Curvature of the penis

Alternative names:

Peyronie's disease

Definition:

A bend in the penis that occurs during erection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The vascular pathway that runs the length of the penis (corpora cavernosa) normally fills with blood during an erection. In Peyronie's disease (curvature of the penis) fibrous tissue develops within and obstructs the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Why this occurs is not known. The obstruction causes a bend to develop during erection which is painful and can make intercourse difficult or impossible. The condition is relatively uncommon and affects men between 40 and 60 years and older. An association has been noted with a fairly common disorder of white men over 50 years old, Dupuytren's contracture (a cord-like thickening across the palm of one or both palms causing the 4th and 5th fingers to pull in toward the palm). However, only 1 to 2% of individuals with Dupuytren's contracture develop curvature of the penis. Other risk factors have not been identified.