Peyronie (pay-roe-NEE) disease is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue forms in the deeper tissues

under the skin of the penis. This causes curved, painful erections. It also can make the penis shorter
while erect. Peyronie disease is not caused by cancer.

Penises vary in shape and size. So having a curved erection isn't always a cause for concern. But Peyronie
disease causes a serious bend or pain in some people.

This can prevent you from having sex. Or it might make it hard to get or keep an erection, which also is
called erectile dysfunction. For many people, Peyronie disease also causes stress and anxiety.

Peyronie disease rarely goes away on its own. In most people with the condition, it will remain as is or
may get slightly worse early on. Early treatment soon after you get the condition may keep it from
getting worse or even improve symptoms. Even if you've had Peyronie disease for some time, treatment
may help ease symptoms such as pain, curving and shortening.

Products & Services

 A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book

Show more products from Mayo Clinic

Symptoms

Peyronie disease symptoms might start suddenly or appear over time. The most common symptoms
include:

 Scar tissue. The scar tissue linked with Peyronie disease also is called plaque. It's different from
plaque that can build up in blood vessels or on your teeth. It can be felt under the skin of the
penis as flat lumps or a band of hard tissue. The area over the scar tissue may feel tender.

 A bend to the penis. The penis might curve upward or downward or bend to one side.

 Erection problems. Peyronie disease might cause problems getting or keeping an erection. This
also is called erectile dysfunction. Often though, people with Peyronie disease say they notice
erectile dysfunction before the start of their other penile symptoms.

 Shortening of the penis. The penis might become shorter during erections due to Peyronie
disease.

 Pain in the penis. This symptom might happen with or without an erection.

 Other changes in how the penis looks. In some people with Peyronie disease, the erect penis
might look narrow or indented. It might even take on an hourglass-like shape, with a tight,
narrow band around the shaft.

The curving and penile shortening linked with Peyronie disease might become worse over time. Physical
changes in the penis often get worse or stay the same during the first year to year and a half.

Pain during erections usually gets better within 1 to 2 years. The scar tissue, penile shortening and
curving often remain. It's not common, but the curving and pain of Peyronie disease can get better
without treatment.
When to see a doctor

See a health care professional if you notice symptoms of Peyronie disease. Early treatment gives you the
best chance to improve the condition or keep it from getting worse. If you've had the condition for some
time, get a health care checkup if the pain, curving, length, or other changes bother you or your partner.

Peyronie disease care at Mayo Clinic

Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns. Visit Mayo Clinic Men's
Health to get started.

Get the process started