The curvature of the penis is a condition that can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
It is characterized by an abnormal bend in the penis that can make sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.
Congenital penile curvature is the term used when a boy is born with a severe bend in his penis. This is not the same as Peyronie’s disease, which is frequently caused by fibrous plaque damage or other kinds of penile tissue injury.
Peyronie’s disease, on the other hand, is a result of scar tissue forming on the shaft. This condition can further exacerbate sexual health problems, like erectile dysfunction and penile shortening.
If left untreated, both CPC and Peyronie’s disease can turn into a medical emergency. Consult an erectile dysfunction specialist in Jacksonville for a diagnosis and treatment plan to prevent long-term damage.
Let’s have a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for men who suffer from congenital penile curvature and Peyronie’s disease.
Causes of Congenital Penile Curvature
Men are born with congenital penile curvature, which is a condition that they acquire as infants. The incidence of congenital penile curvature is lower than that of Peyronie’s disease, with only 1 in 100 men with penile curvature symptoms having been born with the condition.
Medical professionals are still unsure as to why this condition develops, but it is likely because of the unequal growth of the erectile chambers in the penis during prenatal development. This can result in a curvature of the penis when it is erect.
Causes of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease usually develops later on in life, but in some cases, it can be noticed during puberty or early adulthood.
Unlike congenital penile curvature, Peyronie’s disease can develop from physical or psychological conditions.
Penile scarring caused by injury to the penis is the primary cause of Peyronie’s disease. Scarring mainly occurs when there’s tremendous pressure applied to the penis, such as during sex, masturbation, sports, or other accidents.
It may also go unnoticed, causing micro-injuries in the erectile tissue instead.
When the injury gets healed, the affected area develops scars, which reduces the elasticity and rigidity of the erectile tissue. This plaque surrounding the affected tissue causes the penis to curve.
This condition can develop and worsen in a variety of ways, and it’s not always noticeable. The most common causes include:
- Penile trauma (or injury to the penis)
- Aging
- Vigorous masturbation
- Sex injury
- Penile fracture
- Autoimmune diseases like connective tissue disorders
There’s no evidence that points to Peyronie’s disease being contagious or transmissible. Reconstructive treatment procedures to treat severe penile curvature are available at Prime Men’s Medical Center.
Symptoms of Congenital Penile Curvature
Cases of congenital penile curvature can range from mild to severe.
The most common signs and symptoms of congenital penile curvature are:
- Penile curvatures (horizontal or lateral)
- Penile deformity
- Pain during sex
- Erectile dysfunction (or difficulty having an erection)
- Penile shortening
- Skin tethering
- Penile torsion
Congenital penile curvature is often diagnosed during birth or early childhood. Some curvatures may not be so severe or cause many difficulties, but in some circumstances, this abnormality can make sexual activity difficult or unpleasant.
In addition, men may experience mental health problems associated with congenital penile curvature. This includes low self-esteem, depression, performance anxiety, and feeling of shame during sex.
If you experience pain or trouble maintaining an erection, contact a medical professional for assistance.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease may develop suddenly or appear gradually over time.
These symptoms are usually only noticeable when a man is experiencing an erection. However, ED can also be a symptom of underlying Peyronie’s disease. If you have trouble achieving an erection, doctors may offer treatment plans like penile pumps or shockwave therapy to treat the issue first.
If you do experience erections, however, the symptoms associated with Peyronie’s disease may be more noticeable. Here are the most prevalent symptoms of Peyronie’s disease:
- Curvature in an erect penis
- Slight curve without an erection
- Shortening or narrowing of the shaft
- Lumps on either side of the penis
- Forms of sexual dysfunction, like ED
To treat Peyronie’s disease, visit a men’s clinic for medical assistance.
Treatment for Congenital Penile Curvature
Surgical operation is considered the best way to treat congenital penile curvature. The goal of this treatment is to restore the penis’s function by making it straighter and removing pain felt during sexual intercourse.
Surgical exposure of the penis is a safe procedure that’s medically recommended by doctors.
In one study featuring men aged 17 to 31 with congenital penile curvature, 91% of patients reported a satisfactory evaluation from the operation.
The study also highlighted that this medical management plan may inadvertently cause patients to have a shorter-than-average penis, but this development wasn’t met negatively by the majority of the participants of the study.
Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease
Just like congenital penile curvature, the most preferable way to treat Peyronie’s disease is to undergo surgery.
However, there are many different treatments for Peyronie’s disease. These treatment plans can be further classified into three types:
- Mechanical therapy
- Injection therapy
- Surgery
Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy) is a type of mechanical therapy that uses a device that emits sound waves that are used to break up the scar tissue in the penis.
Patients claimed that treatment felt a reduction in pain, and medical practitioners also noted a lessening in plaque build-up following treatment.
Injection therapy is a type of treatment that uses medication to help dissolve the plaque in the penis. Some types of injections used include:
- Verapamil: also used to treat high blood pressure
- Collagenase: for men with a 30-degree penile curvature
- Interferon: reduces penile pain
Finally, surgery is another option to improve the curvature of the penis.
These procedures aim to straighten the penis by either releasing the plaque or cutting the penis opposite side to counter the curvature.
Contact Jacksonville’s Top Male Health Clinic for an Erectile Dysfunction Consultation and Treatment Plan
Both congenital penile curvature and Peyronie’s disease can lead to medical complications if left untreated.
To get a proper evaluation, contact a medical professional specializing in men’s health today.
The medical professionals at Prime Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health, including erectile dysfunction. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
