What happens if Peyronie’s disease is not treated? Penile curvature can stabilize at an angle that blocks intercourse, and scar tissue may lead to erectile dysfunction. Learn the impact on sexual and mental health.
Men who notice an unusual penile curvature but delay seeing a doctor—often out of embarrassment or hoping it “goes away”—may not realise what happens if Peyronie’s disease is not treated. This delay can bring serious health consequences.
Peyronie’s disease tends to worsen without adequate care. Over time it may lower self-esteem, strain relationships and, above all, limit satisfying sexual activity.
As months pass, the condition can become more complex and eventually require surgery. Keep reading to understand what happens if Peyronie’s disease is not treated and why early action matters!
What is Peyronie’s disease and how does it affect the penis?
Peyronie’s disease causes penile curvature and is far more than a cosmetic issue.
The condition forms a fibrotic plaque inside the tunica albuginea—the layer surrounding the erectile bodies—reducing elasticity and bending the penis when erect.
Depending on plaque size and location, other deformities may appear. Curvature can reach 90°, and some men experience narrowing or penile shortening. In severe cases, fibrosis may trigger erectile dysfunction.
Beyond visible changes, Peyronie’s disease brings other symptoms, such as penile pain during erection, penetration difficulty and restricted movement during sex.
How long does Peyronie’s syndrome last?
Without treatment, penile curvature usually persists for life, with rare exceptions.
The condition evolves in two phases:
- Acute phase: inflammation is active, pain on erection is common, and the curve may progress.
- Chronic phase: the curve stabilises and, in some cases, calcifies.
Multiple plaques may coexist at different stages.
Is Peyronie’s disease serious?
Yes—Peyronie’s disease can greatly affect sexual quality of life and cause psychological and relationship issues. Lack of proper care increases the risk of complications such as erectile dysfunction.
What can worsen Peyronie’s disease?
Factors that aggravate the condition include:
- Penile trauma
- Sexual positions that overstress the penis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Low testosterone
- Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
- Certain medications
Long-term complications if Peyronie’s disease is left untreated
Over time the plaque scars, elasticity is lost and clinical treatment is no longer viable.
At this stage, erectile dysfunction risk rises and curvature may become so sharp that penetration is impossible.
Once calcified, the plaque cannot be treated with the Egydio Technique; surgical incisions must be planned elsewhere.
Risk of permanent penile deformity
Untreated curvature can become permanent. In the chronic phase, spontaneous reversal is unlikely, so surgery may be considered.
In calcified cases, affected tissue cannot be expanded, making imaging crucial to plan adjacent surgical sites.
Impact on erections
Erectile dysfunction may arise from severe curvature or from anxiety about sexual failure—i.e., from organic or psychological causes (learn more). Even men with no prior erection issues can be affected.
How Peyronie’s disease affects sex life and relationships
Male self-esteem often links to sexual performance. Changes in penile shape, rigidity or mobility can reduce perceived sexual quality.
Men may avoid sex, leading to emotional distance, conflict and frustration; some hesitate to start new relationships.
Increased pain during erection and sex
In the acute phase, erection pain may cause discomfort, insecurity and fear of failure.
Psychological consequences of no treatment
Untreated Peyronie’s disease can lead to anxiety, depression, body image concerns and sexual frustration.
Disease progression without intervention: what to expect
Without care, the curve passes from painful acute to stable chronic.
Mild curves may allow adequate function, but some cases progress quickly, impairing sex. Neglect heightens long-term risks, including calcification and erectile dysfunction.
Why early treatment is essential to avoid serious complications
Starting treatment in the early stage can help stabilise curvature and reduce surgical need. Medications and minimally invasive techniques work best while angles are acceptable.
With personalised guidance, physicians help patients manage limitations and maintain sexual function when possible.
If curvature has scarred or is severe, reconstructive surgery—respecting individual anatomy—may be required, often with a penile prosthesis to restore rigidity.
When should you seek medical help?
See a urologist if you notice penile shape changes, erection pain or difficulty with intercourse.
Early diagnosis enables tailored follow-up and prevents irreversible damage. Even longstanding cases can benefit from evaluation and updated treatments.
Understand what happens if Peyronie’s disease is not treated, make informed choices and consult a qualified urologist for individual guidance on sexual health.
