While some curvature of the penis is not unusual, a severely bent penis is something that most men wish to avoid. Some form of trauma is frequently associated with a bent penis, and so focusing on safe penis care is often one of the most effective preventive measures. However, in recent years it has turned out that high blood pressure – or more specifically, its treatment – can sometimes bring about a bent penis where previously there was straightness.
Peyronie’s disease
As mentioned, many men have some small curvature to the penis that is totally normal and brings about no issues for its owner. As a matter of fact, some people (both women and men) prefer a penis with some curvature to it. They find a graceful arch gives character and distinction and adds to the visual appeal of the penis. And some women find that a little curvature, especially when it causes the penis to curve slightly upward, can add a little extra “kick” to sex. (It is thought that the slight curvature may allow a penis easier access to the most sensitive parts of the female organ.)
But when the degree of curvature is excessive, some problems may occur. If the bend is too extreme, it may make insertion into the vagina (or other orifices) difficult or even painful. When a man has a bent penis of significant curvature, he is usually said to have Peyronie’s disease.
Cause
The exact specifics that go into creating Peyronie’s disease are still not fully understood; however, it is most often associated with some form of trauma. This may be a “big” trauma, such as a very sharp blow to the penis. It may also be a series of “small” traumas, which is more common. When this happens, the trauma causes small scar tissue to form over the traumatized area. If enough scar tissue develops over time, it interferes with the elasticity of the skin. The area that is scarred cannot stretch as far as the other areas of the penis, causing the penis to bend at the point of trauma.
Medications
However, in some cases, men develop Peyronie’s disease without any obvious trauma. Among the other possible causes of a bent penis is the use of drugs for high blood pressure. In particular, the use of beta blockers has some association with the development of Peyronie’s disease. There are numerous beta blockers, including acebutolol, atenolol, nadolol and timolol. And while beta blockers are associated with high blood pressure and cardiac issues, they are also often used to treat other conditions, such as migraines, social anxiety, and an overactive thyroid.
Exactly why beta blockers can bring about a bent penis is not clear – and it should be emphasized again that not every man who uses beta blockers develops Peyronie’s disease. However, if a man is prescribed beta blockers, he should check with his doctor to see if his particular medication is associated with Peyronie’s; if so, he may wish to see if an alternative is available and discuss with his doctor the pros and cons of each medication.
Whether blood pressure medication causes a bent penis or a man has Peyronie’s due to another reason, he needs to take good care of his penis health. Using a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help, especially in terms of the pain that often accompanies a bent penis. Since the pain is often related to the “tightness” of the skin, using a crème with Shea butter and vitamin E (two excellent moisturizers) is a fine way to hydrate the penis skin and keep it supple and looser. It also helps if the crème contains vitamin C, which is excellent for encouraging collagen production which in turn adds to penile elasticity.
