Is your penis curved? Does it curve to the left, right, upward, or downward? You have a curved penis and you or your partner want to know why?
Often caused by the way penile tissues develop during puberty, it is normal for the penis to have a slight curvature or deviation for a subset of the male population. But is this phenomenon concerning? Or is it just a normal part of male anatomy?
In most cases, having a slight curvature of the penis is generally considered normal. The majority of these men lead a healthy and fulfilling sex life. In other words, you don’t have to worry about the curve of your penis as long as it doesn’t cause pain or discomfort.
However, if you notice an increase in curvature, or if your curved penis interferes with your sexual activity or causes pain, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In some cases, penile curvature can be caused by several factors, such as congenital malformation, physical trauma, or Peyronie’s disease.
What is Peyronie’s disease?
More common in men over 50 years old, Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition that can cause a painful and often significant curvature of the penis. In severe cases, it can also make your penis shorter or thinner. This disease can impact the ability to have sexual intercourse: erections can be painful, and sexual relations can be difficult or unpleasant for men and/or their partners. For many men, Peyronie’s disease also causes stress and anxiety.
This disease typically progresses in two phases. First, there is the active or acute phase during which the curvature appears and may worsen. This phase lasts between several weeks/ months to a 1 year and is sometimes accompanied by pain at rest and/or during erection. Then comes the stability phase during which the curvature is fixed and no longer evolves. The pain eventually disappears, in most cases.
How is Peyronie’s disease diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your penis for any lumps or sensitivity in the curvature. A photo of the curved penis during an erection may be helpful to assess the degree and direction of the curvature. Your doctor might also prescribe an ultrasound or other tests to examine your penis when it is erect.
What types of treatments?
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, correct the deformation of the penis while preserving its length, and maintain the ability to achieve and sustain a sufficient erection for satisfying sexual relations.
If you require treatment, your urologist may recommend non-surgical treatments or surgery depending on the severity of your symptoms, the curvature of your penis, and whether your Peyronie’s disease is in an acute or chronic phase.
It will be important to have an open discussion with your doctor about the effectiveness of treatment and potential side effects.
How to prevent Peyronie’s disease?
Since the precise causes of Peyronie’s disease are not yet fully understood, it is challenging to develop an effective prevention strategy. Nevertheless, at the first signs, especially when pain is experienced, it is important to consult a doctor who can prescribe a treatment to quickly relieve the symptoms.
In summary, if your penis has a significant curvature, seek medical advice!
Ignoring penis curvature problems is important, as it can impact your sexual health and quality of life. A doctor can perform a physical examination and inquire about your medical and sexual history to determine the cause of the curvature. Tests may also be recommended to assess the severity of your condition. Based on the results, the doctor can advise on an appropriate treatment, which will vary depending on the underlying cause and severity.
Consulting a doctor is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
References
2018 Canadian Urological Association guideline for Peyronie’s disease and congenital penile curvature
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Curvature of the penis
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Penile Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease)
Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures and webinars, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved in advancing the cause.
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. You can chat with us or contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, as well as those of your family or loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
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