What Is Peyronie’s Disease? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Peyronie’s disease is one of those conditions people don’t exactly bring up over brunch (“Pass the waffles, and also… my penis is curving”). But it’s more
common than most folks realizeand it’s treatable. Peyronie’s disease happens when a firm area of scar tissue (called a plaque) forms in the penis.
That plaque can make erections curve, feel painful, look shorter, or develop an “hourglass” indentation. For some people it’s a mild inconvenience; for others,
it can seriously affect sex, confidence, and relationships.

This guide breaks down what Peyronie’s disease is, what it feels like, why it happens, how doctors diagnose it, what treatments actually help, and what you can
do to lower risk. (And yesthere will be a tiny bit of humor, because sometimes you need a deep breath when reading about deep tissue.)

What Peyronie’s Disease Is (and What It Isn’t)

Peyronie’s disease is a benign (non-cancerous) condition where fibrous scar tissue forms in the penis, typically in the tough sheath around the erectile bodies.
When the penis becomes erect, that scarred area doesn’t stretch like normal tissue, so the erection can bend toward the plaque.

A few important “myth-busters” up front:

• It isn’t an STI and isn’t contagious.
• It isn’t cancer and doesn’t “turn into” cancer.
• A naturally curved penis isn’t automatically Peyronie’s diseasemany people have harmless curvature.
• It isn’t “your fault”Peyronie’s often involves biology, healing patterns, and sometimes risk factors you didn’t choose.

Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease

Symptoms can appear suddenly or creep in over time. Some people notice the curve first; others notice pain, a lump, or changes in sexual function.

Common signs and symptoms

• Penile curvature (up, down, left, right, or a combination).
• A firm lump or band under the skin (the plaque).
• Pain during erections (especially early on).
• Penile shortening or the sense that erections look “smaller” than before.
• Indentation or “hourglass” shape where the penis narrows.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)trouble getting or keeping an erection can occur along with Peyronie’s.
• Difficulty with intercourse due to curvature, pain, or rigidity issues.

The two phases: active vs. stable

Peyronie’s disease is often discussed in two phases:

• Active (acute) phase: Plaque is forming and changing. Curvature may worsen, erections may hurt, and the shape may shift.
• Stable (chronic) phase: The deformity stops changing (generally stable for months). Pain often improves, but curvature may persist.

Why does this matter? Because some treatments are timed around whether symptoms are still evolving or have stabilized.

Causes: Why Does Peyronie’s Disease Happen?

The short version: Peyronie’s is thought to involve an abnormal wound-healing response. The longer version: doctors believe repeated minor injury (“microtrauma”)
to penile tissueoften during sex or vigorous activitycan trigger inflammation and scar formation in susceptible people. Many patients don’t remember a specific
injury, because the “injury” may be small and repetitive rather than one dramatic moment.

Risk factors that can raise the odds

• Age (risk increases as tissues lose elasticity and healing changes over time).
• Genetics / family history (some families have higher rates of Peyronie’s or related scarring conditions).
• Connective tissue disorders such as Dupuytren’s contracture (hand fibrosis) in some individuals.
• Diabetes and other conditions that affect blood vessels and healing.
• Smoking (impairs circulation and wound repair).
• Erectile dysfunction (can contribute to less rigid erections, which may increase bending/trauma during sex).
• Prior prostate surgery or radiation (in some cases, penile curvature can be more likely afterward).

Think of Peyronie’s disease like a “scar that formed where it didn’t need to,” plus a mechanical consequence: erections stretch tissue, and scar tissue doesn’t
play nice with stretching.

Diagnosis: How Doctors Confirm Peyronie’s Disease

Most diagnoses start with something simple but important: a conversation. A urologist will ask when symptoms started, whether they’re changing, whether pain is
present, and how sex and erections are affected.

What a typical evaluation includes

• Medical history (including medications and risk factors like diabetes or smoking).
• Physical exam to feel for plaque and assess tenderness.
• Assessment of curvaturesometimes via photos taken at home (following the clinic’s instructions), or in-office evaluation.
• Ultrasound in many cases, to view plaque, measure blood flow, and evaluate erection tissue.

