Hypospadias is a birth defect in which the tube (the urethra) that carries urine (pee) out of the body doesn't reach the tip of the penis. Instead, the opening of the urethra (the meatus) is along the underside of the penis. The penis also might be curved. Surgery usually is needed to fix hypospadias.

• If your son's urologist recommends surgery, follow the pre-surgical instructions you were given.

• Your son seems to have pain when peeing.
• The skin around the meatus becomes red.
• You have any questions or concerns.

• Your son cannot pee.

Will my son need surgery? Surgery usually is recommended to fix hypospadias. In some mild cases, it isn't needed because the function of the penis isn't affected.

When is surgery done? Boys usually have surgery when they're between 6 months and 18 months old. But hypospadias repair can be done at any age.

What can happen if hypospadias is not fixed? Hypospadias can cause pee to spray, and boys might need to sit down to urinate. Peeing can be uncomfortable and irritate the area around the meatus. If the penis is curved, it can cause problems with erections later in life.