Penile Curvature
Overview
Penile curvature is a bend in the penis during erection. It can be present from puberty (congenital) or develop later in life, most often related to Peyronie's disease (acquired).
Symptoms
Causes
Congenital curvature results from uneven development of the erectile tissue during growth, while acquired curvature is most often linked to scar tissue from Peyronie's disease.
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, often supplemented with photographs or in-office erection testing to accurately measure the degree of curvature.
Complications If Untreated
Significant curvature can make intercourse difficult or painful and cause considerable psychological distress if unaddressed.
Treatment Options
Prevention Tips
There's no way to prevent congenital curvature; protecting against penile trauma helps reduce acquired cases.
Lifestyle Advice
Seeking evaluation when curvature interferes with intercourse or causes pain leads to better outcomes than waiting.