AboutArthur Goldstein, M.D. Expertise Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
Question hello, my names lloyd and im 16 years old, i am noticed a rather large bend in my penis probably the first time i ejaculated at about the age of 12 or 13 and did not think anything of it until the recent 6 - 12 months when i have been asked to step into sexual relation ships, i have had to end these relationships as i am just to plain embarrassed about my situation. i am now once again in one and im really scared im going to have to just give up on my love life.
i remember when i was young about year 3 or 4 and being hit very hard in the penis and i had some pain for about 2 weeks after that but it just subsided. i notice a sought of ditch about half way down my erect penis where it begins to bend. im extremely scared and my life hasnt been the same since i noticed this.
please please help me i couldnt lose another girl friends over this. im soooo sick of having to shut myself off to people :'(
yours sincerely Lloyd in Australia.
Answer Lloyd, the normal anatomy of the penis consists of 3 cylindrical bodies each wrapped in an elastic membrane. The 3 structures are the urinary canal (urethra) and the paired corpora cavernosa. The latter 2 become engorged with blood during sexual arousal, stretching the membrane that surrounds them (tunica albuginea). Curvature of the penis to varying degrees occurs in about 50% of men. It is often congenital (born with the condition) but can be acquired due to injury or a disorder called Peyronie's disease. Curvature can be due to one of the corpora being shorter than the other or to the deposition of scar tissue in part of the tunica albuginea which acts like a bow string and prevents this area from expanding. The depression you notice suggests that your prior injury probably caused some scar tissue at this site. I suggest that you see a urologist so that a proper examination and diagnosis be made. Generally, no treatment is necessary unless the curvature causes discomfort to you or your partner with sexual activity or if the curvature is so severe that you are unable to have conventional intercourse. I know of no successful conservative treatment if the problem is due to scarring from injury. The most common therapy is surgical correction which can either be done by slightly foreshortening the corpora on the side opposite the scarring (plication) or removing the scar tissue and placing a graft at that site. The latter is not as reliable as it heals with a varying degree of scar that is difficult to estimate and may not correct the problem. Generally, surgery is not done purely for cosmetic reasons. Therefore, if you otherwise function well sexually, an understanding partner is the best therapy. If you are still troubled, consultation with an emotional counselor regarding you self esteem should be considered. Good luck.
