Curved Penis: Definition, Causes, And Treatments

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat conditions may cause a curved penis?

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Kathleen Davis, FNP — Updated on January 16, 2026

Peyronie's disease
Chordee
Fracture
Connective tissue disorders
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Treatment
Summary

It is common for a penis to curve slightly. Some conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease and chordee, may cause more significant curving that may cause pain or difficulty when having sex.

A curved penis is a physical condition where a bend occurs in the penis during an erection. Some penises are straight when erect, while others curve upward, downward, or to the side.

Penile curvature is a common condition that typically does not affect functionality.

For instance, a 2018 study found that roughly 1 in 5 people with a penis reported curvature. Of those, 1 in 6 people noted an adverse impact of penile curvature in their lives, complaining of pain or discomfort when they had an erection.

Penile curvature may be present from birth or develop later in life. People typically notice curvature during puberty or early adulthood.

However, a curved penis that occurs suddenly, worsens over time, or causes painful erections may be due to a congenital or acquired condition that could require medical attention.

In this article, we will discuss the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a curved penis.

Peyronie’s disease

Curved metal bars — Giambra/Getty Images

Peyronie’s disease is a condition where fibrous scar tissue, also known as plaques, forms under the skin anywhere on the penis. These hard plaques can be painful and cause the penis to curve during erections.

Experts do not know the exact cause of Peyronie’s disease, but several risk factors have been identified, including:

family history
past penile injury, such as during sex, sports, a fall, or a car accident
past surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer
underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, and autoimmune diseases
smoking
drinking alcohol

According to the Urology Care Foundation, Peyronie’s disease affects about 4 in 100 people with a penis between the ages of 40 to 70 years.

The condition most commonly begins in people age 50 years and older, but it can affect younger people, too. The actual number of cases may be higher, as some people with Peyronie’s disease may feel embarrassed and choose not to get help.

Although Peyronie’s disease rarely goes away on its own, it may stabilize 12 to 18 months after symptoms first appear.

Chordee (congenital penile curvature)

Chordee, also known as congenital penile curvature, is a rare condition that is present from birth.

The exact cause is unknown, but it results from the tunica albuginea not developing in a typical way in the womb. The tunica albuginea is the rubbery layer of connective tissue that envelops the three tubes that run the length of the penis.

Tethering or scar tissue development of the tunica albuginea may cause a noticeable curve.

Hypospadias may also occur with congenital penile curvature. Hypospadias is where the tube through which urine leaves the body is not at the tip of the penis.

According to a 2019 study in 303 people with hypospadias, just over 9 in 10 people had penile curvature.

Penile fracture

A penile fracture happens when an erect penis bends forcefully and suddenly, leading to a tear or rupture in the tunica albuginea.

The penis has no bones, so there is no actual bone fracture. However, healthcare professionals may use this term to refer to the loud, snapping sound that accompanies the injury.

Most penile fractures occur with direct trauma during penis-in-vagina or penis-in-anus intercourse.

A common example is when the penis unintentionally comes out of the vagina or anus during penetration, and it accidentally hits a hard surrounding area, such as the pelvic bone or perineum, during a thrust.

Other causes may include:

vigorous masturbation
falling or rolling over onto an erect penis
injury to the penis from sports, a car accident, or direct physical trauma
quickly putting on or taking off clothing when the penis is erect

Connective tissue disorders

Connective tissue supports and joins tissues and organs in the body, such as the joints, muscles, and skin. Some connective tissue disorders that may be associated with a curved penis include:

Dupuytren’s contracture
plantar fasciitis
scleroderma
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Paget’s disease of bone

What are the symptoms of a curved penis?

Other than a bend in the penis, symptoms of penile curvature may vary depending on the condition.

For example, penile trauma symptoms may also include:

a sudden snapping, popping, or cracking sound at the time of injury
a quick loss of erection
immediate pain and swelling in the penis
skin discoloration and bruising of the penis and genital area
blood at the tip of the penis

With Peyronie’s disease, the curvature may occur suddenly or gradually. Additional symptoms may include:

flat, hard lumps under the skin on one or more sides of the penis
the penis significantly curving to one side with or without an erection
narrowing or shortening of the penis
painful erections
erectile dysfunction
inability to penetrate a sexual partner

When to connect with a doctor

If a person does not experience pain during an erection and the curvature does not prevent them from having sexual intercourse, it is unlikely that they require any medical treatment.

However, a person may wish to connect with a urologist if they develop symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, penile pain, or sudden worsening of their usual penis curvature. A urologist specializes in treating urinary tract conditions in males and females, as well as reproductive conditions in males.

To diagnose a curved penis, a urologist will perform a detailed medical history and physical examination of the penis. They may also order an imaging scan of the penis, such as an ultrasound, to help determine the extent of injury or disease in some cases.

A person may also wish to connect with a mental health specialist if their penile curvature leads to symptoms of anxiety or depression.

If a person experiences penile trauma, it is essential to seek immediate treatment. A penile fracture requires early surgical repair to avoid potential complications in sexual and urinating abilities.

Find a medical specialist in your area today

Your healthcare team may comprise several people who can provide support.

Sometimes, a medical specialist will be required to help diagnose, manage, or treat a healthcare condition.

You can find the following medical specialists in your area today:

urologist
psychiatrist
emergency medical specialist

Treatment options

A mildly curved penis that does not cause discomfort requires no treatment. When a curved penis causes pain, sexual dysfunction, or urinary problems, treatment is usually necessary.

Doctors base treatment for a curved penis on the severity of the symptoms and underlying conditions. They may try a combination of treatment options, including:

penile traction therapy, such as penile stretching
oral medications, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to relieve pain
penile injections
surgery

According to a 2020 review, the most effective treatment plan for a curved penis involves a combination of oral, topical, injection, and traction therapies.

Summary

A slightly curved penis is normal, and can be more desirable to some. If the curvature does not cause pain or impact the ability to urinate or have sexual intercourse, a person does not require treatment.

Penile curvature can be present at birth or may develop over time. Many conditions or injuries can affect the shape of the penis.

It is advisable for a person to contact a healthcare professional if a curved penis develops suddenly, gradually worsens, or causes severe pain or difficulty with sex or urination.

Men's Health
Sexual Health / STDs
Urology / Nephrology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bandini M, et al. (2019). Prevalence, assessment and surgical correction of penile curvature in hypospadias patients treated at one European Referral Center: Description of the technique and surgical outcomes.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31654219/
Chung E, et al. (2018). Prevalence of penile curvature: A population-based cross-sectional study in metropolitan and rural cities in Australia.https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bju.14605
Diaz KC, et al. (2024). Penile fracture.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551618/
Farrell MR, et al. (2020). Minimally invasive therapies for Peyronie’s disease: The current state of the art.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7108992/
Penile curvature (Peyronie’s disease). (2019).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/penile-curvature-peyronies-disease
Salonia A, et al. (2025). EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health–8. Penile curvature.https://uroweb.org/guidelines/sexual-and-reproductive-health/chapter/penile-curvature
Sandean DP, et al. (2024). Peyronie disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560628/
Urologist. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/urologist
What is penile trauma? (2024).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-trauma
What is Peyronie’s disease? (2020).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/peyronies-disease

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Kathleen Davis, FNP — Updated on January 16, 2026

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Peyronie’s disease

Chordee (congenital penile curvature)

Penile fracture

Connective tissue disorders

What are the symptoms of a curved penis?

When to connect with a doctor

Find a medical specialist in your area today

Treatment options

Summary

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