Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

20.8K

Anogenital distance and penile length in infants with hypospadias or cryptorchidism: comparison with normative data

Ajay Thankamony1, Ngee Lek, Dan Carroll

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Environmental Health Perspectives
|December 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Anogenital distance (AGD) and penile length were reduced in boys with hypospadias or cryptorchidism. This supports using AGD as a biomarker for prenatal endocrine disruptor effects on male reproductive tract development.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Developmental toxicology

Background:

  • Anogenital distance (AGD) is a biomarker for fetal endocrine disruption and testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) in animals.
  • AGD in human infants with cryptorchidism and hypospadias, potential TDS manifestations, is not well-described.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare AGD in boys with cryptorchidism or hypospadias against normative data.
  • To investigate AGD as a potential biomarker for prenatal endocrine disruptor exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited boys with isolated cryptorchidism (n=71) or hypospadias (n=81) from a tertiary center.
  • Measured AGD and penile length, comparing to 487 healthy boys using age-specific standard deviation scores (SDS).

Main Results:

  • Boys with hypospadias showed significantly shorter mean AGD and penile length SDS compared to healthy boys (p < 0.0001).
  • Boys with cryptorchidism had longer AGD and penile length SDS than boys with hypospadias (p < 0.01) but shorter than healthy boys (p < 0.0001).
  • Penile length SDS decreased with increasing hypospadias severity (ptrend = 0.078).

Conclusions:

  • Reduced AGD and penile length were observed in boys with hypospadias or cryptorchidism compared to normative data.
  • Findings support AGD's utility as a quantitative biomarker for prenatal endocrine disruptor effects on male reproductive development.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Microscopic Replantation of Penile Glans Amputation Due to Circumcision07:28

Microscopic Replantation of Penile Glans Amputation Due to Circumcision

Published on: June 3, 2022

28.0K
Clinical Application of 24 G Cannula Needle and 3-0 Polypropylene Suture in Vas Deferens Exploration07:21

Clinical Application of 24 G Cannula Needle and 3-0 Polypropylene Suture in Vas Deferens Exploration

Published on: February 10, 2023

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System01:25

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle....
4.7K
Testes: Gross Anatomy01:19

Testes: Gross Anatomy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
9.7K
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
53
Penis01:29

Penis

The penis serves a dual role in sexual reproduction and urination. It consists of three main regions: the glans penis, the body, and the root, each with distinct functions and unique anatomical features.
Anatomy of the Penis
The glans penis, or the head, is the terminal part of the penis and houses the external urethral orifice, the exit point for urine and semen. Covered by the prepuce, or foreskin, the glans is noted for its sensitivity and plays a key role in sexual pleasure. The body of the...
50.8K
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus01:15

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
5.6K