Body image and sexuality in adolescents after hypospadias surgery

Abstract 

Objective

Patients operated on for hypospadias often display a range of emotional and functional postoperative problems at an early age. This study explores the social, psychosocial and sexual development of adolescent boys operated on for hypospadias at an early age.

Patients and method

Ten boys between the ages of 11 and 18 years and an age-matched reference group of 10 boys completed three mailed questionnaires: the Child Behavior Checklist/4–18, the Youth Self Report, and the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. Data on body image and genital perception, and on social, psychosocial and sexual development were gathered by interview and standardized questionnaire.

Results

Internalizing or externalizing problems were not reported to be increased. Boys operated on for hypospadias had a significantly lower score on the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, Social Acceptance subscale. Fewer boys in the clinical group considered their penis to be normal or judged their penis as similar to that of friends. No difficulties were found regarding psychosocial or sexual development; there was however a tendency towards a more negative genital appraisal.

Conclusion

Boys operated on for hypospadias appear to experience normal social, psychosocial and sexual development.

Keywords: Hypospadias, Psychosocial perception, Sexuality, Body image, Genital perception