Aphallia is a rare congenital condition characterized by the complete absence of the penis (in males) or phallus (penis or clitoris in general). At birth, the affected individual has no visible penis, and the urinary opening (urethral meatus) is not located in the typical position on the penis but is usually found in the perineal area-the space between the anus and the genitals
. What aphallia looks like:
- No penis is present externally; the genital area lacks the phallus entirely.
- The scrotum is typically normally developed in males, with testicles present.
- The urethral opening is often located abnormally on the perineum rather than at the tip of a penis.
- The external genitalia may appear ambiguous due to the absence of the penis.
- In some cases, labioscrotal folds may appear smooth, and a urethral orifice or urogenital sinus with a skin tag may be visible instead of a penis
Because the penis is absent, the urinary outlet is displaced, and the individual may have associated congenital anomalies, especially involving the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems
. Diagnosis is usually made at birth by physical examination of the genital area, noting the absence of the penis and abnormal urethral opening
. In summary, aphallia presents as a complete absence of the penis with a normally developed scrotum and testicles in males, and the urinary opening located abnormally in the perineal region, giving the genital area an atypical appearance without a visible phallus
