Curvature of the penis is an abnormal bend in the penis that occurs during erection. It is also called Peyronie's disease.

In Peyronie's disease, fibrous scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis. The cause of this fibrous tissue is not known.

The condition occurs in about 388 of 100,000 men. Peyronie's disease is relatively uncommon and affects men ages 40 - 60 and older.

Curvature of the penis has been associated with Dupuytren's contracture. This is a cord-like thickening across the palm of one or both hands. It is a fairly common disorder in white men over age 50. However, only a very small number of people with Dupuytren's contracture develop curvature of the penis.

Other risk factors have not been found. However, people with this condition have a certain type of immune cell marker, which indicates the condition may be inherited.

Newborns may have a curvature of the penis, which may be part of an abnormality called hypospadias (this is different from Peyronie's disease).