PEYRONIE’S DISEASE: SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT
Acquired penile curvature may be accompanied by pain, plaques, narrowing, shortening, and difficulty during sexual intercourse.
Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease is determined according to the stage of the condition, the characteristics of the deformity, erectile function, and its impact on sexual life. Options may include clinical follow-up, non-surgical treatments, mechanical therapies, and surgery when indicated.
Peyronie’s Disease is an acquired condition associated with the formation of scar tissue
in the tunica albuginea, the layer of tissue surrounding the erectile chambers of the penis. During an erection,
this area may restrict tissue expansion and cause curvature or other deformities.
A Peyronie’s plaque is a benign area of scar tissue.
It is not cancer, it is not a sexually transmitted infection, and it is not contagious.
01
Not Every Curvature Is Peyronie’s Disease
Congenital curvature and acquired changes have different causes and require different forms of evaluation.
02
Symptoms Can Vary
Some men notice pain or a plaque, while others seek evaluation because of a change in penile shape or erection quality.
03
Treatment Is Not the Same for Everyone
The stage of the condition, the deformity, erectile function, and sexual impact help guide treatment.
Have You Noticed a Change in the Shape of Your Penis?
Tell us what you have noticed to receive initial guidance on the next steps.
The condition is not limited to the angle of curvature. Narrowing, instability, pain, and changes
in erection firmness can also affect sexual intercourse and overall well-being.
01
Acquired Penile Curvature
A change in the direction of the penis upward, downward, or to either side, mainly noticed during an erection.
02
Plaque, Lump, or Hardened Area
The scar tissue may be felt by touch, although not every plaque is easily palpable.
03
Pain During an Erection
Pain is more common while the condition is changing, but it may decrease even when the deformity persists.
04
Narrowing or Hourglass Deformity
An indentation or localized narrowing may cause instability, even without pronounced curvature.
05
Loss of Length
Shortening may be noticed or measured and should be evaluated along with other anatomical changes.
06
Difficulty with Erection or Penetration
Erection firmness may be affected, and the deformity may make intercourse difficult in some cases.
Have You Noticed Any of These Signs?
Speak with our team to learn how the urological evaluation works.
The exact cause is not always identified. The most widely accepted explanation involves an abnormal
healing response after trauma or repeated minor injuries, although many patients do not recall
a specific injury.
What Is Evaluated
Healing Response and Repeated Minor Injuries
Small injuries to the tunica albuginea may contribute to the process in people with a predisposition.
This does not mean that every sexual encounter, exercise, or injury causes the condition, nor does it allow
a single event to be identified as the cause.
Associated Factors
Medical History and Predisposition
Age, family history, diabetes, smoking, erectile dysfunction, and connective tissue conditions
such as Dupuytren’s contracture may be associated with Peyronie’s Disease. None of these factors
alone confirms the cause or diagnosis.
The Condition Is Not Caused by Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
Evaluation should be conducted without guilt or embarrassment. The goal is to understand progression,
relevant clinical factors, and the impact of these changes on sexual function.
Not Sure When Your Symptoms Began?
Describe the changes you have noticed in the preliminary assessment. You do not need to know the cause before seeking guidance.
The distinction between these phases is clinical. There is no fixed number of months that applies to everyone,
which is why tracking pain and changes in shape is more important than focusing on a specific date.
Acute Phase
The Condition Is Still Changing
There may be current or recent pain, plaque formation or remodeling, and changes in curvature,
length, girth, or other deformities. The focus is typically on monitoring progression,
managing symptoms, and assessing appropriate non-surgical options.
How Is Peyronie’s Disease Treated During the Acute Phase?Chronic Phase
The Deformity Has Stopped Progressing
The curvature and other changes no longer show noticeable progression during follow-up,
and pain has usually decreased or resolved. The chronic phase helps determine when reconstructive
procedures may be discussed if there is significant functional impairment.
How Is Peyronie’s Disease Treated During the Chronic Phase?
