What does "male hypospadias" mean?

Generally, the condition referred to as "lower split" in boys is medically termed hypospadias, a common congenital abnormality of the male genitourinary system. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Hypospadias is primarily characterized by an abnormally positioned external urethral opening that does not occur at the tip of the glans penis, but rather at the ventral surface of the penis, scrotum, or perineum. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as ventral curvature of the penis and abnormal distribution of the foreskin.

Based on the location of the abnormal external urethral opening, hypospadias can be classified into four types: glanular, penile, penoscrotal, and perineal. Among these, the glanular type presents with milder symptoms, while the perineal type is the most severe, potentially affecting urination posture, sexual function, and fertility in adulthood. The condition may be related to genetic factors, abnormal maternal hormone levels during pregnancy, environmental factors, and others. Prenatal ultrasound examinations can assist in diagnosis, and surgical treatment during childhood is typically required after confirmation. The surgery aims to reconstruct the urethra and correct penile curvature to restore normal urinary and reproductive functions.

If left untreated, the condition may lead to psychological issues such as low self-esteem and urinary tract infections. Therefore, parents should pay attention to the development of their male child's external genitalia and seek medical attention promptly upon noticing any abnormalities.