Hi Doctor Dan. I have an embarrassing problem. My penis has this hole in it on the underside of the shaft, about 15cm back from the head. I've always had it, and i've always put up with the fact that it sprays urine everywhere when I pee, so I have to sit down to piss most of the time. In addition, my cock is only 5 inches erect, and has a slight bend to it. What the fuck is wrong with me? Can I get it fixed?

John, 19 Male

Hello John! What you have is a common genetic defect of the penis known as Hypospadias. It is caused by some kind of genetic abnormality during foetal development (when you were in the womb), and the result is that the urethra, or piss tube, opens on the underside of the penis rather than the tip. It comes in varying degrees of severity and is classed as such, with the most severe case being the urethral opening out right at the base of the penis. The opening can occur at any point along the shaft, and in minor cases the urethra has two openings, one at the tip as usual, and another about 5cm below the head.

As well as the abnormal pisshole location, those suffering Hypospadias will also have shorter penises than average, and they usually have some degree of bend to them too. Serious cases of Hypospadias must be treated at birth or very young age, while more minor cases are treated at the discretion of the parents, as they do not pose any major health risk. Surgery to rectify Hypospadian penises later in life has varying degrees of success, and in some cases has been a complete failure with disastrous results.

I'm pretty disgusted that at age 19 you have never had an explanation as to why your penis is different. Your parents would have known very early, if not from birth, about your defect and I find it unnaceptable that they never explained it to you. As it is you are at a considerable social disadvantage in that you need to sit down to pee, not to mention the embarrasment you might suffer when in a sexual relationship (although Hypospadias in a minor form, like yours, should not affect either your sexual function or fertility).

I urge you to visit a male health counsellor whi can examine and assess your Hypospadias and offer advice on surgery options. Be aware though, that at your age surgery to the penis may be more detrimental than good, and it may well be better if you simply accept your anatomy as it is. But please talk to a male health counsellor first.

Doctor Dan