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Noticing changes in your sexual function can be overwhelming. Clear and direct information is the best tool for maintaining health. Peyronie’s disease is a common and non-cancerous condition that doctors can treat. Scar tissue develops inside the penis, which usually leads to painful erections. Learn the early symptoms and steps to take to manage it properly.
What is Peyronie’s disease?
According to the American Urological Association, Peyronie’s disease is an abnormal curvature of the penis. It causes pain, change in shape and erectile dysfunction or trouble keeping the penis hard. Peyronie’s disease affects 3.2% to 13% of the male population in Western countries.
It is formed due to a scar, also known as a plaque, that develops under the skin of the penis. Plaque does not spread to other people and the disease is more common than reported. Many men may not realize they have it, especially those with erectile dysfunction where they cannot see a curvature.
The initial stage is when plaque forms. Inflammation, pain and changes usually occur during this time. A more advanced form of the disease occurs when the plaque stops growing and the swelling subsides. The pain is reduced, but the changes in the penis remain. You may also develop erectile dysfunction at this stage.
Recognizing the early signs of Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease causes sexual dysfunction, but it’s not the only reason you may experience it. Some of the other more common causes of sexual dysfunction include:
With Peyronie’s disease, a hard plaque can make it difficult for you to get or keep an erection. Scar tissue can also cause a loss of length when the penis is erect, or it can create a dent in the middle, causing an hourglass shape.
You may first notice Peyronie’s disease because of a noticeable curve in the erect penis that wasn’t there before. The position of the plate determines the direction of the curve, so the penis can curve up, down or sideways. When not erect, scar tissue can be felt under the skin. This may feel like a firm and flat lump along the length of the penis.
Some may notice pain during the initial phase of Peyronie’s disease, usually during erection. However, you may also experience a dull ache when the penis is not erect. Peyronie’s disease can also cause mental health problems due to sexual dysfunction. In fact, depression affects 19.6% of men with Peyronie’s disease compared to 14% of men without.
What are the causes and risk factors for Peyronie’s disease?
The exact causes of this disease are not yet fully understood. The medical community currently believes that Peyronie’s disease is the result of abnormal healing due to a small trauma or microscopic injuries to the penis. Here are the most common factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition:
- Age
- Genetics
- Connective tissue disorders affecting the skin or joints
- Related health conditions
When to see a doctor
It is important to consult a doctor immediately when you notice a new curvature, feel pain, feel a large lump or have difficulty with erections. A urologist can diagnose and help manage Peyronie’s disease.
Seeking medical guidance early is important to prevent worsening penile curvature and other changes. Without proper treatment, pain during erection can usually last for one to two years, but penile shortening, curvature and scarring remain.
Taking the next step towards better sexual health
Peyronie’s disease is a common and manageable medical condition. It is non-cancerous and non-contagious, but is usually accompanied by pain and changes in the penis. Recognizing the early signs can help you treat the condition as soon as possible. A diagnosis can help resolve your symptoms and give you renewed confidence.
Resources
American Urological Association. (2026). Guidelines & Quality. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines
Paulis, G., De Giorgio, G., & Paulis, A. (2024). Clinical presentation of Peyronie’s disease: A retrospective study of 564 cases. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 14(11), 1125. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111125
Martinez, B. (2021, January 27). What can you do about sexual dysfunction? The Y factor. https://theyfactor.com/blog/what-can-you-do-about-sexual-dysfunction
Lindhardt-Mejlholm, SL, Mortensen, KS, Andersen, IT, Nørgaard, M., & Lund, L. (2025, September 4). Peyronie’s disease and risk of depression. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40684259/
Mayo Clinic staff. (2024, March 27). Peyronie’s disease. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peyronies-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353468
Urology Care Foundation Staff. (2020). What is Peyronie’s disease? Foundation for Urological Care.
