It is not uncommon for the penis to slightly curve during an erection. But a curved penis may be a cause for concern. A bent penis that causes pain or problems during sex may be showing symptoms of Peyronie’s disease. Further, this type of penile curvature can cause a lot of discomfort.
To prevent unnecessary worries and expedite the treatment of this type of penile curvature, read up on some basic information on Peyronie’s disease.
What is Peyronie’s Disease (Penile Curvature)?
- Scar tissue growth under the skin of the penis can feel like firm lumps that cause the erect penis to bend more than just a slight curve.
- It is normal to have a mild curve in an erect penis.
- A bent penis that causes discomfort, pain, and difficulties during sex may be showing signs of Peyronie’s disease.
- Plaques can form inside the penis, stiffen the tissue surrounding the penis and cause it to bend upward, downward, to the left or right.
- Most cases of Peyronie’s disease cause the penis to bend upwards.
- Some men may experience hourglass-shaped penis while others report bent penis in different directions.
- Injury to the penis can cause damage to the tissue around the penis.
- The penile curvature can be a result of surgery, an accident, sports injury, or sexual intercourse.
- Small, micro-injuries to the penis can cause the gradual formation of scar tissue. The curve in the penis becomes more noticeable over time.
- Penile curvature treatment may be necessary if the curved penis is affecting one’s health or causing sexual difficulties.
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Curved Penis causes: Congenital Penile Curvature
In less than one percent of penile curvature cases, the bent penis is present from birth, that is a case of congenital curvature. This medical condition is relatively rare and the curved penis often will not change over time. The curve in the penis may start to become noticeable during puberty or in early adulthood.
In congenital penile curvature cases, there is no scar tissue under the skin of the penis. Treatment may not be necessary as there are often no more significant changes to the penis over time. However, in severe congenital penile curvature, treatment may be necessary. Severe penile curvature can affect self-image as well as difficulties or even pain during sex.
Curved Penis causes: Peyronie’s Disease
Let us look into the science of penile curvature cases that are non-congenital. For men who started noticing a more prominent bend when their penis is erect, we can look at the science behind it.
Now, inside the penis are three cylindrical areas. One area is the urethra–the connection between the penis and the bladder. This area in the penis takes charge of discharging semen and urine.
The other two areas in the penis handle the erection process. In these areas are the corpora cavernosa–soft erectile tissue that fills with blood. It is blood flow to the penis that causes an erection, and keeping the blood flow in these soft erectile tissues keeps the penis hard.
Surrounding these three cylinder-shaped areas is the tunica albuginea. It is a fibrous membrane made of elastin and structural collagens surrounding the tissue of the penis.
Peyronie’s disease starts with scar tissue formation in the tunica albuginea. While there should be more elastin in the tunica albuginea to maintain the flexibility of the penis, scar tissue growth does the opposite. Scar tissue is mostly collagen. Enough collagen in the tunica albuginea provides a structure for the tissue in the penis.
Scar tissue growth causes a collagen buildup that causes that targeted part of the penis to be very firm. In several cases, scar tissue becomes so hard that it is likened to the structural thickness of the bone.
Curved Penis Common Treatments
Penile curvature–whether congenital or caused by Peyronie’s disease may not require treatment unless it causes pain or affects sexual performance. Can Peyronie’s disease go away on its own without treatment? It is rare for Peyronie’s disease to treat itself. There are several options available that work with penile curvature–both nonsurgical and surgical.
Peyronie’s Disease nonsurgical treatments
There are non-invasive methods available for penile curvature management. Injections may also help break down plaque buildup to reshape the penis to become less curved. Some common nonsurgical treatments for Peyronie’s disease are:
- Vacuum erectile devices (VED) and penile traction devices – work by stretching the penis to become less bent. These penile extenders would be worn around 5-9 hours a day over a few months.
- Collagenase (Xiaflex) – the only FDA-approved Peyronie disease treatment works by injecting the enzyme collagenase into the tissue. In cases when the penis is over 30 degrees bent, this treatment may be necessary.
- Verapamil – another injectable medication that may help reduce pain and curve associated with Peyronie’s disease. This medication is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure and angina.
- Interferon-alpha 2b – is also injected into the tissue under the penis to reduce the size of plaques. This antiviral or antineoplastic medication may help minimize pain and curve of the penis.
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Peyronie’s Disease surgical treatments
Surgery may be necessary to fix severe penile curvature and curved penises that cause pain during sex or erection. Also, if there is a lack of response to non-surgical methods over 12 months, the next step would be surgery. Where physical therapy fails to cause improvements in a bent penis, your health practitioner may advise you to undergo surgical procedures like:
- Plication – this surgical technique involves making stitches on the longer side of the penis to pull it towards the middle. However, this technique may not be effective in hourglass-shaped penile curvature and indentations.
- Grafting – a surgery requiring general or epidural anesthesia, carries with it the risk of impotence and nerve injury. The technique involves making an incision on the short side of the penis. Then, a vein or intestine will be grafted to match the longer side.
- Penile Prosthesis – has a risk of a higher infection rate. This technique involves placing a prosthesis to help straighten the penis. It may help resolve erection issues.
Wrap Up
A curved penis or bent penis when erect may cause discomfort, pain, and sexual performance issues. When this happens, there are surgical and nonsurgical treatments available. A bent penis is not always caused by scar tissue or plaque buildup under the skin of the penis. Yet, chronic penile curvature is a rare case.
