Congenital Penile Curvature
Congenital penile curvature (chordee) is a condition a boy is born with and is only apparent when the baby's penis is erect. Unlike Peyronie's disease which also involves curvature of the penis, the condition isn't caused by scar tissue. It may not need to be treated unless it interferes with intercourse or causes other problems.
What is congenital penile curvature?
Congenital penile curvature, also known as “chordee,” is a condition that’s present at a boy’s birth. Parents may notice curvature early in their baby’s life during diapering and dressing. Some boys don’t discover the problem until after they have gone through puberty and noticed the curvature themselves. The curvature is usually noticed only with erections.
Is a curved penis normal?
Some degree of curving can be seen in a normal penis. In many cases, the penis can curve slightly to the left or right when it is erect. A curved penis becomes a problem when it causes pain and/or prevents a man from having intercourse.
How is congenital penile curvature different from Peyronie’s disease?
Congenital penile curvature doesn't involve scar tissue in the elastic coverings of the erectile chambers, as is the case with Peyronie’s disease. Congenital penile curvature usually involves a downward curve or lateral curve or a combination of both. Over time, the condition of congenital penile curvature won't change.
Symptoms & Causes
What causes congenital penile curvature?
The cause of congenital penile curvature is not known, but thought to be related to unequal growth of the erectile chambers on two opposite sites.
Management & Treatment
How is congenital penile curvature treated?
Treatment is not needed unless a man finds that the condition interferes with his life or prevents him from having satisfactory sexual intercourse. In such cases, surgery is typically indicated to correct the curvature.
Treatment involves assessing the penis in erect position to know the angle and direction of curvature. Plication stitches are taken on the side opposite to that of the curvature to correct the curvature. Generally the length of the penis is good and hence plication only suffices.
After the procedure
Patient applies a crepe bandage (compression) around the penis at night for 4-6 weeks after the surgery so that the stitches become tough and do not break.
Patient might have slight swelling after the procedure, which resolves in 2 weeks
Patient can resume normal activities after 5 days
He can have sexual intercourse after 2 months.
Very important to note that a 10-15 degree residual curvature might remain, as the aim of the surgery is to achieve an erect penis which is capable of intercourse.