A minor injury to the penis (penile trauma) can cause scar tissue, or plaque deposits, to form underneath the skin. Repeated trauma may lead to a buildup of scar tissue and Peyronie's disease. Sometimes, the problem develops after a one-time event.

An estimated 8 out of 10 men who have Peyronie's disease can't trace the problem back to a particular incident. It’s likely that multiple small, unnoticeable injuries during sex lead to scar tissue buildup.

What causes a penis injury?

Many things can cause penile trauma, including:

• accidents 

• bending the penis during sexual penetration

• pressure from hitting against a woman's pubic bone

• sports injuries

• vigorous sex

What causes the penis to curve?

Many men have a slightly curved penis. This penile curvature is often present since birth (congenital). Because it isn't painful and doesn't affect erections, it's rarely cause for concern.

Penile curvatures that appear unexpectedly, cause pain, or interfere with your sex life may require medical attention. Often, these curvatures are the result of something injuring the penis and damaging internal tissues. Damage typically occurs to the tunica albuginea. This fibrous sheath surrounds the tubes in the penis that fill with blood to cause an erection.

You may not be aware that these penile injuries (called micro-injuries) are happening. A more severe or noticeable injury may cause tissues in the penis to bleed and swell.

As these injuries heal, plaques of hardened scar tissue can form. These plaques pull on surrounding tissues, causing the penis to curve or bend when erect (and sometimes when soft).

Who is at risk for Peyronie's disease?

Not every man who experiences a penile injury or trauma develops Peyronie's disease. Certain risk factors may make you more prone to poor wound healing and a subsequent buildup of scar tissue.

These risk factors include:

• Age: Men as young as 18, as well as those in their 80s and beyond, can get Peyronie's disease. Still, the condition is more common in men between 45 and 60. As you get older, it can be easier to damage aging penile tissue. Plus, the damaged tissue may take longer to heal.  

• Autoimmune disease: An autoimmune disease causes the body's immune system to attack healthy cells and tissue. Men who have inflammatory autoimmune diseases like lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, or Behcet's disease have an increased risk of Peyronie's disease.

• Connective tissue disorders: Peyronie's disease is a connective tissue disorder. These disorders affect collagen and elastin, proteins found in cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and skin. Some men who develop Peyronie's disease also have other connective tissue disorders. The most commonly linked disorder is Dupuytren's contracture. This condition causes tissue in the hand to gradually thicken and tighten. Eventually, one or more fingers permanently bend inward toward the palm. Other linked disorders include scleroderma and plantar fasciitis. 

• Diabetes: Men who have Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop nerve and blood vessel damage that leads to erectile dysfunction (ED), an inability to get or maintain an erection. Men with diabetes-related ED are up to 5 times more likely to develop Peyronie's disease.

• Genetics: You may be more prone to Peyronie's disease if a close family member like your father, brother, or uncle has the problem.

• Prostate cancer treatments: Men who undergo surgery or other treatments for prostate cancer are more prone to erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease. 

• Smoking: Tobacco and nicotine products can slow wound healing. This may allow scar tissue to accumulate.

From the community: "Recently diagnosed with possible peyronies disease. I had an injury after sex a month ago. Not immediately noticable, or with immediate symptoms. Last week I noticed a slight indentation on the top of my penis beneath the head. As well as being woken up at night with some painful erections. The Urologist I went to told me to take vitamin E and follow up with him in 6 to 8 weeks and see if things heal up more. On examination he said there was no plaque, inflammation, or any noticable signs of issue.

The pain has already gone away alot. I am guessing this is a soft tissue injury. Since this is the very acute stage. I want to be as prompt as possible with any treatments that are best. To prevent as much scar tissue and plaque build up as possible. And hopefully reverse full damage that happened.

The doctor gave me a paper about some methods of treatment and one was called potaba which has been shown to be very effective in the acute stage to prevent plaque from forming. Curious what people's thoughts and experiences with this medication are. It's effectiveness and how well it prevents issues from progressing?

I am looking for any other options either over the counter, prescription, or therapy and likewise. So that I can treat this now with all tools I can have available to promote as much healing as possible and prevent longer term damage and dysfunction. What are my best options right now in regard of all of this? Thanks so much for any help!" – Inspire member

From the community: "I too had a straight penis. About three months after my three hernia operations two in the groin area. I noticed my penis when erect had a curve to it. The only event that had changed in my life was my hernia operation. I went to the doctor and he did tell me i have scar tissue on my penis. My question is if that was the only recent operation and a mesh surgery does not cause peyronie's disease then what all of a sudden caused the scar tissue to suddenly appear out of nowhere?" – Inspire member

Sources

• Peyronie's disease. American Urological Foundation. September 2020.

• Peyronie's disease. Cleveland Clinic. August 2020.

• Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: Take control today. Mayo Clinic. January 2018.

• Peyronie's disease. Mayo Clinic. April 2020.

• Penile curvature (Peyronie's disease). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. August 2019.

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.