Curved penis

Curved penis is an abnormality of the penile shape that appears only with erected penis. We consider minor curvature as normal. However, there is no curvature that is considered “too much”. We consider a significant curved penis when the curvature itself may have a negative impact on sexual activity.

Some men have had penile curvature since born (congenital curvature). When the curvature develops at some time in life usually in adult sexually active people we call it acquired penile curvature.

The treatment differs according to the causes of penile curvature. It is mostly surgery when the curvature negatively impacts sexual activity.

Causes of Curved Penis

• Congenital causes: a disproportion between the length of the sides of the penile shaft causes the curvature. The side asymmetry results from congenital malformation where the development of the penile shaft was not uniform. Therefore, one side may result in a shorter than the opposite. This discrepancy causes the curvature because of the different expansions of the asymmetric penile shaft.
• Acquired causes in the adult age: the common cause is the chronic inflammation of the internal sheath portions. The inflammation results in scarring and elastic fibers destruction. This area will not expand during the erection and makes the penis bent and deformed at that point (curved penis and hourglass penile deformity). This pathologic mechanism occurs in:
  
  • Peyronie’s disease;
  • Injury to the penis and scarring;
  • Autoimmune disorders.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the curvature grade and its impact on the patient’s sexual life. Penis curvature usually requires surgery.