A curved or bent penis indicates Peyronie's disease. About 1% of men seek treatment for this condition, but some experts believe it affects up to 5%.
The cause is not always clear, but it can include:
- Rough sex
- Injecting erectile dysfunction medication into the penis
- Genetics — Peyronie's disease is hereditary
Symptoms
Many men don't experience any symptoms besides the curve or bend in the penis. You may notice pain when you have an erection, or you may have difficulty getting an erection.
Diagnosis
You doctor can diagnose Peyronie's disease through a physical exam. You may be asked to bring photos of your largest erection, showing the curve from above and the side.
Your doctor may perform an ultrasound, X-ray or MRI to better view the curve and determine your treatment.
Peyronie's Disease Treatment
If an injury or injection is the cause of Peyronie's disease, the curve will sometimes improve without treatment.
Treatment options include medication and surgery. Your doctor may also recommend daily use of a penis vacuum or mechanical stretching device.
Penile reconstruction surgery is also an option. For the best results, you will need to wait until you have no pain and the curve hasn't changed in six months. Surgery usually involves pulling the penis to match the curve, removing the scar or inserting a penile prosthesis.
Content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.