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Congenital penile curvature (chordee) is a condition present at birth. It causes your penis to bend or curve. It becomes more apparent during an erection. It may not require surgical treatment unless it interferes with intercourse or causes other problems.
Congenital penile curvature, also known as chordee, is a condition that can affect newborns assigned male at birth (AMAB). You may notice penile curvature early in your baby’s life when you change their diaper. But many people don’t discover they have chordee until they go through puberty and have an erection.
Most congenital penile curvatures are mild and don’t require treatment. But in more severe cases, your penis is significantly bent or twisted along the shaft. This can make a person feel self-conscious, cause pain or affect sexual function. It could also impact a person’s ability to aim their pee into the toilet. In these cases, surgery may be necessary.
Some degree of curving of your penis can be normal. In many cases, the penis can curve slightly to the left or right when it’s erect. Penile curvature can also cause the penis to bend upward or downward.
Studies show that some degree of penile curvature is present in 4% to 10% of male births. It can occur as its own condition or with other conditions like:
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The main sign of chordee is a curved penis. The bend can range from mild to severe. The severity of the bend is best seen when a person has an erect penis.
Chordee typically doesn’t cause pain until the penis is erect. This may affect a person’s ability to have sexual intercourse comfortably. It can also cause pain for their sexual partner.
A caregiver may notice a chordee in a child because aiming pee into the toilet or urinal is difficult for them.
Additionally, it can make a person self-conscious about sexual activity when their penis is erect and the curve is noticeable.
Chordee looks like a bend, slight twist or curve of your penis, and it’s most noticeable during an erection. It most often bends down or to the left or right, but it can also bend upward.
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of congenital penile curvature. However, they believe it has to do with how elastic tissue in your penis forms during fetal development.
There aren’t any medical complications of chordee. But it can affect a person’s sexual health by making intercourse uncomfortable or downright painful. It can also affect a person emotionally and cause distress or issues with their self-esteem.
A healthcare provider performs a physical exam to diagnose chordee. It’s best for your provider to make the diagnosis during an erection so they can see the exact curvature.
It’s normal for a person to feel uncomfortable discussing a penile curvature with their provider. Let your provider know how you’re feeling about your diagnosis so they can best help you.
Treatment usually isn’t necessary unless the condition interferes with sexual function or sexual intercourse. In these cases, surgery can fix the curvature.
Some people may choose to have surgery even when the curvature is mild or small due to how it impacts their self-esteem.
A parent or guardian may decide that surgery is the best option for their child after learning how the curvature may affect them later in life. If your child has this condition, it’s best to talk to their healthcare team about what they recommend.
Healthcare providers usually recommend surgical treatment during early childhood (around age 2). This is due to it being easier for a penis to repair and continue to develop before adulthood. But if a person doesn’t realize they have chordee until they’re older and it affects their sexual health, surgery is still an option. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have surgery to fix chordee.
No, you can’t prevent congenital penile curvature.
No, it typically doesn’t worsen over time. Your healthcare provider can let you know what you can expect if you don’t treat a curved penis.
No. As it’s something you were born with and affects the tissues within your penis, it won’t correct itself as you get older.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have concerns about a curved penis, especially if it’s causing pain and affecting your sexual relationships. While talking about your penis can be difficult, your provider is the best person to answer your questions and recommend treatment.
It’s normal to have questions when you receive a diagnosis. Some questions you might ask include:
There are two main types of penile curvatures: Peyronie’s disease and congenital penile curvature (chordee). The difference is that a congenital curvature is something you’re born with (birth defect). Peyronie’s disease is acquired, meaning you develop it at some point in life.
Peyronie’s disease is a condition where scar tissue causes your penis to curve or lose length or girth. It can cause pain and make sex difficult. Causes may include an injury to your penis or a connective tissue disorder.
Congenital penile curvature doesn’t involve scar tissue. Rather, it results from how a penis forms. Congenital penile curvature usually involves a downward or slightly sideways curve or a combination of both.
No, these aren’t the same. You can have chordee with or without hypospadias (when your urethra isn’t at the tip of your penis).
It can be difficult to discuss sensitive topics, like penis health, with a healthcare provider. But know that your provider is there to help you and will never judge you. If you were born with a curved penis and it begins causing you physical or emotional pain, reach out to a provider for help. They can talk to you about potential treatments.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/23/2024.
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