- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
More answers
- Erectile dysfunction treatment: Can herbal remedies help?
- Delayed ejaculation: What causes it?
- 'Herbal Viagra': Is it safe?
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Erectile dysfunction: What causes a lopsided erection?
What might cause an uneven or lopsided erection? The back part of the penis enlarges, but the front part remains small.
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Minor abnormalities of the penis during erection are common. They usually aren't serious and don't require evaluation or treatment. However, an abnormality severe enough to interfere with sexual activity (erectile dysfunction) should be evaluated by a urologist.
The penis contains two spongy, cylinder-shaped structures. When a male becomes sexually aroused, nerve impulses increase blood flow into both cylinders. This influx of blood causes an erection by expanding, straightening and stiffening the penis. Rarely, an erection of unequal fullness as you describe can occur if the cylinders don't fill and expand properly.
The most common cause of curved erect penis is Peyronie's disease. This condition results from scarring of the lining of the cylinders. Other less common causes of a crooked or lopsided erect penis include congenital abnormalities of the cylinders or scarring of the cylinders from trauma, surgery or radiation.
Regardless of the cause of such an abnormality, treatment is available. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or urologist.
Next question
