Urology
Peyronie’s Disease
You don’t have to live with Peyronie’s disease. Our experts offer compassionate treatment to improve a curved penis and make sexual activity more comfortable.
Medically reviewed by Marc Dall'Era, M.D. on April 06, 2026.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
Scar tissue, called plaque, sometimes develops under the skin of your penis. Injury — even minor repeated injuries from sexual intercourse — can cause plaque to form. The plaque pulls on surrounding tissue and makes your penis curve or indent like an hourglass.
With Peyronie’s disease, you may experience pain, difficulty having intercourse or erectile dysfunction. As a result, you may develop anxiety about sexual intimacy.
UC Davis Health is a leading center for urology care and research. We help improve your physical and emotional health with comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment for Peyronie’s disease.
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Painful Erections and Other Symptoms
Peyronie’s disease typically has two stages of symptoms. In the acute stage, you may experience pain and the changing curve of your penis. After three to 18 months, the pain may decrease as curving stabilizes.
Common Symptoms
These are common symptoms of Peyronie’s disease:
- Bent or curved penis with or without an erection
- Difficulty having intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction
- A lump on your penis
- Narrowing or denting of your penis
- Pain with erections
- Shortened penis
Emergency Symptoms
Peyronie’s disease doesn’t require urgent intervention, but some symptoms could indicate a serious condition, like penile fracture. Get help right away if you experience these symptoms with your penis:
- Bruising
- Sudden, severe pain
- Swelling
Causes and Risk Factors for Curved Penis
A build-up of scar tissue causes Peyronie’s disease. Some factors, like age and family history, increase your risk for the condition.
Age
Penile tissue is more susceptible to injury as it doesn’t heal as well as you age.
Medical Disorders
Men who have diabetes with erectile dysfunction have a greater risk for developing Peyronie’s disease. Your risk also increases with connective tissue diseases and autoimmune disorders such as Dupuytren’s disease, scleroderma and lupus.
Family History
If you have a father or brother with Peyronie’s disease, you have a greater risk of developing the condition.
Injury
A single or repeated injury to your penis during intercourse, sports or other physical activities may lead to Peyronie’s disease.
Diagnosis and Testing for Peyronie’s Disease
Some men are nervous about discussing changes to their genitalia. But it’s important to talk with your physician right away so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment for Peyronie’s disease.
During your first visit, your UC Davis urologist will review your medical history and family history and do a physical exam. Your physician may order additional tests, such as:
- Advanced imaging, including MRI and ultrasound
- Penile injections to evaluate your erection
Peyronie’s Disease Treatments
Peyronie’s disease sometimes resolves itself, so your urologist may simply monitor your condition if your symptoms are mild. When treatment is necessary, we offer a full range of options, from injectable medication to non-surgical devices and minimally invasive solutions. We work with you to find the best treatment to fit your lifestyle and help you resume pain-free sexual activity.
Injectable Medication
Medication is injected into the penis to soften scar tissue and improve elasticity.
Mechanical Devices
Mechanical traction devices and vacuum pumps support erections.
Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery removes the curve from your penis. Inflatable or malleable penile implants let you control your erection.
Preventing Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease can’t always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk.
Protect Yourself From Injury
Take steps to protect your genitalia during physical activity. Avoid bending your penis during an erection.
Get Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
You may cause injury to your penis if erectile dysfunction (ED) makes intercourse difficult for you. ED treatment lowers your risk of injury that can lead to Peyronie’s disease.
Of men over age 18, about
1 in 100Are diagnosed with Peyronie's disease, though many more likely have it.
Of men with Peyronie’s disease,
30-60%Also have erectile dysfunction.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Penile Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease)
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine: Peyronie’s Disease
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