Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help if the child cannot pass urine and is becoming distressed, has severe or continuing bleeding, or appears seriously unwell.
Hypospadias itself is not usually an emergency; these symptoms are related to blocked urine flow, bleeding, infection, or a surgical complication.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt assessment if hypospadias occurs with one or both testicles not being in the scrotum, especially when the urethral opening is near the scrotum.
This combination may require hormone and genetic evaluation.
After surgery, contact the surgical team urgently for:
Fever, increasing redness, worsening swelling, or pus
Increasing pain that is not controlled as expected
A catheter that falls out, stops draining, or appears blocked
The wound opening or darkening tissue
Persistent vomiting or inability to drink
New urine leakage from an unexpected opening
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical assessment if hypospadias is noticed in a newborn or child.
Avoid circumcision until a paediatric urologist has decided whether the foreskin might be needed for repair.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypospadias. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.