Penis curvature is a normal condition that occurs during erection and generally does not require special treatment. However, if the curvature of the penis is accompanied by other symptoms or even affects the shape of the penis, this could be a sign of a serious illness.
Penis curvature in men is one of the normal anatomical variations of the penis. This condition of the penis generally does not require special treatment if the bend is not too significant, does not cause pain in the penis, has difficulty having sex, or even has problems with ejaculation.
Even though it's normal, you still have to be aware of the condition of a crooked penis, because it can be caused by certain medical conditions.
Causes of a crooked penis
Inside the penis there is a spongy tissue that is drained by blood and can expand when a man has an erection or is sexually aroused. In general, penile curvature occurs when the tissue does not expand evenly due to variations in the normal anatomy of the penis.
However, in some cases, a curvature of the penis requires medical treatment if it is caused by the following conditions:
- Peyronie's disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Injury to the penis
- Disorders of the penis that are influenced by heredity
Penis curvature can also occur in infants who have hypospadias or abnormalities in the urinary tract or urethra.
Beware of a crooked penis due to Peyronie's disease
It was previously mentioned that one of the causes of a crooked penis is Peyronie's disease. However, the main cause of this disease is not known with certainty. This condition is thought to occur due to repeated injury to the penis. In addition, this disease can also run in families.
However, Peyronie's disease is not caused by a sexually transmitted disease or cancer. This disease can be experienced by men regardless of age, but is most common in men over the age of 40.
Men who have had surgery or radiation for prostate cancer also have a higher risk of developing Peyronie's disease.
In addition to a crooked penis during erection, other signs or symptoms of Peyronie's disease include:
- Pain in the penis when erect
- There is a thickening or lump on the shaft of the penis
- There is a change in the shape of the penis
- Changes in penis length and diameter
In severe cases, a crooked penis can cause the sufferer to be unable to have sex because of the intense pain that arises. Furthermore, Peyronie's disease is also at risk of causing erectile dysfunction.
Peyronie's disease can usually be detected from a medical history, physical examination, and ultrasound of the penis, if needed.
After the diagnosis is confirmed and the penile curvature is more than 30 degrees, the doctor will provide treatment through the administration of oral drugs, topical or injection drugs to the penis, and radiation therapy.
In very severe cases, the curvature of the penis in Peyronie's disease must be treated with surgical removal of part of the penis area or implantation of a device to straighten the penis.
Another surgical method for treating Peyronie's disease is shockwave lithotripsy. However, any surgical procedure on the penis area can cause side effects in the form of impotence.
The surgical procedure is generally performed approximately 1 year after diagnosis. This is because a crooked penis usually gets better on its own without special treatment. To prevent complications, consult a doctor if you experience a crooked penis and feel pain during an erection.