Peyronie's disease causes the penis to curve abnormally due to scar tissue buildup in the tunica albuginea, the fibrous sheath surrounding the erectile tissue. The condition affects roughly 1 in 100 men, though rates may be higher since many avoid seeking treatment due to embarrassment.
The disease develops in two phases. The acute inflammatory phase typically lasts 12 to 18 months and involves pain during erections and progressive curvature. The chronic stable phase follows, where the curvature plateaus but pain usually subsides. During the acute phase, the body deposits fibrin and collagen abnormally in response to small tears or trauma during intercourse.
Risk factors include penile injury (often unnoticed), age over 40, connective tissue disorders like Dupuytren's contracture, and certain medications including beta-blockers. Genetic predisposition plays a role in some cases.
Treatment depends on disease stage and severity. During the acute phase, medications like verapamil injected directly into the plaque and oral therapies such as potassium para-aminobenzoate show modest benefits in some studies. Traction therapy, which uses mechanical devices to straighten the penis, demonstrates effectiveness when used consistently for several months.
Surgical intervention becomes an option once the disease stabilizes. Procedures include plication, which shortens the unaffected side of the penis, or grafting, which involves removing plaque and replacing it with tissue. Surgery works best for significant curvature that interferes with intercourse.
Early intervention matters. Men who seek treatment during the acute phase have better outcomes than those who wait years. The emotional toll runs deep, with depression and anxiety common among affected men. Speaking with a healthcare provider opens doors to effective treatments that can restore function and confidence. Urologists specializing in sexual medicine handle