Penile curvature or simply having a slight curve in penile is normal. But if the condition is severe and your erect penis’s alignment is upward, downward, or sideward, that may hinder the sexual performance and raise concern. This physical condition is known as Peyronie’s disease.
The natural curve is normal and varies depending on penis size. However, Peyronie’s disease is a condition that requires treatment under the guidance of qualified medical professionals.
This article will help you understand penile curvature, and we will also explore some of the most common causes of penile curvature. Not only that, but we will also understand the difference between development and acquired curvature.
Common Causes of Penile Curvature
There are several reasons why a penis develops a curve in men. Here, we have highlighted the causes of penile curvature that can help you figure out what might be happening and when you should consult a doctor to treat penile curvature.
Injury & Trauma
Physical injuries caused by road accidents, intense sports or outdoor plays, or even vigorous sexual activity can cause inflammation, and over time, this scar tissue (plaques) starts causing the shaft to bend towards the tighter side. This may result in painful sex and make it uncomfortable to get intimate in bed.
Genetics
Genetics also plays a crucial role in developing a bent in the penis. Sometimes, you are just born with a higher chance of developing a curved penis. This trait may be inherited, just like genetic height, eye color, and other hereditary characteristics.
In addition, some men are born with tissues that are naturally more likely to form scar tissue or have problems with the bent penis.
Age-related changes
Penile curvature in men is common and can be found in the age group of 45 to 70. Generally, men above 40 are more prone to developing curvature due to low tissue resilience and inefficient healing.
After the age of 40, the body produces less flexible collagen and more rigid fibrous tissue. Not only that, but blood vessel changes can also affect the penis’s alignment during erection.
Peyronie’s disease
This is probably the most well-known medical condition that causes a bent in penis. Usually, hard patches or plaques form inside the penis, and those parts that fill with blood during an erection.
These diseases happen in two stages. The first stage, known as the acute phase, typically lasts 12 to 18 months. At this time, the curve may worsen.
The second stage is referred to as the chronic phase, where the pain usually subsides, but the curve remains the same for a longer period.
According to an NIH study, about 3 to 9% of men have Peyronie’s disease worldwide, and the numbers are similar here in South Africa as well.
Is Curvature Always Peyronie’s Disease?
Not every case of penile curvature indicates Peyronie’s disease. Many men naturally possess slight curves without any underlying health concerns or physical injuries.
The key difference here is the presence of palpable plaques or lumps within the penis shaft that directly relate to pain during erection, and if left untreated, then it can worsen the condition.
Peyronie’s disease in men typically develops in adulthood and involves changes in the penis’s appearance.
Developmental vs Acquired Curvature
Penile curvature can be divided into two main categories: developmental and acquired curvature. Congenital curve refers to a curve that presents from birth, whereas an acquired curve is a condition that develops later in life.
Acquired curvature develops after normal penile development, but it can be a result of diseases, trauma, injury, or even aging processes. Men with acquired penile curvature often remember their penis having a different shape and curve previously, while those with congenital curvature cannot recall their penis ever being straight.
Here, both cases can be treated with different approaches. The developmental or developmental bent in the penis might require surgical correction if the condition is severe and the patient feels pain while erect. However, on the other hand, acquired curvature may respond to medical treatments.
When to Be Concerned
Many times, men ignore the slight pain and curve in their penis and which can also be considered a normal scenario, but if the pain persists and interferes with sexual intercourse and causes pain during erection, then it’s time to seek medical help.
Once the situation slips out of hand, it becomes hard to reverse penile curvature. Additionally, the further development of hard lumps or plaques within the penis and difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection leads to emotional distress and may cause harm at both physical and emotional levels.
It is ideal to understand the cause of penile curvature in men and consult a urologist as early as possible. With better treatment and qualified healthcare providers, patients can effectively manage and overcome this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Safe sexual practices and protective play can help prevent penile curvature. However, genetic and age-related concerns cannot be prevented. Yet, maintaining overall cardiovascular health supports proper penile blood flow and tissue health.
It depends on the cause. If you were born with a curved penis, it will probably stay. But if it’s related to Peyronie’s disease that developed later in life, then it might get worse for a year or so, which is why it’s important to get medical consultation and treatment as early as possible.
As discussed above, a slight curve usually won’t affect the sexual performance, and it’s completely normal. Additionally, the curve itself doesn’t mess with the sperm, but if you are experiencing intense pain and discomfort, then it may stop you from having sex properly, which ultimately makes it harder to conceive.
