Chordee is a congenital defect of the penis. Surgery is the only corrective method for this condition. In chordee, the penis usually curves downward. The urinary opening may be on the underside of the penis (hypospadias). Surgery can usually correct chordee.

The cause of chordee is unknown. During development in the womb, more elastic tissue may develop on the top half of the penis than on the bottom half. This can cause the penis to curve during erections.

Other developmental problems that can lead to chordee include:

  • Skin tethering, usually on the underside of the penis, making a straight erection impossible
  • Abnormal development of scar tissue in or around the urethra (urinary tube)

Often in chordee, the urinary opening also does not develop properly. Instead of the tip of the penis, the urinary opening may be on the underside of the penis (hypospadias).

Some doctors may use the term chordee for any downward curvature of the penis, including those not due to a problem with development. Most often, these forms of chordee occur in adulthood after surgery to correct some other problem with the penis.

Chordee may not be noticeable except during erections. That’s especially the case in boys or men without hypospadias.

When hypospadias is not present, chordee may more easily go undetected until late childhood or adulthood.

Hypospadias often causes difficulty for men or boys in controlling their urine stream. When significant hypospadias is present, they may need to sit down to urinate. Hypospadias also often results in abnormal ejaculation.

In adolescence and adulthood, chordee may cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, for men and their partner. Erections may not be of sufficient quality for sex in some men with chordee.

Surgery is the only effective treatment for chordee. The ideal time for chordee repair is before age 2. If chordee is detected prior to this time, surgery can usually repair chordee (and hypospadias, if present). The surgery will make possible the normal growth and development of the penis.