Peyronie's disease (penile curvature): Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
September 3, 2026
Categories: Men's Health, Urology
Men's health concerns can sometimes feel difficult to talk about, especially when they involve sexual function or changes to anatomy. The good news is that many of these issues are more common than people realize and often have effective treatment options.
While some degree of penile curvature is completely normal and varies from person to person, when a curve develops or becomes more noticeable over time, it may be a sign of Peyronie's disease, an often-misunderstood condition caused by scar tissue that forms beneath the skin of the penis. The condition can cause the penis to bend or curve during erections and may sometimes lead to discomfort or difficulties with sexual activity. Fortunately, a range of treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's disease is a condition where segments of flat scar tissue (plaques) form under the skin of the penis. This can cause the penis to bend, curve or develop an indentation during erections, which may make sexual activity painful and/or uncomfortable. The amount and direction of the curvature depend on where the plaque is located.
The disease is often split into two stages, known as the acute and chronic phases. The acute phase often lasts for up to a year but can last longer in rare cases. This is when the plaque forms, bending/curving becomes noticeable and can worsen, and men may feel pain during erections and sex during this phase. The chronic phase is when the plaque and bending stabilize and are generally no longer painful.
What are common symptoms of Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue develops inside the penis, leading to changes in its shape and function. Symptoms may appear gradually or develop suddenly, and can vary from person to person. Common signs include:
- A noticeable curve or bend in the penis during an erection
- Lumps or hardened areas of scar tissue that can be felt under the skin
- Penile pain, which may occur with or without an erection
- Shortening of the penis or a decrease in girth
- Indentations or an “hourglass” appearance of the erect penis
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Who is affected and how common is Peyronie's disease?
Peyronie's disease can affect men of any age after adulthood, although the risk increases with age and the condition is less common among men in their 20s and 30s.
It's estimated that 1% of men in the United States have been diagnosed with the disease, although embarrassment felt by afflicted men may cause less reporting so the estimated number may be higher.
You may be at higher risk of Peyronie's disease if you:
- Engage in vigorous sexual or nonsexual activities that cause micro-injuries to the penis
- Have certain connective tissue and autoimmune disorders
- Have a family history of Peyronie’s disease
- Are older
- Have diabetes and erectile dysfunction
- Have a history of prostate cancer treatment with surgery
The effects of Peyronie's disease can extend beyond physical symptoms. Changes in sexual function, penile appearance and self-confidence may contribute to stress, anxiety, relationship challenges and reduced quality of life.
Diagnosis and when to see a clinician
Many men delay seeking medical advice when symptoms involve an intimate area of the body that affects their penis and sex life. However, if men notice painful erections, new bends, curves or hard lumps under the skin, it's time to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or urologist.
Generally, an evaluation by a doctor consists of a medical history, which may include questions about injuries or anything else that may have happened prior to the symptoms. The doctor will likely feel the hardened tissue and ask you to bring in photos of the erect penis taken at home. This helps the doctor see the location of scar tissue, the amount of curving and any other information that may help with treatment.
In some cases, a urologist may order imaging to enhance diagnosis. For example, an ultrasound may be used due to its easy availability, low risk and ability to quantify the amount of plaque within the penis.
Peyronie's disease treatment options
Men with Peyronie's disease need to know that there are many treatment options for the condition. A doctor can offer multiple options to help you get back to living your life.
Non-surgical approaches
Non-surgical treatment is often the first step in managing Peyronie’s disease, particularly in patients with mild symptoms or those in the early phase of the condition. Treatment choice depends on symptom severity, disease stage and the impact on sexual function.
- Observation: Patients with mild, stable curvature that does not affect sexual activity may be managed with monitoring alone.
- Oral therapies: Oral medications have limited evidence of effectiveness, although some may be used to help manage pain during the active phase of the disease.
- Intralesional injections: Injections directly into the penile plaque, particularly collagenase in suitable patients, can reduce curvature and improve symptoms.
- Penile traction devices: Traction therapy may help reduce curvature and preserve penile length, especially when used consistently over time.
Surgical options
In general, surgery is not recommended in the acute phase of Peyronie's disease, specifically the first 9 to 12 months. Once the curvature stops and pain goes away then a doctor may suggest surgery, especially if the curve is severe or is preventing you from sexual activity.
The most common surgical options include:
- Penile plication: Reduces or eliminates the curvature of the penis by making a small incision on the side opposite the curve and uses stitches to pull the penis into a straight position.
- Plaque incision/excision with grafting: Surgeons remove the plaque or swelling and then replace it with a graft of synthetic or biological material.
- Penile prosthesis: When a man is suffering from both Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction, a penile prosthesis may be used to treat both conditions at once.
Rehabilitation and long-term follow-up
Peyronie’s disease can affect both physical and emotional well-being. Ongoing support and follow-up can help patients manage symptoms, maintain sexual function and understand what to expect from treatment.
Support and recovery may include:
- Sexual counselling: Counselling may help patients and their partners address concerns about sexual function, body image, confidence and relationships.
- Penile rehabilitation: Penile rehabilitation strategies, including traction therapy and or medical therapies recommended by a specialist, may help support recovery and maintain function.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Selected patients may benefit from pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation, particularly if pelvic floor dysfunction contributes to symptoms.
- Ongoing follow-up: Regular review helps monitor disease progression, assess treatment response, and adjust management when needed.
While Peyronie's disease can be frustrating and sometimes distressing, effective treatment options are available. Early evaluation and appropriate care can help improve symptoms, support sexual health and enhance overall quality of life.
