Penile Curvature: When to Seek Treatment and Costs - Urology

Share to:

Penile correction


Hello Dr.
Pan,
Could you please tell me what degree of penile curvature is considered within the normal range? If someone has recently undergone a circumcision, can they also have this procedure done at the same time? I'm also curious if the National Health Insurance covers this, and if not, what the approximate cost would be.
Thank you for your clarification.

Xiao Nan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/11/15

Dr. Pan Zhenqin reply Urology


Q: Curvature of the penis
A: Generally, a curvature of less than 15 degrees does not require active treatment.
If the curvature exceeds 30 degrees and there are noticeable abnormalities during erection, some patients may experience pain.
After marriage, improper force during sexual intercourse (most commonly in the woman-on-top position) may lead to a rupture of the penile tunica albuginea, so early corrective treatment is advisable.
If a rupture occurs, immediate surgical repair is necessary; otherwise, it may lead to difficulties with erections or increased curvature in the future.
Surgical intervention is the primary treatment for congenital penile curvature.
Currently, there are no oral or injectable medications available for treating penile curvature.
Over 90% of patients experience significant improvement after surgical correction, and the optimal timing for surgery is after the age of 18.
This is because if correction is performed while the penis is still developing, it may lead to overcorrection or a higher chance of recurrence.
Penile corrective surgery is covered by health insurance.

Reply Date: 2000/11/15

More Info


Penile curvature, or the bending of the penis, can be a common condition that varies in degree among individuals. It is important to understand that a certain degree of curvature is considered normal and does not typically require treatment. Generally, a curvature of less than 30 degrees is often regarded as normal and may not cause any functional issues or discomfort during sexual activity. However, if the curvature is more pronounced, particularly if it exceeds 30 degrees, or if it causes pain, discomfort, or difficulty during intercourse, it may warrant further evaluation and potential treatment.

In cases where the curvature is significant or associated with conditions such as Peyronie's disease, which involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, treatment options may be considered. Treatment can include medications, injections, or surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the curvature and the symptoms experienced by the patient.

If you have recently undergone a circumcision (包皮手術), it is possible to address penile curvature at the same time, but this decision should be made in consultation with a qualified urologist. They will assess the degree of curvature, the underlying cause, and your overall health to determine the best course of action.
Regarding insurance coverage, it is essential to check with your health insurance provider to understand what procedures are covered. In many cases, surgical interventions for penile curvature may not be covered unless they are deemed medically necessary. If the procedure is not covered, the out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's fees, and the facility where the procedure is performed. On average, surgical correction of penile curvature can range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on various factors.

It is also worth noting that many men may experience some degree of curvature without any associated problems. If the curvature does not interfere with sexual function or cause pain, it may be advisable to monitor the condition rather than pursue immediate treatment. However, if you notice any changes in curvature, experience pain, or have concerns about sexual function, it is crucial to seek medical advice.

In summary, if you are experiencing penile curvature, it is essential to assess the degree of curvature and any associated symptoms. Consulting with a urologist will provide you with a clearer understanding of whether treatment is necessary and what options are available. Additionally, discussing the potential for simultaneous procedures, such as circumcision, and understanding insurance coverage will help you make informed decisions about your health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Penile Curvature: When to Consider Surgery and Costs

If the curvature of the penis exceeds a certain degree, surgical intervention may be necessary. Generally, a curvature of more than 30 degrees is considered significant enough to warrant surgery. The cost of corrective surgery can vary widely, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15...


Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Anonymous: Hello, surgery is generally recommended when the angle exceeds 30 degrees. However, if it affects sexual intercourse, surgical correction is necessary regardless of the angle. The cost varies by hospital, so it's best to consult with a physician during an outpatie...

[Read More] Understanding Penile Curvature: When to Consider Surgery and Costs


Cost and Considerations of Penile Curvature Correction Surgery

Hello Dr. Chen: My penis has a slight bend to the left when flaccid, but it curves more severely to the left when erect. I would like to ask how much the corrective surgery would cost, are there any potential complications? Will health insurance cover this type of surgery?


Dr. Chen Zhihong reply Urology
Typically, penile curvature correction surgery is covered by health insurance, and the out-of-pocket expenses are approximately between 2000 to 3000 NTD.

[Read More] Cost and Considerations of Penile Curvature Correction Surgery


Understanding Penile Curvature: When to Seek Treatment and Surgery

I have been troubled by this issue for a long time: my penis is slightly curved (to the left and upward). I don't think it's congenital; it might be due to masturbation and wearing tight jeans. Will this affect my sex life and require surgical correction? I heard that s...


Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
Indeed, there are quite a few issues, and it’s clear that you care about your health. A slight curvature of the penis is generally not a problem as long as it does not affect sexual intercourse when erect. If the foreskin covers the glans during an erection, it may indicate phimo...

[Read More] Understanding Penile Curvature: When to Seek Treatment and Surgery


Understanding Penile Curvature: Treatment Options and Surgical Solutions

Hello, doctor: I have a problem with penile curvature. I have visited the outpatient department at Tzu Chi Hospital, but the responses I received were all dismissive. However, I am still concerned because my penis is not only curved but also has an upward tilt. I really want to c...


Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology
Hello, Mr. Beast: The term "penile curvature" refers to an excessive bending of the penis that can cause pain during erection or interfere with sexual intercourse, potentially leading to discomfort during sexual activity. Surgical correction is only necessary in such ca...

[Read More] Understanding Penile Curvature: Treatment Options and Surgical Solutions


Related FAQ

Phimosis

(Urology)

Erectile Dysfunction

(Urology)

Erection

(Urology)

Glans Penis

(Urology)

Sildenafil

(Urology)

Varicocele

(Urology)

Syphilis

(Urology)

Epididymis

(Urology)

Homosexual

(Urology)

Cryptorchidism

(Urology)