Questions posted in the The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.

Question Title: Chordee

Forum: The Urology Forum
Topic: Pediatric Urology

Posted by Jack on April 22, 1999 at 20:39:01

Dear Sirs:

I am 29 years old and have a downward curvature of my penis. This has not affected me in any way and in sexual terms it has not been a problem. I have read about chordee but I am not sure if this is what I have. I have not been able to see photographs of a penis with chordee so I cannot be sure if this is the condition I have. I would also like to know how this can be corrected and if it is suggested.

Thank you for your help.


Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on April 25, 1999 at 22:14:41


=
Dear Jack,
From your posting, this sounds like something you have always had. If this is correct, it could indeed be chordee, as you thought. Chordee is a downward (ventral) curvature of the penis, due to a strand of connective tissue stretched like a cord between the meatus (urethral opening) and glans, creating the "bowstring" effect. It is often associated with hypospadius, which is a congenital condition where the urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis, but in another location along the ventrum of the shaft. The opening could be anywhere from right off the tip to all the way down past the scrotum, obviously increasing in degree of anomaly the further away from the tip that it is found. Chordee can be corrected surgically, but if it is not causing any social or physical problems, you probably do not need to do anything about it. However, if it would ease your mind, you could see a urologist for a physical exam and evaluation.

A curvature of the penis which occurs in adulthood would not be chordee. The suspicion would be for Peyronie's disease, which is gradually increasing curvature caused by plaque formation within the penis. Pain and erectile dysfunction is usually associated with Peyronie's disease. At any rate, a thorough evaluation by your urologist will uncover the cause for your curvature and a proper treatment plan (if any) can be instituted. Surgical intervention is often required for marked curvature, with or without a penile prosthesis.

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).

Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-BE
*keyword: chordee





 

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