Last updated on August 29, 2020
Question:
I was wondering about this: when erect and even when not erect, there is an indent around my penis right below where a bump is. When erect the top is pointing at a 45-degree angle left and up. I don’t know when the bump first was there, so I don’t know how long it’s been, but I’m pretty sure it’s been over six months. Is it okay?
Answer:
You are describing what is called Peyronie’s disease, which really isn’t a disease but the result of scar tissue inside the chambers of the penis that inflate. The most common cause in young men is bending the penis while it is erect, either when masturbating or when trying to use the toilet while erect. This injures the chambers internally and scar tissue forms, which isn’t as flexible as the original tissue. Almost always this resolves itself over time. Since you are still growing and haven’t hit your growth spurt yet, I would suggest just waiting several years and see if it goes away on its own. Go ahead and mention it to your doctor the next time you have a check up, so that there is a record of it being there.
It is generally not considered a problem unless the lump or curve is increasing, your erections are painful, or the curve is so severe that it would interfere with sex [“Bent Penis,” Mayo Clinic]. A 45-degree bend probably won’t be noticeable when it comes to sex, since the penis has some flexibility even when you are erect.
If by the time you are, say 17 to 19, and the problem is still there, then bring it to the attention of your doctor who will probably have you see a urologist if he thinks it is severe enough to cause problems. There is a good article on Peyronie’s disease on NetDoctor. Be careful of offers of “cures” for this problem that are on the Internet. Most are fakes and can cause more harm.