The Absence of Pain Does Not Mean the Condition Has Resolved
Pain, curvature, narrowing, and erectile function may change in different ways. The evaluation
should consider all symptoms and their impact on sexual life.
Not Sure Which Stage Your Condition May Be In?
Share how your symptoms have progressed to help guide the initial contact. This does not replace a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical and should not be confirmed solely through a form,
an isolated photograph, or information found online.
01
Medical and Sexual History
Onset of symptoms, pain, changes in shape, erection firmness, previous treatments, and impact on sexual intercourse.
02
Physical Examination
Inspection, palpation of the plaque, and assessment of penile dimensions and anatomical characteristics.
03
Documentation of the Deformity
Curvature should be assessed during an erection, using guided documentation or an in-office test.
04
Tests When Indicated
Doppler ultrasound may help assess erectile function, the plaque, and treatment planning.
Video About an Additional Test
When Can Penile Doppler Ultrasound Help?
Doppler ultrasound may be requested in selected situations to assess erectile function and assist with treatment planning. It is not required to confirm every case of Peyronie’s Disease.
Penile Doppler Ultrasound: When Can It Help?
When Should You See a Urologist?
A new curvature, plaque or lump, persistent pain, a change in shape, difficulty achieving an erection
or difficulty with penetration should be evaluated. After sudden trauma accompanied by a popping sound, significant bruising, and immediate
loss of erection, seek prompt medical care, as this may indicate a different acute injury.
Would You Like to Discuss an Evaluation?
Our team can explain how care works and guide you through the next steps toward an appointment.
In this video, Dr. Paulo Egydio explains the signs of the condition, how the evaluation is performed,
and why treatment options depend on the stage of the condition, anatomy, and erectile function.
Would You Like Help Interpreting the Signs?
The preliminary assessment organizes your medical history and helps guide the next contact; it does not confirm a diagnosis.
What Are the Treatment Options for Peyronie’s Disease?
There is no single treatment option that is appropriate for everyone. Treatment may aim to manage pain,
monitor progression, improve erectile function, reduce deformity, or make sexual intercourse easier.
01 · CLINICAL APPROACHES
Clinical Treatments
These may include observation, pain management, treatment for erectile dysfunction, and intralesional therapies for selected patients.
Colchicine and Vitamin E: What Is Their Role in Clinical Treatment?Explore the Options →02 · REHABILITATION
Traction and Mechanical Therapies
These may be considered for specific goals, such as addressing deformity, preserving length, and supporting function.
Penile Traction Devices and Exercises for Peyronie’s DiseaseLearn How They Work →03 · PROCEDURES
Surgical Treatments
These are primarily discussed during the chronic phase, when the deformity causes significant functional impairment.
The Treatment Goal Must Be Defined Before Treatment Begins.
An approach indicated for pain does not necessarily correct curvature. Likewise,
treatment focused on the deformity may not resolve associated erectile dysfunction.
Would You Like to Understand the Options for Your Case?
The preliminary assessment is a starting point for organizing your symptoms and previous treatments.
Clinical treatment depends on the symptom being addressed. There is no pill or
supplement proven to dissolve the plaque and correct all deformities on its own.
Erectile Function
Medication for Associated Erectile Dysfunction
Medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors may be considered when erectile dysfunction is present.
Their primary role is to improve erectile response, not to directly correct
curvature caused by scar tissue.
The choice depends on cardiovascular health, other medications being used, and individual
response, and should always be made with a medical prescription.
What If Erectile Dysfunction Medications Do Not Work?
Intralesional Therapy
Xiaflex® and Collagenase for Peyronie’s Disease
Xiaflex® is the brand name for collagenase Clostridium histolyticum, a medication
injected directly into the plaque to reduce curvature in selected patients.
In the United States, it is approved for adult men with a palpable plaque and curvature of at least 30 degrees.
