Peyronie’s Disease - Evaluating and Treating a Curved or Bent Penis
Peyronie’s disease, or Peyronie disease, is a common affliction, affecting up to 23% of the worldwide male population between the ages of 40 and 70 years. And because both patients and doctors underreport Peyronie’s disease, the actual numbers may be much higher.
What is Peyronie’s Disease?
In men with Peyronie’s disease, fibrous scar tissue develops beneath the surface of the penis, leading to excessive curvature of the male organ. Initially, swelling and inflammation or pain with erections can occur followed eventually by restrictions and curvature with erections. The hard plaque on the penis can often be felt while palpating the penis.
Peyronie’s disease can be precipitated by an injury or trauma to the penis but often happens spontaneously with no preceding incident or known cause.
Is a Curved or Bent Penis Normal?
Some men are born with some natural or mild curvature with erections. This type of curvature is generally not a source of concern and is mild enough that it doesn’t cause problems for the man or their partner during sex. Curvature that is more extreme or develops suddenly later in life is likely Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s curvature is often accompanied by pain with erections , penile atrophy or loss of length of the penis. Pain with Peyronie’s often resolves over time, however curvature and loss of size or length may persist.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie's disease signs and symptoms might suddenly appear or they may develop gradually. The most common symptoms include:
Scar tissue. The scar tissue associated with Peyronie's disease - called plaque - can be felt under the skin of the penis as flat lumps or a band of hard tissue.
A significant bend to the penis. The penis may curve upward or downward or bend to one side. This is most prominent with an erection.
Erectile dysfunction. Getting or maintaining an erection may become problematic with Peyronie’s or existing ED may worsen. Many men feel erections are unstable or feel “less sturdy” and often profusion or blood flow to the penis can be compromised.
Shortening of the penis. The penis might become shorter as a result of Peyronie's disease.
Pain. Men with Peyronie’s may experience penile pain, with or without an erection.
Treating Peyronie’s Disease
Treatment for Peyronie's Disease is considered more effective in the early stages of the condition. Roughly 20% of active patients may improve spontaneously, while 40% stabilize and another 40% progress further with the disease. Treatment options include:
Oral Medication (Vitamin E, Colchicine, Pentoxifylline)
Injection Therapies (Verapamil, Xiaflex)
Regenerative Therapies (Low Intensity Shockwave/GAINSWave)
P-Shot / PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
Topical Therapy (Verapamil ointment)
Remodeling / Mechanical Treatments (Vacuum Erection Device, Penile Traction Therapy, Modeling exercises)
Surgery (considered as a last resort for extreme cases)
You can learn more about Peyronie’s Disease and successful treatment options by reading our Peyronie’s Disease page