Peyronie's disease is a connective tissue disorder. A buildup of scar tissues causes a curvature in the penis that is sometimes painful. The condition can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and affect your sex life.

An injury or trauma to the penis is often what causes Peyronie's disease. The injury can lead to a buildup of scar tissue.

What are the symptoms of Peyronie's disease?

Hardened plaques of scar tissue can pull on tissues inside the penis. Depending on the location of a plaque deposit, the penis may bend upward (this is the most common direction), downward, or sideways.

Symptoms of Peyronie's disease can appear suddenly, or they may come on gradually. Common signs include:

• Changes in penis size: Some men have multiple plaques that change the length and width of their penis. 

• Curve in the penis: This curvature is most noticeable when you have an erection, but you may be able to see it when the penis is flaccid. The penis may bend upward, downward, or sideways.

• Erectile dysfunction (ED): You may have problems getting or maintaining an erection. Some men experience a decrease in sexual pleasure. 

• Hard lump: The plaque of scar tissue can feel like a hard lump or a ring of hard tissue. You may be able to feel this lump with or without an erection.

• Indentations: Scar tissue that encircles the penis can cause the shaft to narrow. Instead of curving, the penis takes on an hourglass or bottleneck appearance. 

• Pain: Pain is most common during the early (acute) stage of Peyronie's disease when the curvature is still forming. Pain most commonly occurs with an erection. While this pain is often mild, it's still an uncomfortable feeling.

• Sexual penetration difficulties: Significant curves in the penis (more than 30 degrees) can make sexual penetration and intercourse more difficult. Sometimes, enjoyable sex isn't possible.

From the community: "Mine was 40 to 50%. It happened almost over night. I woke up one night with a erection and felt like there was a clamp on my penis. After that I had painful errection for I think about a month. The pain stopped but the curve stayed." – Inspire member

What other problems are associated with Peyronie's disease?

Changes to penis appearance, shape, and size, combined with pain and difficulties with sexual intimacy, can lead to these problems:

• Body image issues: Concerns about body appearance can cause emotional distress. You may feel less confident having sex or initiating intimacy. These feelings can lead to anxiety.

• Depression: Studies suggest that nearly half of men with Peyronie's disease become depressed about their condition. Depression is more likely if the condition affects penis size. Men who experience erectile dysfunction are also more likely to have depression.

• Problems with conception: Peyronie's disease doesn't affect sperm count or fertility. However, the curvature and associated pain can make intercourse more difficult. As a result, you may have sex less frequently, lowering your odds of conceiving. Or you may have difficulties reaching climax and ejaculating. 

• Relationship difficulties: Issues in the bedroom may strain your relationship with your partner. Problems like depression and anxiety can also affect how you interact with loved ones.

From the community: "I also have the compression at the base, rather than in the classic middle; I think I've only lost about one inch in length, from @ 6.75 inches. Fortunately no loss of girth where it counts. Since the compression and loss was not considered that severe by my urologist … he did not want to do anything. The @ one inch shortening has been more of a psychological issue for me, than any concern - mental or physical - for my wife. After thirty + years of marriage she's gotten used to all of my issues, positive or negative, and for that I am thankful." – Inspire member

How is Peyronie's disease diagnosed?

For diagnosis and treatment, you may see a urologist. This medical doctor specializes in conditions that affect the urinary and reproductive systems.

Diagnostic tests for Peyronie's disease may include:

• Physical exam: Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. During the physical exam, your doctor may feel the penis for a hardened plaque deposit or lump that indicates the presence of scar tissue. You may receive an injection to temporarily make the penis erect so the doctor can view the curvature and feel for the plaque deposit. Your doctor may also measure the penis and ask you to take pictures at home to monitor any future changes in size, shape, or curvature. 

• Ultrasound: This imaging test can show scar tissue, blood flow to the penis, and tissue abnormalities. You may receive an injection to cause an erection before getting the ultrasound.

How do doctors treat Peyronie's disease symptoms?

There are nonsurgical and surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease, but there isn't a complete cure. Treatments can ease pain and straighten some of the curvature, making sex more pleasurable. There are also treatments for erectile dysfunction. Some men with Peyronie's disease don't need treatment.

From the community: "While I don't have the hourglass (middle) effect, I do have the same kind of narrowing at the base of the penis; this has resulted in some shortening of erections. Also, I do not have any curve but my erections bend slightly to the left. When this was first diagnosed, about seven years ago, I did have pain in intercourse (which got me to consult my urologist), but not really any inability to have and maintain an erection." – Inspire member

Sources

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

• Peyronie's disease: Diagnosis and tests. Cleveland Clinic. August 2020.

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

• Peyronie's disease: Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. April 2020.

• Factors associated with erectile dysfunction and the Peyronie's disease questionnaire in patients with Peyronie's disease. Urology. September 2017.

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.