Does Environmental Pollution Cause an Increase in the Cases of the Hypospadias?

The number of cases of Hypospadias has been increasing in recent years. Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital  Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Karaçay says that the most important reason for this increase is multiple environmental factors and environmental pollution.

Hypospadias, which is a congenital problem of unknown cause, needs to be treated in order for the child to maintain both reproductive and excretory functions. In children experiencing hypospadias, the urinary hole is opened to a point lower than where it should be opened. Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital  Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Karaçay underlines that these children must be treated between the first 6 months and 1 year of age.

Environmental Factors Are Effective

Although the reason behind this disease is unknown, it is assumed that many factors from genetics to the nutrition of the mother during pregnancy have an impact. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Karaçay states that multiple environmental factors have become important in recent years and underlines the fact below:

“Research studies about genetic factors are still being analyzed. However, the genetic transfer is still a debatable issue since a single gen or region has not been detected yet. Multiple environmental factors seem to be dominant in this respect. It can also be seen that hypospadias and similar developmental disorders are increasing in recent years. A research study from Italy, including data of 27 years until 2009, displayed that the frequency rate of hypospadias doubled from 2.4 per cent to 5.2. An increasing number of agricultural poisons called pesticides, a high level of soy consumption, as well as phyto-estrogens in our country and around the world encourage the development of hypospadias and other penile deformations by harming the hormonal balance during pregnancy”.

Natural Diet Should Be Given Priority During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, the process and production techniques of the food we consume today indicate that we are getting away from natural nutrition. Following a natural food diet during pregnancy, staying away from processed food and regularly taking vitamins recommended by doctors have an important impact. Besides that, it is also important to avoid taking medication without the control of a doctor.

Hypospadias Can Also Be Accompanied by the Infertility

Stating the fact that a penis seems to be circumcised or semi- circumcised might be the first sign of hypospadias, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Karaçay continues saying: “The three main indicators of a healthy penis are normal urination, cosmetics appearance as well as sufficient fertility and sexual intercourse functions. Any health problem that might harm at least one of these functions must be treated. Since men have urine tubes and channels to carry sperms, hypospadias might be accompanied by infertility as well in some cases. Therefore, children with hypospadias should be treated to correct the cosmetic, fertility and urinating processes onto the right level. While the urine tube and hole are corrected and transferred to the correct location, a deformation such as a curved or turned penis can also be treated”.

Pay Attention to the Post-Surgery Period!

Emphasizing the fact that the treatment requires team-work of the health professionals and the parents, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Karaçay explained the points to take into consideration after the surgery as following:

“The most important principle is protecting the baby or the child from infections. Additionally, other issues are avoiding a trauma and enabling urination through a catheter and being aware of hygiene. There will be no additional problems for families who take care of these easy to apply instructions.

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