Robotic Surgery Virtual Tour

Curvature of the penis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Peyronie's disease

Treatment:

Treatments may include:

Corticosteroid injections into the fibrous band of tissue
Potaba (a medicine taken by mouth)
Radiation therapy
Shock wave lithotripsy
Verapamil (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure)
Vitamin E

If medicine and lithotripsy do not help, and you are unable to have intercourse because of the curve of the penis, surgery may be done to correct the problem. However, surgery carries a risk of impotence. It should only be done if intercourse is impossible.

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition usually gets worse and leads to the inability to have intercourse. Impotence can also occur.

Complications:

The condition may make intercourse difficult, painful, or impossible. Surgical correction may also lead to impotence.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of curvature of the penis
Erections are painful

Male reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive system

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. 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. Abnormalities of the Genitalia in Boys and Their Surgical Management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 126.

Elder JS. Anomalies of teh 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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)