Peyronie’s Disease: What It Is, Symptoms, and Treatment
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes scar tissue to form under the skin of the penis, leading to curvature, pain, and sometimes erectile difficulties. This guide covers symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management options for people living with the condition.
Peyronie’s disease causes painful penile curvature and scar tissue due to repeated minor injury to the penis. It is a chronic condition, but many treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. If you notice sudden penile curvature or severe pain, see a urologist right away.
Overview
Peyronie’s disease is a chronic, non-cancerous condition that causes scar tissue (called plaque) to form under the skin of the penis. This plaque can make the penis curve upward, downward, or to the side during erections, and may cause pain, erectile difficulties, or penis shortening. It most often affects men between the ages of 40 and 70, though it can occur at any age. While Peyronie’s can be distressing, it is manageable with proper treatment and care.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease may develop suddenly or gradually over months. Common signs include: noticeable penile curvature during erections; pain or tenderness in the penis, especially during erections or touch; a palpable lump or area of hardened tissue under the penile skin; difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction, or ED); shortening of the penis; and emotional distress, anxiety, or relationship strain related to physical symptoms.
Peyronie’s symptoms typically go through two phases: an active phase where curvature and pain worsen, and a stable phase where symptoms stop progressing. Most people enter the stable phase within 6 to 18 months of first noticing symptoms. Early treatment during the active phase often leads to better long-term outcomes.
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to repeated minor trauma to the penis, such as from vigorous sexual activity, sports injuries, or accidental impacts. During the healing process, abnormal scar tissue (plaque) forms instead of normal tissue. Risk factors for developing Peyronie’s include: being over age 40; having diabetes; having a connective tissue disorder such as Dupuytren’s contracture (a condition that causes thickening of the palm tissue); having had prostate or pelvic surgery; smoking; and taking certain medications that impair tissue healing.
Diagnosis
Peyronie’s disease is usually diagnosed by a urologist (a doctor who specializes in urinary and male reproductive health) during a physical exam. Your provider will feel for plaque under the penile skin and may ask you to provide photos of your erect penis to measure the degree of curvature. In some cases, a penile ultrasound may be ordered to map the size and location of plaque and check blood flow to the penis. Blood tests may also be done to screen for underlying risk factors like diabetes or hormone imbalances.
| Test | Purpose | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Physical exam | Check for plaque, measure degree of curvature | Urologist feels the penis for scar tissue, may request at-home photos of erections to track curvature |
| Penile ultrasound | Map scar tissue location/size, assess blood flow | Painless, non-invasive scan using sound waves; no radiation exposure |
| Blood tests | Screen for underlying risk factors | Quick blood draw to test for blood sugar, hormone levels, and other markers |
Treatment & Management
Treatment for Peyronie’s depends on whether you are in the active (worsening) phase or stable (symptoms unchanged for 3+ months) phase. Active phase treatment focuses on reducing pain and preventing further curvature, while stable phase treatment aims to correct existing curvature and improve erectile function. Common treatment options include:
- Oral medications: Pentoxifylline, a medication that improves blood flow and reduces inflammation, is often prescribed during the active phase to slow plaque growth and reduce pain.
- Topical treatments: Over-the-counter vitamin E or prescription topical verapamil creams may be applied to the penis, though evidence for their effectiveness is limited.
- Penile traction therapy: A medical device that gently stretches the penis for several hours a day can reduce curvature and prevent penis shortening, and is often used during the active phase.
- Injections: Medications like collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) or verapamil are injected directly into the plaque to break down scar tissue and reduce curvature, typically used for stable phase Peyronie’s.
- Surgery: For severe, stable curvature that does not improve with other treatments, surgical options like plaque removal or penile implant placement may be recommended to straighten the penis and restore erectile function.
Living With It
Peyronie’s disease can have a significant emotional impact, including anxiety, embarrassment, or relationship strain. It is important to communicate openly with your sexual partner about your symptoms and concerns, and to seek support from a counselor or peer support group if you are struggling emotionally. Avoid activities that could cause further penile trauma, and work with your urologist to adjust treatments as needed to manage symptoms long-term.
Never attempt to force straighten your penis at home, as this can cause permanent damage including nerve injury, scar tissue worsening, or permanent erectile dysfunction. All corrective treatments should be performed under the guidance of a licensed urologist.
Medical Review Team
WellAlly Medical Editorial Team
This content is not a replacement for professional medical advice.
Recovery & management timeline
0–18 months
Acute (Active) Phase
Focus on pain management, avoid penile trauma, and start first-line treatments like oral pentoxifylline or penile traction to prevent worsening curvature and plaque growth.
18+ months (symptoms unchanged for 3+ months)
Stable Phase
Discuss corrective treatments like collagenase injections or surgery with your urologist if curvature interferes with intercourse or causes significant distress.
Ongoing
Long-Term Management
Continue any prescribed therapies, attend annual urology check-ups to monitor symptoms, and address emotional or relationship concerns with a mental health provider or support group if needed.
Self-care steps
1Avoid penile trauma
Refrain from rough or aggressive sexual activity, and avoid contact sports or activities that put you at risk for direct impact to the penis to prevent further scar tissue formation.
2Quit smoking
Smoking impairs blood flow and tissue healing, which can worsen Peyronie’s symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about smoking cessation programs, nicotine replacement therapy, or prescription medications to help you quit.
3Use prescribed treatments consistently
If you are prescribed oral medications, traction devices, or injection therapies, use them exactly as directed by your urologist. Skipping doses or inconsistent use of traction devices can reduce their effectiveness.
4Prioritize emotional well-being
Peyronie’s can cause significant emotional distress. Consider joining a peer support group for people with Peyronie’s, or speak to a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health to address anxiety, embarrassment, or relationship concerns.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent or emergency medical care if you experience sudden, severe penile pain, a popping sound during an erection or sexual activity, or rapid curvature that makes intercourse impossible, as these may be signs of a penile fracture (a medical emergency) or other acute penile injury. Schedule an appointment with a urologist promptly if you notice new penile curvature, pain during erections, or a palpable lump under the penile skin, as early treatment improves long-term outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peyronie’s disease contagious?
Will Peyronie’s disease go away on its own?
Can Peyronie’s disease cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Is surgery the only option for severe penile curvature?
Sources
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- 4NHS - Peyronie's DiseaseSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Medical Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy