Penile Curvature 'Discomfort': 93% Don't Recognize It as Illness Despite Noticing in Adolescence

Ginza Repro Surgical (Chuo Ward, Tokyo; Director: Koichi Nagao), which champions the mission of 'achieving natural pregnancy through the Nagao Method,' conducted an online survey targeting adult men nationwide from May 27 to 28, 2026, to promote early detection and treatment of male infertility.

The results revealed that 45% of men experiencing discomfort such as penile curvature became aware of it during adolescence (from elementary to high school), while 93% did not recognize it as a potential illness at the time. Additionally, approximately 90% were unaware that penile curvature could impact future fertility efforts or cause infertility, underscoring the importance of accurate knowledge and early consultation from adolescence onward.

What is Penile Curvature?

Penile curvature is a condition where the penis bends, potentially causing pain or difficulty with penetration during intercourse. Even in the absence of pain, it may lead to sexual dysfunction in the future and can affect fertility.

45% First Notice Penile Discomfort During Adolescence (Elementary to High School)

45% of men who reported penile discomfort said they first noticed it during adolescence (elementary to high school) (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

Among 300 adult male respondents who previously indicated having some discomfort or concern about their penis, they were asked, 'When did you first notice that your penis might be 'different' or 'curved'?'

The results showed 10% (30 men) in elementary school, 20% (61 men) in middle school, and 14% (44 men) in high school—totaling 45% (135 men) who noticed the discomfort during adolescence. In contrast, 7% (22 men) noticed it in college, 12% (37 men) after entering the workforce, and 6% (17 men) only recently.

Although adolescence is a period of significant physical change, this survey revealed that a notable number of males become aware of penile discomfort during this time.

93% Did Not Recognize It as an 'Illness' at the Time

Over 90% of men with penile discomfort did not recognize it as a medical condition (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

Next, the same 300 men were asked, 'When you first noticed this discomfort, did you think it might be a medical condition?'

Only 7% (22 men) responded 'Yes, I thought it might be an illness.' In contrast, 43% (128 men) said, 'I thought it was just individual variation and stopped worrying,' 26% (77 men) said, 'I didn’t feel pain or symptoms, so I didn’t think it was an illness,' 11% (34 men) said, 'I thought it was abnormal but couldn’t determine if it was a disease and left it untreated,' and 11% (32 men) said, 'I didn’t know who to consult and pretended not to notice.' Overall, 93% (278 men) did not recognize it as an illness at the time. This reveals that even when men notice penile discomfort during adolescence, most do not perceive it as a medical issue.

About 40% Reported 'No Physical Symptoms,' and About 30% Said 'No Impact on Daily Life'

Penile curvature often occurs without pain (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

The same 300 men were then asked, 'What symptoms or difficulties are you currently experiencing due to penile curvature or discomfort?' (Multiple answers allowed).

'No particular physical symptoms' was the most common response at 38% (115 men), followed by 'No significant impact on daily life' at 32% (95 men), 'Discomfort or unpleasant sensation during erection' at 12% (36 men), 'Discomfort or pain in the urethra' at 11% (32 men), and 'Difficulty with penetration during intercourse' at 7% (20 men).

While a certain number of men do not experience physical symptoms or daily disruptions, a significant number still face challenges such as discomfort during intercourse or difficulty with penetration—issues that may not be apparent in everyday life.

Over Half Believe 'No Symptoms Means Not a Disease'

60% equate absence of symptoms with absence of disease (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

Among the 115 men who answered 'No particular physical symptoms,' they were asked, 'If there are no symptoms, do you think this is a disease?'

56% (64 men) responded, 'I don’t think it’s a disease because there are no symptoms,' 24% (28 men) said, 'I don’t know,' and 20% (23 men) said, 'Even without symptoms, it might medically be considered a disease.'

More than half of those without physical symptoms believe it is not a disease, revealing that the presence or absence of symptoms has become the primary criterion for determining whether it is a medical condition.

Nearly 90% Were Unaware of the Link Between Penile Curvature and Infertility

Most men were unaware that penile curvature could affect future fertility (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

Next, respondents were asked, 'Did you know that penile curvature could potentially affect fertility?'

Only 8% (25 men) answered 'Yes, I knew.' In contrast, 60% (179 men) said, 'I didn’t know at all,' 20% (59 men) said, 'I’ve heard of it but don’t know the details,' and 12% (37 men) said, 'I don’t know.' In total, 92% (275 men) were either unaware of or did not fully understand the connection between penile curvature and infertility. This reveals that even men who noticed penile discomfort during adolescence generally lack accurate understanding of its potential impact on future fertility efforts.

Even with Discomfort, Half Said 'Can’t Consult Anyone' or 'Don’t Know Who to Consult'

If consulting during adolescence, the top response was 'Ultimately, I don’t know who to consult' (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

Next, the same 300 men were asked, 'If you had wanted to consult someone during adolescence (middle to high school) about the shape or discomfort of your penis, who could you have consulted?' (Multiple answers allowed).

'Can’t consult anyone / Don’t know who to consult' was the most common response at 51% (152 men), accounting for over half. This was followed by 'Friend' at 19% (58 men), 'Look for a urologist to consult' at 19% (56 men), 'School nurse or health teacher' at 12% (36 men), and 'Parent' at 12% (35 men).

Even when noticing penile discomfort during adolescence, half of the respondents felt they either had no one to consult or didn’t know where to turn.

About 30% Are Positive Toward Treatment

29% expressed interest in or willingness to undergo treatment for penile curvature (Ginza Repro Surgical survey)

Next, the same 300 men were asked, 'If a doctor told you that treatment (surgery) is possible, would you want to undergo surgery?'

'Would definitely undergo' accounted for 9% (26 men), and 'Interested / Would undergo if conditions are right' for 20% (61 men), totaling 29% (87 men) who are open to treatment. In contrast, 34% (103 men) said 'Don’t want to undergo,' 19% (57 men) said 'Currently undecided,' and 18% (53 men) said 'Don’t know.'

Furthermore, among the 160 men who answered 'Currently undecided' or 'Don’t want to undergo,' they were asked, 'What are your reasons for hesitation or refusal?' (Multiple answers allowed).

'Worried about cost' was the top reason at 40% (63 men), followed by 'Afraid of surgery / seems painful' at 34% (55 men), 'Concerned about risks to the body' at 30% (47 men), 'No symptoms, so treatment is low priority' at 27% (43 men), and 'Uncertain about effectiveness' at 21% (34 men).

This survey revealed that nearly 90% of men