Children's Hospital Colorado
Urology

Chordee

We specialize in the big things, the small things and everything in between.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Urology 2021-2 Badge

Get Care

Would you like to learn more about us?
checked box icon Urology
Are you ready to schedule an appointment?
calendar icon Schedule an appointment
Do you have questions about your child’s condition?
Call

What is chordee?

Chordee (congenital penile curvature) causes the penis to bend or twist, especially while it is erect. Chordee does not always have negative impacts during childhood but can inhibit sexual function later in adulthood. Doctors often recommend correcting chordee when your child is young, rather than waiting until later.

What causes chordee?

Chordee is the result from the abnormal development of the penis, but experts are not sure of the exact cause of the abnormal development.

Who gets chordee?

Chordee is a fairly common birth defect. Chordee can be a stand-alone medical condition, or associated with other congenital conditions of the penis, including:

  • Hypospadias: a condition that occurs when the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis
  • Penile torsion: a condition that occurs when the midline raphe (ridge located on the underside of the penis) wraps around the penis, causing the penis to be twisted

Next steps

  • Would you like to learn more about us?

    Learn more about the Urology department
  • Do you have questions about your child’s condition?

    720-777-3926
  • Are you ready to schedule an appointment?

    Schedule an appointment