Bent Penis / Chordee

Learn symptoms, causes, management of paediatric bent penis/chordee, and when to contact a paediatric surgeon in Singapore.

What Is Bent Penis / Chordee?

Chordee is an abnormal curvature of the penis that is present from birth (congenital). It is sometimes referred to as congenital penile curvature. The penis may bend downwards (most common), upwards, sideways, or have a twist (torsion) along its axis.
In children, chordee is usually noticed during nappy changes or when the penis becomes full or partially erect. In older children, curvature becomes more obvious with erections and may cause embarrassment or discomfort.
Chordee can occur on its own (isolated chordee/congenital penile curvature) or together with other conditions like hypospadias (where the urine opening is not at the tip of the penis). Bent penis correction aims to straighten the penis so that future erections are comfortable and function is normal.

Common Symptoms of Buried Penis

The most visible sign of chordee is a curved or twisted penis, especially noticeable during erection. Parents may observe the curve even when the penis is soft.

Visual Appearance

Sharp curvature of the penis, either upward, downward or to one side
Curvature that can start anywhere from the base near the scrotum to the beginning of the glans (head)
Apparent shortening of the penis on the side of the bend
A penile twist (torsion), where the penis appears rotated

Associated Physical Signs

Some children with chordee may have other visible differences in the foreskin or skin attachments:

Penile torsion: The midline on the underside of the penis spirals around the shaft instead of running straight
Dorsal preputial hood: The foreskin only covers the top half of the penis, leaving the underside more exposed
Skin tethering: Thin or tight skin around the urethra or shaft that seems to pull the penis in one direction
Webbed penis: Skin on the underside of the shaft joins the scrotum, creating a webbed appearance

Functional Symptoms (especially in older children)

As a child grows, chordee and penile curvature can cause:

Difficulty directing urine, with spraying or a deflected stream
Dribbling or wetting of underwear due to poor urine stream control
Pain or discomfort during erection
Increasing awareness of a “different‑looking” penis, embarrassment or avoidance of toilet use with peers

These concerns are important reasons to consider penile curvature treatment early, before they affect a child’s self‑esteem and social confidence.

Causes of Bent Penis / Chordee in Children

The exact cause of chordee is not always known, but it usually develops while the baby is still in the womb. In most cases, parents did nothing to cause the condition, and it is not related to hygiene or parenting. There are some common contributing factors.

Unequal Growth of Penile Tissues

Chordee often results from unequal length of the tissues on different sides of the penis. For example, one side of the shaft or the urethra (urine tube) may be shorter or tighter, pulling the penis into a curve as it grows.

Abnormal Skin or Fascia Attachments

The skin and underlying tissue (dartos fascia) may be abnormally attached to deeper structures instead of lying freely over the shaft. This creates tethering, pulling the penis downward or sideways and causing curvature.
In some children, there may be a “trapped” or “buried” appearance, similar in concept to the buried penis condition, where abnormal attachments and surrounding tissue conceal or distort the penis.

Associated Conditions

Chordee may occur:

With hypospadias, where the urine opening is located along the underside of the penis instead of the tip
With penile torsion, where the penis is rotated on its axis
With differences in the supporting ligaments or surrounding tissues

While clear genetic patterns have not been fully established, congenital penile curvature can run in families in some cases. However, in most children, no specific cause is found, and nothing the parents did during pregnancy caused it.

Consequences of Untreated Bent Penis / Chordee in Children

Mild curvature may not cause major problems. However, moderate to severe curvature left untreated can lead to certain medical and psychological issues.

Medical and Functional Problems

Urinary difficulties: Poor aim, spraying, or a deflected urine stream that makes toilet use messy and difficult
Incomplete emptying and post‑void dribbling
Irritation of the skin from chronic wetness and urine exposure

When children grow up, untreated chordee can cause:

Painful erections due to tension on the bent side
Difficulty with sexual intercourse if the curvature is severe
Possible risk of micro‑trauma to the penile tissues over time

Psychological and Social Impact

As children become more self‑aware, visible penile curvature can cause them anxiety and embarrassment about “looking different”, avoidance of sports or activities, and concerns about future relationships and sexual function in adolescence and adulthood
Addressing curvature through bent penis correction in childhood helps reduce these long‑term psychological and functional impacts.

How To Treat Bent Penis / Chordee in Children

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and age of the child. At The Little Surgery, we provide comprehensive concealed penis paediatric treatment, including evaluation, conservative management when appropriate, and expert buried penis repair surgery.

Observation

Not every bent penis requires immediate surgery. The need for penile curvature treatment depends on the degree of curvature (mild, moderate, severe), direction and location of the bend, presence of associated issues (hypospadias, torsion, webbing), and the impact on functions or your child’s psychosocial well‑being.
Mild cases may be observed, especially in very young infants, if it is unlikely to impact urination or future function.

Chordee Repair Surgery (Bent Penis Correction)

Moderate to severe cases usually benefit from chordee repair surgery to straighten the penis and allow normal growth and function. Paediatric surgeons commonly recommend correcting chordee when the child is still young, often from around 6–18 months of age, or as soon as reasonably possible if detected later.
Chordee repair surgery is the definitive treatment of congenital penile curvature. The penis is straightened, torsion is corrected, and the urethral opening is ensured to be at the tip. We try to preserve penile length and function as much as possible.

Recovery After Chordee Repair Surgery

After the chordee release procedure, most children go home the same day once comfortable, with pain usually managed using simple oral medications.
Some swelling and bruising around the penis is expected in the first few days. A dressing and sometimes a temporary urinary catheter may be used.
Parents are given clear instructions on wound care, bathing, and pain relief. Children should avoid rough play or straddling toys (e.g. bicycles) for 2-3 weeks. Follow‑up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the penis remains straight as swelling settles.

Why Choose The Little Surgery for Bent Penis / Chordee Treatment

We provide comprehensive bent penis correction and chordee repair surgery, including thorough evaluation, clear guidance on timing and surgical approach, and expert penile curvature treatment.

Experienced Paediatric Surgeon

Dr. Ong Lin Yin has over 20 years of experience in paediatric surgery as the former Head of Paediatric Surgery at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Dr. Ong collaborates with paediatric urologists and ensures expert care for children requiring congenital penile curvature treatment.

Comprehensive Care

We provide thorough assessment and management of bent penis/chordee, including detailed examination, discussion of all treatment options from observation to surgery, realistic expectations about outcomes, and guidance on optimal timing for chordee repair surgery.

Family Support

We understand that chordee and genital conditions are sensitive topics. We provide private and respectful discussions, age-appropriate explanations for children, and clear information about bent penis correction options.
As a mother herself, Dr. Ong understands parental concerns about their child's well-being and development.

Contact The Little Surgery Today

If your child has a bent penis and you're concerned about function, hygiene, or psychological impact, we can help.
Contact The Little Surgery today and take the first step toward ensuring your child's health and happiness.