The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine
Noticing changes in your sexual function can be overwhelming. Clear and direct information is your best tool to maintain health. Peyronie’s disease is a common and non-cancerous condition that doctors can treat. Scar tissue develops inside the penis, which commonly leads to painful erections. Learn the early symptoms and the steps you need to take to manage it properly.
What Is Peyronie’s Disease?
According to the American Urological Association, Peyronie's disease is an unnatural curving of the penis. It causes pain, a 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 forms due to scarring, also known as a plaque, that develops under the skin of the penis. The plaque doesn’t spread to other people, and the disease is more common than reported. Many men may not realize they have it, especially those suffering from erectile dysfunction, where they cannot see a curvature.
The beginning stage is when the plaque forms. Inflammation, pain, and changes typically happen during this time. A more advanced form of the disease occurs when the plaque stops growing, and the swelling goes away. Pain lessens, but the changes to the penis remain. You might develop erectile dysfunction during this stage as well.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie's disease causes sexual dysfunction, but it is not the only reason you may experience it. Some of the other most common causes of sexual dysfunction include:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Alcohol use
- Medications
With Peyronie's disease, a stiff plaque can make it difficult for you to get or maintain an erection. The scar tissue can also cause a loss of length when the penis is erect or can introduce a dent in the middle, causing an hourglass shape.
You might first notice Peyronie's disease due to a noticeable curve in the erect penis that didn’t exist before. The location of the plaque determines the direction of the curve, so the penis might be curved upward, downward or sideways. When non-erect, the scar tissue can be felt under the skin. This can feel like a firm and flat lump along the penis.
Some may notice pain during the beginning phase of Peyronie's disease, typically during erection. However, you might also experience a dull ache when the penis is not erect. Peyronie's disease can also cause mental health issues 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 still not fully understood. The medical community currently thinks that Peyronie's disease is the result of abnormal healing due to a minor trauma or tiny 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 skin or joints
- Related health conditions
When to See a Doctor
It is important to immediately consult a doctor when you notice a new curvature, experience 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 of the penis curving and other changes. Without proper treatment, pain during erection can typically last for one to two years, but penis shortening, curving, and scarring remain.
Taking the Next Step Toward Better Sexual Health
Peyronie's disease is a common and manageable medical condition. It is non-cancerous and non-contagious, but is typically accompanied by pain and changes to the penis. Recognizing early signs can help you treat the condition as soon as possible. A diagnosis can help solve 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, S. L., Mortensen, K. S., Andersen, I. T., 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? Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/peyronies-disease
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