Curvature of the penis

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Male reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive system

An abnormal curvature (bend) in the penis that occurs during erection is called Peyronie's disease. The condition may cause problems with penetration and pain during intercourse.

Peyronie's disease

In Peyronie's disease (curvature of the penis), fibrous tissue develops on the tunica albuginea (the lining of the erectile bodies of the penis). The cause of fibrosis is not known.

The condition occurs in about 388 of 100,000 men. The fibrous tissue causes a bend to develop during erection that 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 Dupuytren's contracture, a cord-like thickening across the palm of one or both hands causing the 4th and 5th fingers to pull in toward the palm. This is a fairly common disorder of white men over 50 years old. However, only 1 to 2% of individuals with Dupuytren's contracture develop curvature of the penis.

Other risk factors have not been identified. Also, there is an association with HLA B27 antigen cross-reactivity. A person with this condition has a particular type of immune cell marker that indicates the condition may be inherited.

Review Date: 06/13/2006
Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.