The penis - shape and size

Do men�s genitals look different?

Men�s genitals can look quite different from each other when the penis is soft. When the penis is
sexually stimulated, it gets bigger and quite stiff. Erect penises tend to look similar as most men's
penises reach roughly the same size when erect and ready for sexual intercourse.

What is a curved penis?

A small group of men may find it difficult to have sexual intercourse because their penises are
crooked or curved when erect. However it is important to realise that a normal penis curves
upwards.

The curve can go upwards, downwards or to the side. Problem with intercourse may arise if the
angle of the curve is 30 degrees or more.

What if problems arise during sexual intercourse?

Anyone who is bothered by a crooked or curved penis should discuss it with their doctor

At some stage it may be helpful to take some photographs of the erect penis to show your GP - or a
specialist once you are referred to one. Using a Polaroid camera, you first need to take at least
one picture from the side. Put the camera on a table that is the same height as your penis. Check
that you have the right light and distance. It is a good idea to have a piece of paper with a
chequered pattern or tiles as background. Then take a picture from above. Use the same

background as before. These pictures may be helpful to the doctor and to a surgeon if an operation is recommended.
The operation to straighten the penis is often successful, but a perfect result cannot be guaranteed

based on a text by: Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, Specialist