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Curvature of the penis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Peyronie's disease

Symptoms:

You or your doctor may notice an abnormal hardening of the tissue below the skin, in one area along the shaft of the penis.

During erection, there may be:

A bend in the penis, which usually begins at the area where you feel the scar tissue or hardening
Narrowing of the penis
Pain
Problems with penetration or pain during intercourse
Shortening of the penis

Signs and tests:

The health care provider can diagnose curvature of the penis with a physical examination. The hard plaques can be felt with or without an erection.

The doctor may use injected medications to cause an erection. Or you may provide your health care provider with pictures of the erect penis for evaluation.

An ultrasound may show the scar tissue in the penis, but it is not necessary.

Male reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive system

Reviewed last on: 9/3/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Jordan GH. Peyronie's disease. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 25.

Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM. Surgery of the Penis and Urethra. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 33.

Elder JS. Anomalies of the Penis and Urethra. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 544.

Hellstrom WJG. Medical management of Peyronie's disease. J Androl. 2009;30:397-405.

Dupuytren’s contracture

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