Is urethral malformation hereditary?
Disease description:
I was recently diagnosed with a urethral malformation, and I'm very worried. I'm currently experiencing some difficulty urinating, and occasionally there is pain. I'm afraid this might affect my future life. The urethral malformation troubles me a lot, and I wonder if this condition could be passed on to my children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Urethral malformations have a certain genetic predisposition, but they are not simple single-gene inherited diseases; rather, they result from the combined effects of multiple genes and environmental factors.
Urethral malformations may be transmitted through recessive genetic factors, meaning the incidence of this condition exhibits genetic and familial characteristics.
Moreover, certain specific types of urethral malformations, such as membranous urethrorectal fistula, have been proven to be associated with genetic factors and may belong to autosomal dominant inheritance. If one of the parents has membranous urethrorectal fistula, their children will have a higher risk of developing the condition than the general population.
Therefore, urethral malformations demonstrate a certain degree of genetic tendency.
However, not all urethral malformations are entirely determined by genetic factors. Other factors such as gonadal insufficiency during embryonic development, abnormal hormone levels, external environmental factors, and acquired factors such as trauma may also contribute to the occurrence of urethral malformations.
Thus, when diagnosing and treating urethral malformations, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the influence of multiple factors.
