Peyronie's disease and congenital penile curvature

Abstract

Congenital curvature is usually seen in young men who report the onset following puberty. The urethral meatus is in a normal location, and the fascial layers and corpus spongiosum of the penis are normally developed. Erect and stretched penile lengths are often greater than normal. It has been suggested that the curvature is related to overall hypercompliance of the tunica albuginea associated with relative shortness of one aspect of the tunica. The curvature is most commonly in a ventral or lateral direction. Erectile rigidity and maintenance are usually normal. A photograph helps to document the degree and direction of curvature prior to surgery. Patients with curvature that significantly interferes with sexual intercourse are surgical candidates and are usually best suited for tunical plication based on their anatomy. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.