Hypospadias is a condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. This condition can be present at birth, or it can happen later in life. It may cause complications with urination and sexual relations if not treated. A female perspective on this condition is important for understanding how it impacts women differently than it does men.
For instance, many girls who have this condition may not even know about it until they start going through puberty and their bodies change in ways that are different than what is expected from most girls. As a result, many girls who have this condition may feel embarrassed or ashamed about themselves, which can have an impact on their self-esteem and mental health. Here are some ways to understand more about hypospadias from a female perspective as well as tips for how you can help your daughter or sister cope with this condition.
The Female Perspective on Hypospadias
A female perspective on hypospadias is important for understanding the condition from a different angle. When girls have hypospadias, they may feel embarrassed or ashamed of themselves and it can affect their self-esteem and mental health. This is why it’s so important to understand this condition from a woman’s point of view. With that being said, here are some ways to understand more about hypospadias from a female perspective:
- When girls start going through puberty, they may not know about this condition because their body changes in ways that are different than what most girls experience.
- Girls who have this condition may feel embarrassed or ashamed about themselves which can have an impact on their self-esteem and mental health.
- There are many cases where the physical appearance of this disorder may go unnoticed until the urinary tract begins to create problems – like when a girl starts menstruating or urinating outside the vagina.
- If you notice any signs of physical discomfort when your daughter or sister has her bladder emptied, take her to see a doctor immediately as this could be a sign of an underlying problem with the urethra.
Embarrassed or Ashamed
The first thing that many girls with hypospadias may be embarrassed or ashamed about is their genitals. For a girl, the opening of her vagina is on the outside, which can be a different experience for her than for other girls. Girls who have this condition will probably want to experiment with how to use tampons and pads differently than most girls do.
Another way that girls can feel embarrassed or ashamed about themselves is if they have pain during urination or sexual relations. With this condition, it’s possible for females to experience pain during urination because their urethra is too short. It can also make sexual intercourse painful because there are sharp angles in the male body that cannot be avoided internally in females with hypospadias.
Finally, some females may feel embarrassed or ashamed about themselves if they find out that they have this condition at puberty, and they’ve never been told before by their parents, doctors, or teachers. If a girl finds out she has this condition when she’s going through puberty and all of her friends don’t know anything about it either, it would seem like she’s the only one who has ever had this issue before. It could lead her to believe that something was wrong with her body even though there really is nothing wrong at all!
Mental Health
One of the more severe consequences for a woman with hypospadias is psychological. Women with this condition often have to face stigma, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame. In some cases, it can even lead to depression and anxiety.
There are ways you can help your daughter or sister cope with these feelings:
- Offer emotional support when your daughter feels insecure about her body and the way she looks
- Encourage your daughter’s creativity, as it can be a great outlet for building self-confidence and self-esteem
- Consider talking to a therapist or psychologist if your daughter is struggling emotionally
Treatment Options
There are a few treatment options available for people with hypospadias. A urologist, or doctor who specializes in the urinary system and male reproductive organs, may recommend surgery, which will entail making an incision at the base of the penis to create a normal opening. But before surgery is recommended, most people with hypospadias should speak with a urologist to explore their treatment options and understand when they should consider surgery.
Conclusion
Hypospadias can have many different effects on a woman, both physically and mentally. In this article, we’ve discussed some of the mental effects of hypospadias, but it’s important to note that not all women will have the same experience. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider to find the right treatment option for you.