Introduction Embryological malformations of the urethra (urethral groove) may involve the urethral folds or genital tubercle Two main types epispadias urethra opens on dorsal surface of penis urine goes ↑ defect in the genital tubercle hypospadias urethra opens on ventral surface of penis urine goes ↓ defect in closure of urethral folds secondary to abnormal androgen production associated with a ventral curvature of the penis (chordee) risk factors monozygotic twins potential association with in-vitro fertilization (IVF)