Alternate Names : Peyronie’s disease
Definition
Curvature of the penis is an abnormal bend in the penis that occurs during erection. It is also called Peyronie’s disease.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
In Peyronie’s disease, fibrous scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis. The cause of this fibrous tissue is not known.
The condition occurs in about 388 of 100,000 men. Peyronie’s disease is relatively uncommon and affects men ages 40 – 60 and older.
Curvature of the penis has been associated with Dupuytren’s contracture. This is a cord-like thickening across the palm of one or both hands. It is a fairly common disorder in white men over age 50. However, only a very small number of people with Dupuytren’s contracture develop curvature of the penis.
Other risk factors have not been found. However, people with this condition have a certain type of immune cell marker, which indicates the condition may be inherited.
Newborns may have a curvature of the penis, which may be part of an abnormality called hypospadias (this is different from Peyronie’s disease).
Pictures & Images
Male reproductive anatomy
The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.
Male reproductive system
The male reproductive system, viewed from a sagittal section.
-
Curvature of the penis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Curvature of the penis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Curvature of the penis : Treatment
Review Date : 4/5/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
