Penile Curvature

Penile curvature is a significant condition that can profoundly impact men's sexual health and self-confidence. It can develop due to congenital structural abnormalities or acquired conditions such as Peyronie's disease. In both cases, the penis becomes noticeably angulated or deformed during erection. This can lead to pain, difficulty during intercourse, and even erectile dysfunction, reducing quality of life. Fortunately, current and effective treatments for penile curvature are available.

Why Does Penile Curvature Occur?

There are two main types of penile curvature: Congenital penile curvature is caused by disproportionate growth in the internal structure of the penis, which usually becomes apparent during adolescence or young adulthood with erection; plaques or hard tissue formation is not observed. Peyronie's disease (Acquired penile curvature), on the other hand, is more common in middle-aged and older men and is caused by fibrotic plaques (bands of hard tissue) that form in the sheath of the penis (tunica albuginea). These plaques prevent the healthy tissues of the penis from stretching during erection, causing the curvature. While the exact cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown, it has been linked to trauma to the penis (such as microtrauma during sexual intercourse), genetic predisposition, and some autoimmune diseases.

Penile Curvature Symptoms and Diagnosis

Individuals with penile curvature may experience symptoms such as a pronounced curvature (upward, downward, or sideways) during erection, pain or discomfort, a feeling of penile shortening, difficulty or inability to engage in sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and, in Peyronie's disease, a palpable hardness or nodule on the penis. Diagnosis is made through a thorough physical examination and history. In some cases, specialized imaging tests (e.g., color Doppler ultrasound) may be necessary to determine the degree of curvature and the location of plaques during erection.

Penile Curvature Treatment Methods

Penile curvature treatment varies depending on the severity of the curvature, its type (congenital or Peyronie's disease), the symptoms, and the patient's expectations. Treatment approaches are generally divided into two categories: conservative (non-surgical) and surgical. Conservative (non-surgical) treatments are typically used in the early stages of Peyronie's disease and may include oral medications, direct injection treatments (such as collagenase) into the plaque, vacuum devices and traction treatments that can help correct the curvature by stretching the penis or prevent it from worsening, and Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), which has the potential to reduce pain and plaque size. Surgery is generally reserved for established curvatures or when conservative treatment fails. Surgery offers a permanent solution, particularly for severe curvatures that cause erectile dysfunction or make sexual intercourse impossible. Surgical techniques include plication techniques, which correct the curvature by shortening the long side of the penis; graft methods, where the plaque is removed and the resulting gap is filled with a patch; and penile prosthesis implantation, which simultaneously addresses both problems if the curvature is accompanied by erectile dysfunction. After the prosthesis is placed, the curvature is usually corrected manually.

Penile curvature is nothing to be ashamed of and can be treated. Consulting with an experienced urologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan is key to regaining a healthy sex life.