General Information About Penile Curvature
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the bending of the penis in the direction of a plaque during an erection, resulting from the hardening and calcification (plaque formation) of the connective tissue beneath the elastic sheath that encloses the spongy tissues inside the penis.
Congenital curvatures (Congenital chordee) result from asymmetrical tissue development and are painless. Acquired Peyronie's disease, however, typically occurs in men aged 40-60 when micro-traumas (injuries) during sexual intercourse heal incorrectly, leaving a scar.
In the early stage, there are hard lumps (plaques) felt under the skin when the penis is flaccid, accompanied by severe pain during an erection. In the late stage, the pain subsides, but the penis exhibits a deformity bending from 30 to 90 degrees (upwards or sideways) and shortening.
Mild curvatures (under 30 degrees) may not cause a problem. However, severe bends over 30 degrees make sexual penetration impossible or highly painful for both the patient and his partner.
No, externally applied creams or erection pills do not dissolve the calcified plaque. In the early (painful) stage, drug injections directly into the plaque and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) can halt the progression of the disease.
If the deformity is permanent and prevents intercourse, surgery is necessary. For mild bends, stitches are placed on the opposite side of the penis to straighten it (plication). In severe cases, the calcified plaque is excised, and a patch (graft) is sewn in its place. If erectile dysfunction (impotence) is also present, a penile prosthesis (implant) is inserted.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
