What is Peyronie’s disease?

Peyronie’s disease is caused by a build-up of fibrous scar tissue in the penis. This tissue can make your penis curve and cause painful erections and erectile dysfunction.

And Peyronie’s disease can get worse with time. If your penis bends at more than a 30 degree angle, is changing, or you experience painful erections or pain during sex, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

It’s important to remember that a curved penis can be totally normal for some men. Many men have a mild curve to their penis. It’s only when the curve becomes greater or when the curve causes painful erections that it becomes a problem.

Certain patients can be treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (brand name Xiaflex). But it’s a long, complicated process that can take months complete with injections, modeling, and multiple healthcare provider visits. However, the degree of curvature isn’t the only thing to worry about. One of the possible side effects of Peyronie’s disease is erectile dysfunction.

Pay attention to the curve of your penis and talk to a healthcare provider at the first signs of pain or discomfort when you get an erection or even when you pee. Peyronie’s disease can get worse with time and ignoring the signs may only make it more difficult to treat.

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Current version

May 26, 2020

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM

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About the medical reviewer

Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM

Dr. Mike is a licensed physician and a former Director, Medical Content & Education at Ro.