Ollivier M, et al. - Researchers ascertained the frequency of hypospadias in families of hypospadiac boys and determined whether these familial forms exhibit a particular phenotype. They also assessed the prevalence of genetic defects of the main candidate genes. Familial forms of hypospadias were far more frequent than previously reported. A full clinical investigation of the family history was justified by even minor and isolated hypospadias. To find out the underlying genetic defects and to improve the follow-up and counselling of these patients, help could be provided by detecting these hereditary forms.