These are congenital anomalies of the male and female genital organs. In males, these anomalies may affect the external genitalia (scrotum, testicles, epididymis, penis) or the internal genitalia (prostate, seminal ducts, and seminal vesicles). In women, abnormal fusion of embryonic structures results in various uterine and vaginal malformations. Anomalies of the genital tract and the urinary system are often associated, as the embryogenesis of these two systems is closely linked.

Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a malformation of the penis characterized by an abnormal opening of the urethral meatus on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip of the glans. Hypospadias is often associated with a narrowing of the urethral opening and a curvature of the penis, to varying degrees. Several anatomical and clinical forms of hypospadias can be distinguished based on the location of the urethral opening on the penis. The closer the opening is to the base of the penis, the more severe the condition.

Source: French Registries of Congenital Anomalies, INSEE for births in 2011–2015

Hypospadias is a condition that is sometimes difficult to diagnose with certainty at birth, particularly in mild cases. Caution is therefore required when interpreting the observed differences, which may be related to variations in data collection methods or timing across registries. However, the possibility of genuine regional differences in the prevalence of this condition cannot be ruled out.