Why these photos matter
Penile curvature can change over time. Good quality, repeatable photographs allow us to:
- Document the degree and direction of bending at baseline.
- Compare images over months to see whether things are stable, improving or worsening.
- Plan investigations such as penile Doppler ultrasound and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Before you start
1. Create a private, safe environment
- Choose a calm, private room where you will not be interrupted.
- Use a plain background (for example a white or light-coloured wall or door).
- Remove objects that might identify you (family photos, certificates, recognisable décor).
2. Protect your identity
- Do not show your face in the images.
- Ideally, capture only the penis and lower abdomen, with no tattoos or distinctive marks if possible.
- If a partner helps with the photos, please ensure their face is not visible either.
3. Erection quality
To assess the curvature accurately, the penis needs to be as fully erect as possible. For many men, this is easier with the help of a PDE5 inhibitor (for example sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil), if this has been prescribed and is safe for you to use.
- Take the tablet as advised (dose and timing) if we have agreed this together.
- Allow enough time for it to work and use sexual stimulation as you normally would.
- Aim for a firm erection similar to what you would have during intercourse or masturbation.
Which photos to take
When the penis is fully erect, please take the following standardised views. If a partner can help, it is often easier and safer; otherwise you can use a self-timer or hold the phone in your free hand.
1. Side view (profile)
- Stand or lie side-on to the camera so that the full length of the penis is visible from the side.
- The base of the penis and the tip should both be in the frame.
- Keep the camera roughly at the level of the penis, not looking down from above.
- If possible, take one side view for each side (left profile and right profile).
2. Top view (from above)
- Lie on your back or stand and point the penis straight upwards, as you would during intercourse.
- Hold the phone or camera directly above the shaft, looking down along its length.
- Make sure the base and the tip are both visible, so we can see whether the penis curves to the left or right.
3. Front view (looking straight at the shaft)
- Face the camera so that the penis is pointing forwards.
- Take a picture showing the full length of the shaft from the front, including the base and the glans.
- This view is particularly helpful when there is a “dent”, narrowing or hourglass shape.
Keeping conditions consistent
To monitor progression over time, it is extremely useful if each “set” of photographs is taken under similar conditions:
- Use the same room and, as far as you can, the same background.
- Try to use similar lighting (for example, room light on and curtains closed, or daylight with curtains open).
- Keep the camera at a similar distance each time – usually around 30–50 cm from the penis.
- Aim for a similar degree of erection each time (for example always using your usual PDE5 inhibitor when agreed).
How to store and send your images
1. Use secure medical systems only
- Please do not send intimate photographs via WhatsApp, SMS, social media or unencrypted email.
- Images should be uploaded only to our secure Carebit portal or other encryption-compliant platform that I specifically recommend for you.
- When you upload, you can label the files clearly, for example: “Penis – side view, November 2025”.
2. Keep them private on your device
- If possible, store the pictures in a locked or hidden album on your phone.
- Avoid automatic back-up to public or shared cloud folders.
- Once I have confirmed that the images have been safely uploaded to our secure servers, you may delete them from your personal device if you prefer.
How often should you repeat the photos?
In many cases I will suggest repeating the same set of photos at regular intervals, for example every 3–6 months, or sooner if you feel there has been a clear change in curvature, pain or erectile function. I will tailor this to your situation and write the recommendation in your clinic letter.