Curved Penis And Peyronie’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Short answer: A slight curve that you have always had is normal; few penises are perfectly straight. Peyronie’s disease is different: it is scar tissue inside the penis that causes a new bend, often with pain, a lump you can feel, or a loss of length. It is more common than most men realize, and it is treatable, especially when it is caught early. If your penis has started to curve, see a urologist rather than waiting.

Is A Curved Penis Normal?

Yes, in most cases. Many men have a mild curve up, down or to one side that has been there since puberty. A curve like that is harmless as long as it does not cause pain or make sex difficult. It is sometimes called congenital curvature.

The warning signs are change and symptoms. A curve that appears or gets worse in adulthood, especially with pain or a lump, points to Peyronie’s disease.

What Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease happens when fibrous scar tissue, called a plaque, forms in the lining of the erection chambers. That lining normally stretches evenly during an erection. The plaque does not stretch, so the penis bends toward it, and it can also cause narrowing, an hourglass shape or shortening.

The exact cause is not fully understood. It is thought to start with small, often unnoticed injuries to the penis, such as bending during sex, followed by abnormal healing. It is more common in men with diabetes, erectile problems or a family history, and in men with Dupuytren’s contracture, a related condition of the hand.

How Common Is Peyronie’s Disease?

More common than its reputation. The American Urological Association’s guideline on the condition cites a US study in which 0.5% of adult men had been formally diagnosed, but 13% reported symptoms. Other studies have found rates of about 3% to 9% in middle-aged and older men, and higher rates in men with diabetes or erectile problems. Many men never mention it to a doctor.

Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms

• A new curve or bend during erections
• A firm lump or band under the skin of the shaft
• Pain with erections, especially early on
• Loss of length or girth
• Narrowing or an hourglass shape
• Difficulty with penetration or erection problems

The Two Phases

• Active (acute) phase: Usually the first 6 to 18 months. The plaque is forming, the curve may change and erections may be painful.
• Stable (chronic) phase: Pain usually settles and the curve stops changing. Some treatments, including surgery, are only used once the condition is stable.

Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the phase, how severe the curve is, and whether erections are firm enough for sex. A urologist will usually examine you, and may induce an erection in the office to measure the curve accurately.

Penile Traction Therapy

Traction devices gently stretch the penis for several hours a day. They can be used in both phases, and are thought to work best early, often alongside other treatments. The Canadian Urological Association lists traction as a treatment option, and studies have reported an average improvement in curvature of roughly a third, along with help preserving or regaining length. It takes real commitment, usually several hours a day over months.

Injections

Collagenase injections, which break down part of the plaque, are used for stable curves between 30 and 90 degrees in men with good erections, usually combined with gentle stretching or “modeling.” Verapamil and interferon injections are other options with more mixed evidence.

Surgery

For stable, severe curvature that prevents sex, options include plication, which shortens the longer side to straighten the penis; plaque incision or excision with a graft; and, for men who also have significant erectile problems, a penile implant.

Treatments Guidelines Do Not Support

The American Urological Association advises against oral vitamin E, tamoxifen and several other supplements for Peyronie’s, and against shockwave therapy for reducing the curve or plaque, though shockwave may be offered for pain. Be wary of products that promise to “dissolve” plaque.

Where Traction Fits

Penile traction is one of the few things a man can do at home that has clinical support for Peyronie’s disease. If your urologist recommends traction, a well-designed extender with adjustable, measurable tension and a comfortable strap system matters, because you will be wearing it for hours. SizeGenetics is the extender we recommend. Please get a diagnosis first: traction is a treatment to use as part of a plan, not a substitute for seeing a doctor.

When To See A Doctor

• Any new curve, lump or indentation
• Pain during erections
• Noticeable loss of length
• A curve that makes sex difficult or painful for you or your partner

Early evaluation gives you the most options. A urologist sees this condition often, and there is no reason to be embarrassed about bringing it up.

Frequently Asked Questions