The protocol involves injections and guided modeling. Bruising, swelling, and pain may occur;
in rare cases, a serious injury such as corporal rupture may occur.
Approval in the United States does not mean the medication is automatically available in Brazil. Regulatory status,
access, and suitability must be confirmed during the evaluation.
Xiaflex®: Indications and Limitations
Nutritional Support
Andractiv Peyronie®
Andractiv Peyronie® is presented by its manufacturer as a vitamin-based dietary supplement.
As a supplement, it should not be confused with an intralesional medication or
promoted as capable of dissolving the plaque, stabilizing the condition, or correcting curvature.
Any potential use should be discussed in a clinical context and does not replace a urological evaluation,
monitoring of the deformity, or treatments indicated for specific goals.
Andractiv Peyronie®: What Should Be Considered?
Common Question · Topical Treatment
Do Topical Creams Work for Peyronie’s Disease?
Ointments and creams should not be presented as proven ways to dissolve scar tissue plaques or correct penile curvature. Before using any product, speak with a urologist about the evidence, safety, and treatment goals.
Do Topical Creams Work for Peyronie’s Disease?
Avoid Self-Medication and Unsupervised Manipulation
Vitamins, antioxidants, oral medications, injections, or maneuvers used without medical supervision
may delay proper evaluation or cause injury. Any recommendation should consider the stage of the condition, anatomy,
symptoms, available evidence, and overall health.
Do You Have Questions About Medications or Supplements?
Speak with our team about the appointment process; do not start or stop treatment without a medical evaluation.
Penile Traction, Vacuum Devices, and Rehabilitation
These approaches may be part of a conservative or multimodal treatment plan. The type of device,
duration of use, and treatment goal should be determined and supervised by a qualified professional.
01
Penile Traction Therapy
It applies controlled mechanical tension and may be considered to reduce part of the deformity
and help preserve or regain length in selected patients. Benefits vary and depend on the protocol,
adaptation, and adherence to use.
Penile Traction: How Does It Work?02
Vacuum Erection Device
It may help achieve an erection and be part of rehabilitation strategies in specific situations.
Evidence that it permanently corrects curvature or dissolves the plaque when used alone
remains limited.
Penile Pump and Vacuum Device03
Physical Therapy and Sexual Rehabilitation
These may contribute through education, functional adaptation, discomfort management, guidance on
devices, and support for resuming sexual activity. Massage, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, or
exercises should not be presented as proven methods for removing the plaque.
Sexual Rehabilitation: Options and Limitations
Considering Penile Traction or a Vacuum Device?
Use depends on a proper indication and guidance. Share your medical history to receive initial direction.
When May Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease Be Considered?
In general, surgery is discussed when the condition is in the chronic phase, with no noticeable progression, and the deformity
makes sexual intercourse difficult or causes significant functional impairment. The choice depends on penile length,
the complexity of the deformity, and erection quality.
Shortening of the Longer Side
Plication and Related Techniques
These may be considered when erections are adequate, sufficient length is present, and the deformity
is not highly complex. Potential shortening should be discussed before making a decision.
This may be discussed for complex deformities, significant curvature, or structural loss,
when erectile function is preserved. It aims to reduce asymmetry but does not guarantee restoration
of previous dimensions and may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
It may be considered when erectile dysfunction does not respond adequately to other options.
The implant addresses erection firmness; residual deformity may require additional reconstructive maneuvers.
The Goal Is to Improve Function, Not Promise a Perfect Result.
Residual curvature, changes in length, altered sensation, erectile dysfunction,
recurrence, and the possible need for another procedure are outcomes that should be discussed.
Would You Like to Understand When Surgery Is Considered?
Speak with our team about personalized evaluation and planning, with no obligation to proceed with treatment.
Where Does the Egydio Technique Fit into Treatment?
Developed by Dr. Paulo Egydio, the technique applies geometric principles to the planning
of incisions in the tunica albuginea during reconstructive procedures. It may be considered in the surgical treatment
of Peyronie’s Disease and in situations involving penile implant surgery.
