Hypospadias is diagnosed through physical examination and detailed tests. At Liv Hospital, pediatric evaluation ensures accurate and early care.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Hypospadias Diagnosis and Tests
Neonatal Physical Examination
In the vast majority of cases, hypospadias is diagnosed immediately after birth during the initial newborn physical examination. Pediatricians and neonatologists at Liv Hospital are specifically trained to inspect the genitalia of every male infant for anatomical symmetry. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, meaning it is based on visual observation and physical touch. The doctor looks for three key signs: the location of the urethral opening, the presence of a hooded foreskin, and the degree of penile curvature. This early identification is crucial, as it allows the medical team to advise parents against early circumcision, which could remove skin necessary for future surgical repair.
Grading the Severity
Once hypospadias is identified, the specialist grades the severity based on the location of the meatus (the urethral opening). At Liv Hospital, we use a standardized classification system:
Assessment of Chordee (Curvature)
A critical part of the diagnostic process is determining the degree of chordee. While some curvature is obvious during a resting state, the full extent is often evaluated by gently palpating the ventral (underside) tissue of the penis. In infants, the surgeon may simulate an erection in a controlled clinical environment to see how the penis behaves when the tissue expands. Identifying chordee early ensures that the surgical plan includes steps to release fibrous bands and straighten the shaft, which is vital for normal function in adulthood.
Screening for Undescended Testes
During the physical exam, the specialist will also verify that both testicles have descended into the scrotum. There is a documented association between hypospadias and cryptorchidism (undescended testes). If one or both testes are not palpable, it increases the likelihood that the hypospadias is part of a broader hormonal or genetic syndrome. At Liv Hospital, we prioritize this screening because the presence of undescended testes in a patient with proximal hypospadias often triggers a more extensive diagnostic workup.
Genetic Testing and Karyotyping
For infants with severe (proximal) hypospadias, especially when accompanied by undescended testes, genetic testing may be recommended. This is done to rule out Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). A karyotype test analyzes the child’s chromosomes (usually confirming the $46,XY$ male pattern) to ensure there are no chromosomal variations. At Liv Hospital, we offer advanced genomic screening to provide parents with a complete understanding of their child’s biological makeup, ensuring that the diagnosis is accurate and that any associated risks are managed.
Endocrine Evaluation
Since the development of the urethra is driven by male hormones, a pediatric endocrinologist may be consulted for complex cases. Blood tests may be performed to measure levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone ($DHT$), and other related hormones. This helps determine if the hypospadias was caused by a temporary hormonal fluctuation in the womb or an ongoing deficiency that might affect the child’s future growth. At Liv Hospital, this multidisciplinary approach ensures that we are treating the root cause of the condition, not just the anatomical variation.
Renal and Pelvic Ultrasonography
While most children with hypospadias have a perfectly normal internal urinary system, imaging may be used in specific circumstances. If the hypospadias is part of a suspected syndrome or if there are other visible birth defects, an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is performed. This non-invasive test ensures that the upper urinary tract is functioning correctly and that there are no internal structural abnormalities. Our high-resolution ultrasound equipment at Liv Hospital allows for detailed visualization even in the smallest newborns.
Specialized Urological Imaging (VCUG)
In rare cases where the child has frequent urinary tract infections or difficulty voiding, a Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) may be requested. This involves using a contrast dye to visualize the bladder and urethra on an X-ray while the child urinates. This test is not routine for hypospadias but is used to rule out “posterior urethral valves” or other internal obstructions that might be complicating the external anatomical issue. At Liv Hospital, we use pediatric-specific protocols to ensure these tests are performed with minimal discomfort and radiation exposure.
Creating a Personalized Care Roadmap
The culmination of the diagnostic phase is the creation of a personalized care roadmap. We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to hypospadias. Based on the grade, the presence of chordee, and the results of any genetic or hormonal tests, our specialists design a surgical plan tailored specifically to your child. At Liv Hospital, we involve parents in every decision, providing the clinical data and emotional support needed to move forward with confidence toward the surgical repair.
Expertise at Liv Hospital
At Liv Hospital, we believe that a precise diagnosis is the first step toward a successful surgical outcome. Our Pediatric Urology Department works in close coordination with neonatologists, geneticists, and endocrinologists to provide a 360-degree evaluation of your child. We understand that parents have many questions, and we take the time to explain every finding using clear language and high-quality educational resources. Our facility is a world-class center for pediatric care, offering the most advanced diagnostic tools available in 2026.
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Orhan Tanrıverdi
Urology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Tahir Karadeniz
Urology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Uğur Boylu
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Assoc. Prof. MD. Eymen Gazel
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Op. MD. Kenan Yiğit Yıldız
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Op. MD. Miraç Turan
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Selçuk Şahin
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Volkan Tuğcu
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Yusuf Oğuz Acar
Urology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Spec. MD. Anar Mammadov
Urology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Fırat Akdeniz
Urology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Ayhan Karaköse
Urology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Mustafa Kaplan
Urology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Op. MD. Birgi Ercili
Urology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Prof. MD. Kadir Önem
Urology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Spec. MD. Timuçin Çakır
Urology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Asst. Prof. MD. Ahmet Yıldız
Urology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Ziya Akbulut
Urology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Çağrı Güneri
Urology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Op. MD. Kazım Doğan
Urology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Prof. MD. Faruk Küçükdurmaz
Urology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Op. MD. Çağlar Yıldırım
Urology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Op. Md. İdris Kıvanç Cavıldak
Urology
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
BlogHypospadiasOct 31, 2025Dealing with meatal stenosis can be tough. Meatotomy or meatoplasty is a surgery to widen and fix the meatu...
BlogHypospadiasOct 31, 2025Urology surgery includes many procedures, like prostate cancer surgery and surgical correction for hypospad...
Get instant answers from our medical team. No forms, no waiting — just tap below to start chatting now.
Start Chat on WhatsApp or call us at +90 530 174 28 17