Will Peyronie's disease go away on its own?

Pain usually settles within a year as the active phase ends, but the curvature improves spontaneously in only a minority of men, remains stable in most, and worsens in some. Because the condition rarely resolves fully, men with bothersome curvature should discuss treatment options rather than waiting indefinitely.

Is Peyronie's disease linked to cancer?

No. The plaque is benign scar tissue and never becomes cancerous. The lump can be alarming, but it is not a tumor. The main concerns are curvature, pain, and the impact on sexual function and wellbeing.

Will surgery make my penis shorter?

Plication surgery, which shortens the longer side to straighten the penis, does reduce length slightly. Grafting procedures preserve more length but carry a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best fits the degree of curvature, your erectile function, and your priorities.

Can I still have sex with Peyronie's disease?

Many men with mild to moderate curvature continue to have satisfying sex, sometimes by adapting positions. Pain and severe bends or narrowing can make penetration difficult or impossible, which is where treatment comes in. Open communication with your partner and, where needed, sex therapy can help considerably.

ReproductiveICD-10: N48.6More common than once thought, particularly in middle-aged men; often underreported

Peyronie's Disease

Also known as: Peyronie disease, Penile fibrosis, Curved penis

Peyronie's disease is a condition in which scar tissue (plaque) forms in the tough sheath surrounding the erectile tissue of the penis. The plaque does not stretch like normal tissue, so during an erection the penis bends, narrows, or develops an indentation at the site of the scar. It typically begins with pain and a gradually developing curve during an active phase that lasts several months, then settles into a stable phase where pain eases but the curvature remains. Peyronie's can make sex difficult or impossible and often causes considerable distress and loss of confidence. It is believed to result from abnormal healing after minor injuries to the penis, and treatments range from injections and traction to surgery, depending on severity and stage.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: A hard lump or band of tissue that can be felt under the skin of the penis, A curve, bend, or hourglass narrowing of the penis during erection, Pain in the penis, with or without an erection, especially in the early active phase
Main treatments: Observation during the active phase, since surgery is not performed until the condition has been stable for several months, Collagenase injections (Xiaflex) into the plaque, which break down scar tissue and reduce curvature in suitable candidates, Penile traction therapy using a device worn daily, which can reduce curvature and preserve length
Category: Reproductive · More common than once thought, particularly in middle-aged men; often underreported
See a doctor if: A new lump, curve, or indentation in the penis

Symptoms

A hard lump or band of tissue that can be felt under the skin of the penis

A curve, bend, or hourglass narrowing of the penis during erection

Pain in the penis, with or without an erection, especially in the early active phase

Shortening of the penis

Difficulty with penetration or painful intercourse

Erectile dysfunction

Anxiety, low mood, or relationship stress related to the condition

Causes

Abnormal wound healing after repeated minor trauma to the erect penis during sex or sport, often not remembered
Formation of fibrous scar tissue in the tunica albuginea, the sheath around the erectile chambers
A genetic predisposition to abnormal scarring
Association with connective tissue disorders such as Dupuytren's contracture of the hand

Risk Factors

Middle age, with most diagnoses between 40 and 70
A family history of Peyronie's disease or Dupuytren's contracture
Diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Previous prostate surgery
Smoking and a history of pelvic or penile trauma

Diagnosis

A history of symptoms, timing, and effect on sexual function
Physical examination to feel the plaque and assess its location and size
Assessment of the curvature, sometimes using photographs taken at home during erection or an injection-induced erection in clinic
Penile ultrasound to map the plaque and check blood flow
Screening for erectile dysfunction and psychological distress

Treatment

Observation during the active phase, since surgery is not performed until the condition has been stable for several months
Collagenase injections (Xiaflex) into the plaque, which break down scar tissue and reduce curvature in suitable candidates
Penile traction therapy using a device worn daily, which can reduce curvature and preserve length
Oral medications for pain or erectile dysfunction; drugs such as pentoxifylline have limited evidence for the plaque itself
Surgery for stable, significant curvature: plication (shortening the longer side), grafting of the plaque, or penile implant when erectile dysfunction coexists
Supportive: counseling or sex therapy to address distress and help couples adapt
Supportive: vitamin E and other supplements have been widely used but trials show little benefit; discuss before trying

Prevention

Peyronie's cannot be reliably prevented
Take care during vigorous sex to avoid bending injuries to the erect penis
Treat erectile dysfunction, since a partially rigid penis is more vulnerable to buckling injuries
Keep diabetes well controlled and do not smoke
Seek assessment early when a curve or lump appears, since early treatment options differ from late ones

When to See a Doctor

A new lump, curve, or indentation in the penis
Pain with erections lasting more than a few weeks
Curvature that makes sex difficult or painful
Sudden severe pain, bruising, and swelling of the penis after a 'popping' sensation during sex (emergency, possible penile fracture)
Significant distress or relationship strain related to the condition

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Erectile Dysfunction

Reproductive

Type 2 Diabetes

Endocrine

Low Testosterone

Endocrine

Chronic Pain

Neurological

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