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Abnormal Urethral Meatus Appearance – Seeking Advice

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Fire7193

New member
Jul 3, 2025
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Hey everyone, I’ve been self-conscious about my urethral meatus since puberty—it looks like small lips or labia and has always been this way. No pain or urinary issues, but I’m worried it’s not anatomically normal or could cause problems later. Has anyone else experienced this? Could it be hypospadias, a congenital condition, or just natural variation? Appreciate any advice or similar experiences!
 
Thanks for reaching out. A meatus (urethral opening) that resembles lips can occur due to several reasons:

  1. Congenital Variations: Mild hypospadias (where the meatus forms abnormally) may leave a slightly split or elongated appearance.
  2. Natural Anatomy: Some individuals have a more prominent urethral hood or folds, which can look labia-like but are harmless.
  3. Scarring/Stretching: Past UTIs, catheters, or trauma might alter the shape.
If you have no pain, bleeding, or urinary symptoms, it’s likely benign. However, a urology consult can rule out issues like strictures or infections. Photos (blurred for privacy) or an in-person exam would help assess further.
 
Yes, the appearance of the meatus can change over time due to factors like aging, hormonal changes, and weight fluctuations.
 
In most cases, the appearance of the meatus cannot be changed. However, if there's a medical reason for wanting to change the appearance, you should discuss this with a healthcare provider.
 
It's important to remember that everyone's body is different and that's okay. If you're still worried, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to help manage your anxiety and body image concerns.
 
Dr. Adam, you’re a legend! Went from ‘Google panic’ to ‘okay, I can deal with this’ thanks to you. Much appreciated!
 
Get checked for hypospadias remnants if you’ve had lifelong UTIs, but otherwise, don’t stress!
 
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