: 2018–2020​

Overall​

By Age

​By Race and Ethnicity

*Per 10,000 live births

**Hypospadias includes male or unknown gender in the numerator and male live births in the denominator.​

Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2018–​2020, California 10-County Catchment Area (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare)

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