It’s a sensitive topic, but a bent penis affects many men. It can be a source of anxiety, and a lot of unanswered questions. You are not alone, as Peyronie’s disease, is more common than most think.
This is something that needs to be addressed. This article provides insights, and solutions for a Peyronie’s disease. Maybe you are not sure of the causes or treatments.
What Exactly Causes a Bent Penis?
The primary culprit behind a bent penis is often Peyronie’s disease. This is when scar tissue builds inside of the penis. This buildup then causes the curvature.
But Peyronie’s isn’t the only cause. Sometimes, it’s genetics – a congenital curvature from birth. Other times, an injury during sex causing trauma.
Peyronie’s Disease: The Main Offender
Peyronie’s disease is believed to result from an inflammatory process. The process then deposits scar tissue within the penis.
The scar tissue can cause a noticeable bend, often upward. The National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases discusses how plaques start. They occur after bending, causing trauma in the penis.
Common Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms
| Symptoms | Details |
|---|---|
| Curvature | A noticeable bend, upwards, downwards, sideways |
| Lumps | Hard lumps felt under the skin |
| Painful Erections | Can be mild or significant pain |
| Erectile Dysfunction | Difficulty keeping the penis erect |
| Shortening/Indentation | Feeling that penis is short, or a narrowing |
Congenital Curvature: Born This Way
Some men have a bent penis from birth. This condition, referred to as congenital penile curvature, will bend during an erection. This curvature may not be a problem early on.
This issue arises when the bending is excessive. Or when it makes sexual activity challenging.
Trauma and Injury: The Unexpected Cause
Sometimes, a bent penis is the result of a direct injury. Forceful bending, causes tissue damage.
Think of it like a bent pipe cleaner. The penis will then keep that shape. That kind of force could have long-term effects.
How Is a Bent Penis Diagnosed?
If you’re concerned, get checked by a urologist. A doctor does a physical exam and will discuss your medical history.
Sometimes, imaging tests like an ultrasound show scar tissue. It also rules out other problems.
The Physical Examination: What to Expect
The physical exam part is straightforward. The doctor examines the penis while flaccid and erect. They may measure the curve angle.
Don’t be embarrassed. Doctors, like board-certified urologist Dr. Mistry, see this all the time. It’s a normal part of urological practice.
Imaging Tests: Getting a Clearer Picture
In certain cases, imaging such as an ultrasound is used. This could help confirm an underlying problem.
These tests provide detailed views of the penis tissues. The doctor sees the extent of the curvature.
Treatment Options for a Bent Penis
The approach to managing a bent penis depends on the cause and severity. For mild cases, sometimes simple observation is okay. Treatment for mild curves is not usually required.
But if the bend is more severe or causes discomfort, then there are options.
Observation: When Waiting is Okay
Monitoring without treatment might be okay in some mild cases. The curve should be checked to see if it impacts being sexually active.
If the curvature is minor, not getting worse, and not impacting life, you may be okay. This is acceptable.
Medications: Oral and Injections
There are medications that help break down the scar tissue. Verapamil is a common medicine.
It is a calcium channel blocker. It isn’t an approved solution for Peyronie’s, but is available.
Another option is Xiaflex, which *is* FDA-approved, for significant curvatures. It involves injections into the plaque, helping to dissolve it. It should be used with devices that help straighten your penis.
Penile Traction Devices: Stretching It Out
Devices like RestoreX and Andro Penis have seen success in straightening a bent penis. They work on a stretching method.
The stretch needs to be in the opposite direction of the plaque.
This consistent stretching can, over time, reduce the bend. There is research that shows traction and stretching can really help. Vacuum erection devices are helpful to reduce curvature issues.
Surgery: When It’s Necessary
In more severe cases, surgery might be the best option. There are two general types of surgery.
This involves procedures like the inflatable penile prosthesis. This will correct any erection issues.
The Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP)
The inflatable penile prosthesis is recommended with erectile dysfunction and a bend. An IPP could have you sent home the same day. Some facilities keep people for overnight monitoring.
This solution places silicone devices inside to help.
Plication Procedures: Straightening the Bend
A plication procedure puts stitches on the side *opposite* of the bend. This helps counteract the curvature with rapid results. A plication usually takes around 30 minutes.
Patch Graft Phalloplasty
Patch Graft Phalloplasty is done by removing the curvature nodule. This option lets us keep your current length.
There’s a material made from pig intestines, named “SIS”. It is to allow penis length to stay normal.
It’s a good option if you have pretty solid erectile function and looking to keep the length. Recovery may bring feeling loss, for upwards of 6 months, but feeling can return.
Can a Bent Penis Resolve on Its Own?
Sometimes a bent penis, with mild Peyronie’s, might see improvement over time. This can happen even without treatment.
There are some men that show improvement without constant care.
Seeking Professional Help: Where to Go
If having issues with a bent penis, check a urologist for solutions. It is best to work with people that can treat any penis problems.
Conclusion
A bent penis can range from minor to severe for some people. Many things can cause a bent penis, but most of them have treatment options.
Treatments are always improving over time. Peyronie’s can be a challenge, and the distress should be taken seriously. Many options exist for people no matter the severity.