It Does Not Replace Non-Surgical Options
The stage of the condition and functional impact come first. The technique is not automatically indicated for anyone who notices curvature, pain, or a plaque; surgery is usually discussed when the condition is stable and sexual intercourse is impaired.
The Decision Depends on Anatomy and Erectile Function
Length, girth, type of deformity, erection firmness, and previous treatments help determine whether reconstructive treatment is indicated and which approach may be considered. The goal is to improve function, without guaranteeing restoration of previous dimensions or the absence of risks.
Erectile dysfunction may occur before, during, or after changes in penile shape. It may be
related to vascular, metabolic, neurological, medication-related, or emotional factors, as well as to the
deformity itself. For this reason, erection firmness and curvature need to be evaluated separately.
The answers below are for educational purposes. Treatment recommendations depend on the evaluation of each case.
Is There a Cure for Peyronie’s Disease?
There is no single answer. Pain may decrease and the condition may stabilize, but
curvature or other deformities may remain. Treatment focuses on specific goals,
such as managing symptoms, improving erectile function, or reducing deformity when indicated.
Is There a Cure for Peyronie’s Disease?Does Every Man with Peyronie’s Disease Need Surgery?
No. Some cases may only require monitoring, while others may receive clinical treatment,
intralesional therapy, traction therapy, or rehabilitation. Surgery is mainly reserved
for the chronic phase when there is significant functional impairment.
When May Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease Be Necessary?Is There Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease Without Surgery?
Yes, depending on the stage, symptoms, and treatment goal. Options include observation,
pain management, treatment for erectile dysfunction, intralesional therapies, traction therapy, and rehabilitation
devices. None of these options is appropriate for every patient.
Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease Without SurgeryCan Xiaflex Be Used for Every Type of Curvature?
No. Collagenase is indicated only for selected patient profiles and is subject to specific clinical and
regulatory criteria. Plaque location, type of deformity, erectile function,
risks, and availability in the country must be evaluated before treatment is considered.
Collagenase and Xiaflex® for Peyronie’s DiseaseDoes Andractiv Peyronie Correct Penile Curvature?
Andractiv Peyronie is a dietary supplement, not an injectable medication or reconstructive
procedure. It should not be presented as capable of dissolving the plaque or correcting
curvature on its own. Any potential use must be considered by the responsible healthcare professional.
Does Andractiv Peyronie Work?Does Penile Traction Therapy Work?
It may help some patients, particularly with goals related to deformity and
length, but results vary. Outcomes depend on the device, protocol, duration
of use, and adherence, with no guarantee of complete correction.
Exercises and Penile Traction Devices for Peyronie’s DiseaseIs Every Penile Curvature Peyronie’s Disease?
No. Curvature that has been present since development may be congenital, whereas Peyronie’s Disease
usually represents an acquired change. Medical history and a urological examination help
distinguish these conditions.
Congenital Curvature or Peyronie’s Disease?Is It Possible to Have Sexual Intercourse During Treatment?
It depends on pain, erection firmness, the degree of deformity, and the couple’s comfort. Painful intercourse
or situations in which the penis bends unsafely should not be forced. Guidance can
be individualized during the appointment.
Is It Possible to Have Sex with Peyronie’s Disease?
Didn’t Find Your Question Here?
Ask our team discreetly; the answers on this page do not replace an individualized evaluation.
Find Out Which Evaluation May Be Appropriate for Your Case
The preliminary assessment organizes initial information about symptoms, medical history, and the progression of your condition.
It does not replace an appointment, physical examination, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation.
Medical Review: Dr. Paulo Henrique Egydio — CRM-SP 67.482 · RQE 19514.
Institution: Egydio Institute.
Last Updated: September 2026.
This content is intended for educational purposes and does not replace a medical appointment, diagnosis, or prescription.
Information about medications and regulatory availability should be confirmed at the time of evaluation.
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