Ask the Doctor

From William:-
Hello Doc! Quick question. I have two conditions to talk about. The first is I had hypospadias, secondly, I have a urethra that is not as wide as it should be, in which I will have to use some kind of catheder on myself to widen, in order to prevent complications while urinating like pain, discomfort, or a weak stream when I am 50+. Not to mention bladder failure potentially. (sorry I don’t remember the technical name for this.) Would this disqualify me for a vasectomy? Or could a Vasectomy potentially have long term ramificaitons because of my conditons? I am 23, but I have made up my mind, and want this procedure so I don’t bring unwanted babies in the world. I don’t believe in abortion, so this is my best option, and I believe I will stick with this decision to the grave.

Hypospadias is a congenital abnormality of the urethra. It results in malformations of the urethra with incomplete tubularization in utero. Consequently, the meatus (tip of the penis) is found in a more proximal location and varies between patients. Some men with this condition can have a mild form of this disease and the meatus is only minimally displaced from its normal location. Other men can have a more severe case where the meatus can be found in the perineum (between their legs). In the most severe cases hypospadias can be associated with undescended testicles which can complicate a vasectomy. However, this represents only a small minority of patients with hypospadias. Evaluation of the scrotal anatomy is important prior to consideration for a vasectomy in any situation. Most men with hyposapdias can have an uneventful vasectomy. Moreover, vasectomy is NOT contraindicated in a man with hypospadias.