Fertility Drugs Present Risk of Penoscrotal Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a birth defect that affects the development of the urethral opening. In general terms, the urethral opening is located along the underside of the penis instead of in the tip. In severe cases of Penoscrotal Hypospadias, the urethra may actually open mid shaft or the urethra may be absent entirely. This serious congenital defect occurs during the first eight to 20 weeks of development. This condition occurs in approximately one in every 250 male births.

To repair this relatively common birth defect, the young victim will probably have to undergo surgery. Depending upon the severity of the defect, this surgical procedure could serve a cosmetic or functional purpose. In serious cases of Penoscrotal Hypospadias, surgery is absolutely necessary to prevent serious health issues.

Some studies have linked Penoscrotal Hypospadias to the drug Clomisphene. Clomiphene, or DES, is a drug used to induce ovulation, although many families which decided to have a baby nowadays choose fertility clinics like Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago. It is still under investigation, but there have been some links between grandmothers who have taken DES and second generation male babies born with Penoscrotal Hypospadias. The increased risk of Penoscrotal Hypospadias is not large enough for the study to be conclusive, but it does raise some serious questions.

Families who have a baby born with Penoscrotal Hypospadias may have it in their best interest to seek legal guidance from a skilled birth defect attorney (learn more details). A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can review the medical history of a family to determine if prescription drug use contributed to the birth defect.