Doctors may also screen for erectile dysfunction, because treatment decisions often depend on whether erections are firm enough for intercourse.

When to seek care sooner rather than later

• Curvature that is new, worsening, or interfering with sex.
• Persistent penile pain with erections.
• A new hard lump or indentation.
• ED appearing alongside curvature.
• Emergency: sudden severe pain, swelling, bruising, or a “popping” sensation during sex may signal penile fractureseek urgent care.

Treatment: What Actually Helps (and When)

Treatment depends on severity, goals (pain relief vs. straighter erections vs. sexual function), and whether you’re in the active or stable phase.
Not everyone needs treatment right awayespecially if curvature is mild, not getting worse, and sex is still possible.

Option 1: Observation (“watchful waiting”) and symptom support

If symptoms are mild and stable, doctors may recommend monitoring. Pain often improves over time, especially once the active phase passes. During this period,
your clinician might recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medications for pain (when appropriate for you).
• Managing ED if present (sometimes with prescription erectile dysfunction medications).
• Tracking changes: photos, measurements, and symptom notes.

Option 2: Mechanical therapy (traction devices)

Penile traction therapy uses a medical device that applies gentle, consistent stretching. It’s often used in the earlier (active) phase and sometimes in the
stable phase, either alone or alongside other treatments. Traction may help reduce curvature for some and can help preserve or improve lengthan outcome many
people care about a lot.

The catch: traction works best when used consistently, and “consistently” can mean daily use for weeks to months. Not glamorous, but many worthwhile things
aren’t (including flossing).

Option 3: Injectable treatments into the plaque

For men with more significant curvature, injections directly into the plaque can be an optionoften combined with a technique called “modeling,” where the penis
is gently bent in a controlled way to help remodel scar tissue.

• Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH): an FDA-approved injectable medication for certain cases of Peyronie’s disease. It’s designed to
  break down collagen in the plaque. It’s typically administered by trained clinicians in a specific protocol.
• Other injections (off-label in some settings): medications such as verapamil or interferon may be offered by some specialists depending on
  the case and local practice patterns.

Injections aren’t for everyone. Your provider will consider curvature degree, plaque features, erectile function, and safety factors. Side effects can include
bruising, swelling, and pain, andrarelymore serious injury, which is why proper training and follow-up instructions matter.

Option 4: Shockwave therapy and oral agents (what to know)

People often ask about oral supplements or pills. The reality is mixed: many oral therapies have limited evidence for improving curvature.
Some clinics may use certain medications in selected patients, particularly during the active phase, but expectations should be realistic.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy has been studied more for pain and erectile function than for reliably straightening curvature. If offered, it should be framed
as a potential adjunctnot a guaranteed “erase the curve” button.

Option 5: Surgery (for stable disease and significant bother)

Surgery is usually considered when curvature is stable and severe enough to prevent intercourse or cause major distressespecially if nonsurgical options haven’t
helped. The choice of surgery often depends on curvature severity, penile length, and whether ED is present.

Plication procedures

These procedures straighten the penis by shortening the longer side (opposite the plaque). They can be effective for many curvatures, especially when penile
length is adequate and erectile function is good. A potential downside is some loss of length.

Plaque incision/excision with grafting

For more complex or severe curvature (including hourglass deformities), surgeons may cut into or remove part of the plaque and place a graft to restore shape.
This approach can help preserve length, but it can carry a higher risk of erectile problems afterward in some patients.

Penile prosthesis (implant)

If significant ED is present along with Peyronie’s disease, a penile implant can restore rigidity and can also help correct curvature, sometimes with additional
straightening maneuvers during surgery. For some men, this is the most practical “two birds, one procedure” solution.

Prevention: Can You Stop Peyronie’s Disease Before It Starts?

There’s no guaranteed prevention method, because researchers don’t fully understand why some people develop Peyronie’s disease and others don’t. That said,
you can reduce risk by supporting healthy tissue and minimizing avoidable trauma.

Practical risk-reduction steps

• Protect against penile trauma: avoid positions or activities that repeatedly cause bending or pain; use adequate lubrication during sex.
• Address ED early: better rigidity can reduce buckling/bending injuries during intercourse.
• Quit smoking and manage cardiovascular risk factors.
• Manage diabetes and other chronic conditions that affect circulation and healing.
• Don’t do risky “DIY straightening” (aggressive bending, unapproved devices, or internet “hacks” can worsen injury).

