What’s epispadias vs. hypospadias?

What’s epispadias vs. hypospadias?

Both epispadias and hypospadias are birth defects involving the urethra. Both describe the position of the urethral opening. Epi- means above, and hypo- means below.

Hypospadias primarily affects boys. In hypospadias, the urethra doesn’t fully develop and reach the penis tip. The urethra opening ends up in a different position along the bottom of the penis.

In epispadias, the tube also doesn’t form correctly. The opening is on the top of the penis. Epispadias is more common in boys but can also affect girls.