If Peyronie’s symptoms start, getting evaluated earlier can help you understand your options, especially during the active phase when changes are still occurring.

Living With Peyronie’s Disease: The Part Doctors Don’t Always Have Time For

Peyronie’s disease can mess with more than anatomy. It can affect confidence, intimacy, mood, and communication. Many men feel embarrassed, anxious, or avoidant.
Some partners feel confused or worry they “caused” it. (They didn’t.)

Strategies that help in real life

• Talk to a urologist who treats Peyronie’s regularly (experience matters).
• Address mental healthstress and depression are common, and counseling can help.
• Include your partner when appropriate; couples often do better with shared understanding.
• Expand the definition of intimacy while treatment is ongoing; pressure to “perform” can worsen ED and distress.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Is Peyronie’s disease permanent?

Not always. Some men have improvement, many stabilize, and some worsen without treatment. Pain often improves over time, even if curvature remains.

Can Peyronie’s disease go away on its own?

Sometimes. A minority of cases improve spontaneously, and many become stable. Because progression is possible, an evaluation is still wise.

Does treatment guarantee a perfectly straight penis?

Treatment aims to improve function and reduce bother. Many men get meaningful improvement, but “perfectly straight” isn’t always realistic. The goal is usually
“straight enough for comfortable sex” and “better than it was,” not “factory reset.”

Should I stop having sex?

Not automaticallybut if intercourse causes pain, repeated bending, or injury, it’s smart to pause, modify activities, and talk with a clinician about safer
options during the active phase.

Real-World Experiences: What People Commonly Report (About )

The medical description of Peyronie’s disease is tidy: plaque forms, curvature appears, treatment happens. Real life is messierand usually starts with a
moment of confusion.

A common first experience is noticing something “off” during an erection: a new bend, a slight indentation, or pain that wasn’t there before. Many men assume
it’s temporary. Some blame stress, dehydration, or that one night they slept weird (because we all want a simple explanation). Others google “penis curve”
at 2 a.m., immediately regret it, and then google it again anyway.

Next comes the emotional swirl. Even mild Peyronie’s can trigger worry: “Is something tearing?” “Did I injure myself?” “Is sex going to be painful now?”
And for many men, there’s a quieter fear underneath: “What does this say about me?” It’s normal to feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even angryespecially
if you’re also dealing with erectile changes. Some men describe avoiding intimacy to prevent discomfort or awkward conversations, which can unintentionally
create distance with a partner.

The turning point for a lot of people is deciding to talk to a doctor. That’s often the hardest step, not because the exam is horrible (it usually isn’t),
but because saying the words out loud feels vulnerable. Many patients say they wish they’d gone soonerbecause even when the urologist recommends simple
monitoring at first, it replaces panic with a plan.

Treatment experiences vary. Some men do best with education and reassurance once they learn their case is mild and stable. Others commit to traction therapy
and describe it like “physical therapy you don’t brag about.” Men who choose injections often talk about mixed emotions: hope (because it’s a real medical
option), plus nervousness (because needles are involved). When it works, the improvement can feel like getting part of your life backnot just physically
but mentally.

Men who go the surgical route often describe a long decision process. Surgery can be life-changing for severe cases, but people usually want to feel confident
in the tradeoffs (like possible changes in length or erectile function). Many say the best part wasn’t just straighter erectionsit was the relief of no longer
thinking about their penis all day.

A final pattern shows up again and again: partners who communicate well tend to cope better. When Peyronie’s is treated like a shared challenge (rather than a
private shame), couples often find a path forwardwhether through medical treatment, counseling, or simply learning new ways to be intimate while healing.

Conclusion

Peyronie’s disease can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally heavybut it’s also a condition with real, evidence-based options. If you notice a new curve,
pain, a plaque, or sexual changes, a urologist can help confirm what’s happening and map out the best next steps. Whether the plan is observation, traction,
injections, or surgery, the goal is the same: restore comfort, function, and confidenceso your body feels like yours again.